Melissa Vogeler is the surviving spouse and Colin Vogeler is the youngest son of SFC Lance Herman Vogeler, who was KIA in 2010 while assigned to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Pictured: Colin Vogeler with inset of his father SFC Lance Herman Vogeler.
When Colin was three years old, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, and ADHD. He needed speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavior therapy to help him. Unfortunately, not all of these services are covered by insurance. I remember SOWF calling one day to check in on us and see how Colin was doing. I told them about all the services Colin had been getting and how these therapies helped him so much. Stopping those services would stop the progress he was making. Without hesitation, they asked what we need and how can they help. Because of SOWF’s help, Colin has grown into a happy and confident kid. His communication skills have improved so much with speech therapy. He’s gone from hiding in the back of the room and shying away from other kids to participating on his school activities like the basketball team. He just has to wear ear plugs to drown out the loud noises. Because of SOWF, Colin is also able to attend a small private school for special needs children where they learn the required subjects, life skills, and how to be a part of a community. Thanks to the SOWF, Colin has been given all the tools he needs to continue progressing and accomplishing goals that are set. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him! None of this would be possible without the support from the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
