WISHES COME TRUE FOR DESERVING VETERANS THANKS TO HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS
A Warrior’s Wish program fulfills nine wishes in 2016
Wishful thinking can motivate, but when wishes come true, it can change lives.
Hope For the Warriors®, a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for veterans, service members and military families, does just that. Through its first established program, A Warrior’s Wish, Hope For The Warriors takes wishful thinking of post-9/11veterans, service members, their families and families of the fallen and turns it into dreams come true.
In 2016, nine wishes will be granted for a total of $91,100. Wishes fulfill a desire for a better quality of life or support a quest for gratifying endeavors for those who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty.
“It’s hard for some of us to fathom what it’s like to serve and while serving have “normal” erased forever,” said Robin Kelleher, president and CEO of Hope For The Warriors. “For both the service member and family, the restoration process is demanding and often inhibits them from enjoying prior lifestyles and activities. We understand this is a critical part of recovery and are honored to fulfill the dreams and goals of our service members and families.”
Among the nine wishes that will be granted nationwide, below is a glimpse of the resilience and determination of the military spirit.
Trip to Walt Disney
Following in the footsteps of his forefathers, this veteran experienced severe physical trauma following the malfunctioning of a rocket-propelled grenade. The injuries he sustained included the amputation of his left hand, right hand and arm trauma, facial disfigurement, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. To celebrate his family’s strength and determination, the father of two and Army veteran requested a family trip to Walt Disney.
Tempur-pedic Mattress and Frame
A resident of Hillsdale, New Jersey, this Marine is in need of a king-size Tempur-pedic mattress and frame. In April 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq, he sustained gunshots to his neck and sub-clavicle artery by sniper fire, leaving this Marine a paraplegic. He now relies on a wheelchair for mobility and is in need of improved sleeping arrangements.
Saw Mill and Tractor
In 2004 while based in Iraq, an Iraqi police truck crashed into the barracks. As the Purple Heart recipient approached the truck, it exploded leaving him with a broken leg, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress and narcolepsy. This Army veteran aspires to have a small wood working business to support his three children, wife and adopted nephews.
Horse Trailer
This Oklahoma native served in the Marines and Army which included six tours of duty. During his final tour in 2010, the veteran was tasked with identifying improvised explosive devices when one detonated. Over the next four years, he underwent five surgeries on his lower left leg before it was finally amputated. While recovering, he participated in the equestrian programs at Fort Hood finding a passion for horses. In May 2015, the recipient of two Purple Hearts retired. However, his next feat will be to become the first amputee to participate in the Extreme Mustang Makeover Competition in which he is paired with a wild mustang and must train the horse within 90 days. As a volunteer with equestrian programs, his current horse trailer limits him to only two horses and is in need of transporting three.
The five additional wishes including a request for a storage shed to maintain a tractor, a rifle for big-game hunting and three pull-behind campers for family excursions enrich the heroes and families as well as promote stability. A Warrior’s Wish will fulfill grants throughout 2016 to these deserving individuals.
Since the program’s inception, A Warrior’s Wish has granted 151 wishes. To apply for a wish, visit http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/story/19331538/a-warriors-wish and register online.
For more information on Hope For The Warriors and A Warrior’s Wish, visit http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/, Facebook or Twitter.
Erin McCloskey
ASPIRE Communications
(336) 207-5222
About Hope For The Warriors :
Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for post 9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served approximately 10,000 through a variety of support programs focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement and connections to community resources. The nonprofit’s first program, A Warrior’s Wish, has granted 151 wishes to fulfill a desire for a better quality of life or support a quest for gratifying endeavors. In addition, Run For The Warriors has captured the hearts of more than 22,000 since 2010. For more information, visit http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/, Facebook or Twitter.
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