Wounded Hero Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:30:00 +0000

The #20 Coalition to Salute America's Heroes Chevy Camaro, piloted by our talented driver Mark Mathias, was excited to begin the 2008 racing season at Thunderhill Raceway, Kyle, Texas, on April 12, 2008. The day started as a beautiful 70 degree day with clear skies, and became much cooler and windy, dropping to 50 degrees at race time.

The #20 began the 8-lap qualifying heat race starting in the #2 outside pole position on this vaunted 3/8 mile, D-shaped flat oval asphalt track. However, tire issues quickly placed Mark in the #6 position, battling an extremely tight race car the entire heat race. On Lap 6, while battling back for 5th place with the #51 car, we got into a racing altercation, causing damage to the right front of the race car. The #20 ultimately placed 6th in the 10-car field for the heat race.

In preparation for the feature race, we repaired the damage to the right front corner of the race car, made some wedge and air pressure adjustments, and prepared to battle the 20-car field in the main event.

The # 20 started the event in 4th position, and maintained his position for the first 25 laps of this 40-lap event, as the front 4 cars separated themselves from the rest of the field, with the 99 and 28 cars leading the way at a blistering pace. On lap 33, however, mechanical problems affected the 99, bringing him off the pace of the 3 following cars. On lap 34, Mark piloted the #20 into the 3rd position, despite the car becoming looser as the race grew to a close. Expertly guiding the car through lapped traffic, we finished the A-Line Super Stock 40-lap feature race in the 3rd position.

Westover Motorsports was proud to host Mike and Marie Greenstone, along with their daughter Gisella, to the evening’s event, as part of our ongoing partnership with the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes. The Coalition supports our veterans who have been wounded in the Iraqi (OIF) and Afghanistan (OEF) conflicts. The whole family was entertained and thoroughly enjoyed the racing experience, giving them a break from the everyday grind of recovery. Many thanks to the staff of Thunder Hill Raceway for assisting us in this endeavor!

LaChance Golf Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:33:00 +0000

I just got home from the John La Chance Memorial "heroes" Golf Tournament. This was a amazingly organized golf tournament in King George VA. The LaChance family did a remarkable job. The spirit and energy of those who attend was amazing. I was lucky enough to get on the son and son-in-law's team. Although we didn't win, we had a lot of good laughs (mostly about my golf game.) I had a great time.

It was a great tournament to honor John and his years of service to our great nation and his life as a father, husband and a friend. CSAH is proud to be selected as the friends of the LaChance family.

I would like to once again thank all who attend and most importantly I would like to thank Pat LaChance and her team for her hard work in making the day a huge success.

- B.J. Jackson, National Spokesman and Events Coordinator

Reid Home Update #4

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:56:00 +0000

The remodeled bathroom for wounded sailor Pete Reid is coming along nicely. Only a few more weeks and the project will finally be completed. Here are the most recent pictures from the bathroom that is being renovated to accommodate Pete and his wheelchair.

Vets in California, Welcome Home!

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:47:00 +0000

From Military.com:
The Department of Veterans Affairs, in cooperation with the State of California Employment Development Department and NASA is planning the first annual, "VA Welcome Home Event 2008". This is event is to welcome home local service members and veterans who have served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan and let them know about all the services and benefits available to them as they transition back to civilian life.

This special homecoming will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Chase Park, which is located on historic Moffett Field, CA.

For more information, call (888) 482-HERO (4376) or visit the VA website.

NBC Nightly News

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Naomi Kraima is one strong warrior and amazing mom. We had the privilege of meeting her and her three beautiful children at the Road to Recovery Conference in Orlando this past December.

This week marks the five year anniversary of the war in Iraq and NBC Nightly News is sharing the stories of those who have fought. In conjunction with a partnership with Camp C.O.P.E., we have been working with NBC to put together this story that aired on last night's newscast. We are so proud of the story but even more so of Naomi and her strong children.

Please take a few minutes to read the article and watch the piece for yourself.

Read the report, "Mommy's Different Now" , from Maria Menounos, NBC News contributing correspondent and watch the online report.

Learn more about Camp C.O.P.E.

Peace & Love,
Dan Vargas, Director of the Family Support Network

Wii and TVs

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:48:00 +0000

I love days like today because they remind me how much I love my job! The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes joined forces with other groups and were able to donate Wii's and flat screen TV's to the Micheal E. DeBakey Houston VA. These will be used to help wounded troops in rehab. Here are some pictures from today's event:

Peace & Love,
Dan Vargas, Director Family Support Network

Reid's Home - Update #3

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:14:00 +0000

Done Right Contracting sent in more pictures of their progress to the Reid's home. Looks like they are well on their way to finishing up in early April, as they promised. Here are some shots of the extension, safe room and drywall. The Reid's are very happy that these adaptations are finally being taken care of, thanks to the donations of our wonderful supporters.

