My father tragically passed away during a training exercise in 1989. Nearly a decade later, in 1998, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation expanded its mission to include all Special Operations personnel lost in training. In their unwavering commitment to honor these heroes, they began searching for the families of those aboard my father’s helicopter.
By then, I was an adult. One night, on a whim, I searched my father’s name on Google—and to my surprise, I found the Warrior Foundation’s website. Listed under a “Missing Family” tab, my family’s name appeared. I immediately passed the information to my sister, who had just paid her tuition for the upcoming semester. Little did we know how profoundly this organization would impact our lives.
Several years later, unexpected circumstances forced me to leave my career and seek training in a new field. At the time, I was a single father to a two-year-old, juggling countless responsibilities while trying to build a new future. That’s when the Warrior Foundation stepped in once again. They covered my education expenses, giving me the ability to focus on my studies instead of worrying about finances. Their generosity made it possible for me to earn my associate degree in 2006 and re-enter the workforce.
Fast forward 19 years—I am now a successful transportation specialist, managing a department that generates over $3 million in revenue annually. But growth never stops, and I knew I needed to continue my education to prepare for the future. Without hesitation, I reached out to the Warrior Foundation. After just one phone call and two emails, I was re-enrolled at a university to complete my bachelor’s degree. Once again, they told me: Focus on your education—we’ll take care of the finances.
To anyone looking for an organization that truly lives by its mission, I cannot think of a better group of people to support. The commitment they have shown me, time and again, is nothing short of inspiring. I know my father is looking down with pride, seeing me succeed with the support of these incredible individuals.
From the bottom of my heart—thank you, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, for the gift of education, your unwavering support, and your dedication to honoring our heroes.
