5 minute read
Americans Give Back To Veterans
By Raquel Rivas
The sacrifices service men and women make to protect us are increasingly front-of-mind for Americans of all ages. Everyday citizens are seeking the opportunity to say thank you and contribute to the well-being of veterans.
Through Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), injured veterans never pay a penny for programs and services — because they paid their dues on the battlefield. WWP’s services in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care positively impact lives.
“Wounded Warrior Project will be here for us a year from now, five years from now, 20 years from now,” Jason Ehrhart’s mom and caregiver, Pam Estes, observed. “They are not going away. The effects of war don’t stop a year from now or five years from now. We will be living with the effects of war for the rest of our lives.”
Pam and her husband Mike care for their son Jason Ehrhart. Jason is an Army veteran whose vehicle was blown up by an anti-tank mine in Iraq. Jason required constant care when he returned home. The Estes family began their own recoveries with help from WWP’s Independence Program, which provided rehab, respite, and helped Jason turn the corner to a more normal life. Needed services are possible thanks to the generosity of everyday Americans, including children who advocate on behalf of our nation’s wounded warriors every year. Their letters and donations always humble and inspire those around them. Take for example these supporters:
No Presents, Please
Charlie Molito did not want presents for his birthday. Instead, the almost 7-year-old told his parents he wanted to ask for donations to give to a “wounded soldier.” His mom, Sarah, searched for a good way to channel a donation and make the experience memorable for Charlie.
“One of my friends had been across from a Wounded Warrior Project booth at the state fair,” Sarah said. “Our family had donated to Wounded Warrior Project in the past. I wondered if they would allow my son to meet a representative.” Charlie soon shook hands with Dan Hanson, Marine veteran and WWP outreach specialist in Minneapolis, who connected Charlie and family to Military Appreciation Day at a Minnesota Twins game.
“Charlie went crazy when he found out we were going to get to go to the Twins game,” Sarah said. “Baseball is his favorite sport. I cannot explain how excited he was.”
Alongside his family and friends, Charlie presented a check to WWP during that Twins game. He collected more than $2,600 from his birthday celebration and Facebook fundraiser. Everyone shared the excitement of his accomplishment.
“It was an amazing day,” Dan said. “Everyone was blown away by Charlie’s generosity.”
A Recipe for Veteran Support
Nothing says summertime like a lemonade stand. Twin siblings Grayson and Kennedy Koop doubled the fundraising fun while selling lemonade at the local Elks Lodge in Oregon. With help from their grandfather, and support from parents and friends, the 7-year-olds raised $1,200 to help veterans access mental and physical health services through WWP.
“We believe the twins taught themselves the power of selecting a goal and bringing community and family together on this journey to help wounded warriors,” grandmother Bonnie Houlihan said.
“The sheer joy of accomplishment on their faces when they filled in the dollar amounts on checks sent to Wounded Warrior Project was priceless to us as grandparents,” said grandfather Mike Houlihan. Mike, himself a veteran, rolled up his sleeves to help the
“They remind all of us that warriors come in all ages and sizes,” Mike said.
The parents received a gratitude package from WWP, which they read toGrayson and Kennedy in front of neighbors and community friends. Even the mayor of their town presented them with stars from a flag that wasflown over the U.S. Capitol.
“You don’t often see such young kids see outside of themselves,” father Josh Koop said. “Watching our twins actually do this and put the effort into helping creates such pride in who they are becoming.”
Teeing Off for Veterans in Recognition and Generosity
George Eubank is a conscientious civilian who saw a need. He had been giving to veterans through WWP over the years and wanted to increase his giving. He inquired about a golf event where he could “buy a foursome” to help veterans. Hearing there were golf events for WWP around the country, but not in Northeast Florida where WWP headquarters are located, he decided to create one. “For me, it’s life-changing,” George said about the impact WWP has on veterans and family support members. “It’s humbling to be a part of that, albeit a small part, and to give to the organization. One suicide is too many and we need to get that rate down as fast as we can.”
He and his fiancée Kate Miller formed a nonprofit with a board of directors and got to work on a golf tournament at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. “Our goal was to raise funds and awareness for Wounded Warrior Project and its mission while connecting warriors to supporters in the community,” George said. The first TPC Sawgrass Charity Golf Tournament Benefitting Wounded Warrior Project took place on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2021, and brought together injured warriors and those who are committed to helping them make successful transitions to civilian life.
George had support from many people, including another event organizer in Arizona. Chuck McGould, a 31-year veteran of the Army and National Guard, hosts a WWP golf fundraiser in Sedona, Arizona.
Chuck has raised thousands of dollars for programs that serve veterans and has built a network of veterans and corporate sponsors. He produces his own challenge coin for a special ceremony during the tournament and involves Sedona businesses in a charity weekend that includes an auction, Jeep tours, a chef-led cooking demo, and WWII and Korean veterans who drive from Phoenix to participate.
“As a 31-year Army retiree with West Point, 82nd Airborne Division, North Carolina/Arizona Army National Guard, and Afghanistan deployment roots, I keenly appreciate our nation’s military and their extraordinary sacrifices,” Chuck said.
“Things that you can’t purchase with money — your self-esteem, getting your life back — Wounded Warrior Project gives us,” veteran Lisa Crutch said. “They put your money toward programs that really help us regain our lives and get back to where we used to be. It took me many years to realize that I’m not going to be the Lisa I was before I left, but I believe I am a better Lisa today. Wounded Warrior Project has made me feel that I fit in again.”
Find out about other ways to give back to veterans during the holidays and any time of the year.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more at :