Peace & Love,
Dan Vargas, Director Family Support Network

Battlemind

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:58:00 +0000

A new program called has been created to help troops prepare for PTSD before they are deployed. "Battlemind" training hopes to aid soldiers and families by preparing them before they leave for war about issues they may endure, as well as problems upon return home after deployment.

Mental health advisory teams have conducted extensive surveys, which are leading to changes in the way mental health services are delivered in combat. Learn more about "Battlemind" at Miltary.com.

Future Entrepreneurs, This Is For You

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:14:00 +0000

Last year we were thrilled to send troops from our team to the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans. Today we learned that the program, which started at the Whitman School of Business at Syracuse University, was so successful that it has expanded to three other universities: Texas A&M, UCLA and Florida State University.

You can read up on the program here.

Eligible vets can access http://whitman.syr.edu/ebv/apply.asp to apply.

Peace & Love,
- Dan Vargas, Director of the Family Support Network

The Reid Home Will Finish Up Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:40:00 +0000

Great news. Just heard from Done Right Contracting, the construction company working on the Reid home, that the project will be done the first week in April. We are so excited that Pete will soon be able to get around his own house a little easier, thanks to the wonderful folks at Done Right. Read the post "Reid Home Update #1" to catch up on the project. Here are the most pictures from the adaptations:

Peace & Love,
Dan Vargas, Director of the Family Support Network

The People of Bondurant Rock!

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:03:00 +0000

Now that I am completely rested from the craziness of this weekend, I wanted to share the good news with all of you. The good people of Bondurant, IA raised nearly $7,000 for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes on Friday night! We had a great support from the local media, too, as all four TV stations came out to cover the event. Watch stories from WOI (click on the link "banding together" and WHO.

Thank you to all of you who contributed and volunteered. I've found my calling helping folks around the country help my fellow brothers and sisters in arms, so I have issued a challenge to our spokespeople to organize similar events in their hometowns. We'll see who takes me up on that. More on that to come .... ;-)

Until next time,
Donny

- Donny Daughenbaugh, National Spokesman & Event Coordinator

Doggone Awesome

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:01:00 +0000

When we go to war, so do they. In every war in American history, dogs have been by our sides helping us to find the enemy and keep us safe.

Now they are also helping to heal our wounds.

A recent story in USA Today revealed that the two "specially selected and trained therapy dogs will be attached to combat stress units in Tikrit and Mosul, where 'they'll be a vital part of the medical team' that helps troops struggling with stress, sleep disorders and event-related stress." Read more.

Dogs are also being used to help our newly wounded troops through rehabilitation. Shane Parsons, a wounded soldier who recently received a new house courtesy of CSAH, has a very special bond with Gracie, a mixed breed therapy dog, who visits him often as he recovers at Brooke Army Medical Center.

And ... in this heartwarming case, man is dog's best friend. Nubs is an Iraqi dog who was severely injured and saved by one very special Marine. If you love dogs, you must read this story here !

Thanks Bondurant, IA!

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:14:00 +0000

This is just a great example of how one conversation can spark an entire community to take action. I had a conversation with my chiropractor one day about my involvement with the Coalition. She told me that she knew some people in the area who might want to raise some money. Now, here we are a few months later and one of the largest fundraising events for area veterans is just around the corner.

This Friday, in partnership with the Bondurant Chamber of Commerce, we are holding a dinner and auction to help local veterans.

Thanks to everyone who is helping to put this together ... it's gonna be a great event! More to come next week.

Publish Post
- Posted by Donny Daughenbaugh, National Spokesman/Events Coordinator

Reid Home Update #1

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:59:00 +0000

So I have decided to keep you all updated with progress on the Reids' home remodeling. This remodeling is one of the more recent projects in our Homes for Wounded Heroes program and it's really close to my heart.

Let me tell you why this case is especially interesting...

Pete was critically injured in a mortar attack that claimed the lives of five men in Iraq in 2004. (You can read the full story here.) Pete was injured so severely that he was given only a 1% chance of living. But he is here today. Talk about a miracle. Pete gets around in a wheel chair but it has been pretty difficult for him to get the wheel chair around his house. So he and his wife Michele hired a local contractor to make renovations to their Florida home. Those renovations included an expanded bathroom and doorways and even a device to help Pete, who can no longer swim, go for a dip in their backyard pool. The contractor started the job more than a year ago and took their money ... then he disappeared.

So that is when the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes stepped in. We found an incredible construction team - Done Right Contracting - in Florida to go in and finish the renovations. Thank you, thank you, thank you Done Right for doing right by our injured vets!

The project began on 1/14 and Done Right is keeping us posted by sending photos of their weekly progress. Now I'm sharing them with you:

Before shot of the Reids' home.

Cement trucks arrive at the Reid's Florida home on 1/14/08.

Pete visits with the Done Right team.

Laying cement.

From the week of 2/12.

More to come early next week!

-Posted by: Dan Vargas, Director of Family Support for CSAH

MA Vets: Funding to Increase for PTSD Counseling

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:10:00 +0000

The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes understands that not all scars from the war are visible to the eye. There is an estimated 300,000 troops from OEF/OIF that suffer from PTSD and TBI so these are becoming the signature injuries from these wars today.

That's why we are saluting the state of Massachusetts today. They have announced a promise to its veterans to increase financial aid for those suffering from PTSD and other emotional effects from combat. If you live in MA or want more information, we ask you to read this article from Military.com.

A state representative says that "Massachusetts has become a leader in providing support for veterans, who are seven times more likely to commit suicide than the general population, according to the Public Health Department."

If you or someone you love is suffering from the invisible scars of war, and need help, please call us. We can help you find someone in your area who can help you: 914-432-5400

The Post 9/11 GI Bill

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:37:00 +0000

During WWII, the well-known GI Bill was established as way for the government to say "thanks" to the members of the Armed Forces for their services. Since its inception, it has helped millions go to college, who might not otherwise have had the opportunity.

Although times have changed tremendously over the last 60 years, the Bill has changed very little.

Military.com has published this article that details new proposed revisions to the Bill. According to the article:

"Senator Webb of Virginia has teamed up with more than 30 other senators and veterans' advocacy groups to draft the "Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act." Their upgraded G.I. Bill would provide full tuition, room and board for veterans of the active duty military as long as they'd served after Sept. 11, 2001.

The bill would go further, however, by providing a $1,000 cash stipend, up to $1,200 annually for tutoring assistance, and it would pay for any testing fees for licensing after graduation."

To read more about Senator Webb of Virginia's proposed improvements, click here. To support the amendments to the GI Bill, contact your local representative.

(The picture above is a commemorative stamp from 1944 supporting the GI Bill.)

Oh boy ... We're the Jackson Seven!

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:24:00 +0000

It's a boy! Abby and I just welcomed Parker Lee Jackson, 7lbs 11oz, at 2:23 a.m. this morning. That now makes us the "Jackson 7"!

- B.J. Jackson, National Spokesman, Coalition to Salute America's Heroes

Congratulations, Gilyeat Family!

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:24:00 +0000

"Last night's episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" on ABC was especially powerful for us as the recipient, wounded Marine Dan Gilyeat, is one of our own. Dan recently came on board as CSAH's newest spokesperson. We were all moved to tears, of joy AND pride, as we watched Dan and his extraordinary children walk through the doors of their brand new home. Dan and his family are especially deserving. Congratulations, Gilyeat Family!

Read an article from the Kansas City Star about the new home: http://www.kansascity.com/116/story/484318.html

Shout Out in Country Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:57:00 +0000

An article in the February 11 issue of Country Weekly (http://www.countryweekly.com/) shouts out to the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes.

In an interview with Big Kenny Alphin, one half of the country duo, Big & Rich (http://bigandrich.com/), he talks about flying with the USAF Thunderbirds and his involvement with our organization. He says, "People are making a great commitments to us. We need to help them, and give all the help humanly possible." Big Kenny is certainly doing everything he can to help - read how he helped the Parsons family this past Christmas.

So when you're standing in the check out line at the grocery store this week, toss the magazine in your cart and read the article for yourself!

College-Bound? Want to go back to school? Listen up!

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:43:00 +0000

Operation Education Scholarship is a program from the University of Education Program that helps severely wounded OEF/OIF vets and their spouses pay for school tuition, books, fees, on campus housing, transportation, medical assistance, child care, adaptive equipment, tutoring and mentorship.

To apply for this scholarship, or for more information, visit http://www.uidaho.edu/OperationEducation or call 1-866-671-7041.

Vets to See Mileage Reimbursement Increase

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:00:00 +0000

Some good news from the VA for wounded troops today … they announced that "Over a million eligible veterans will see their mileage reimbursement more than double for travel to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities ... the 2008 appropriations act provided funding for VA to increase the beneficiary travel mileage reimbursement rate from 11 cents per mile to 28.5 cents per mile. The increase goes into effect on Feb. 1." Read the entire article here: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,161138,00.html

Rehabilitation does not end when we are sent home from the hospitals. Many of us are in rehab for years and live miles away from VA facilities. This new funding will really ease the financial strain for many of us living in rural areas.

Hopefully many more of our families will take advantage of this new funding. We will keep you posted on any more developments.

For injured troops still in hospitals like Walter Reed or Brooke Army Medical Center: We understand how hard it is for families to visit and stay with you while you are recovering. Our Family Support Network provides plane tickets and gas cards and pays for hotel rooms for your family members to see you. If you need more information on this program, please call us at 914-432-5400.

In Our Own Words

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 02:27:00 +0000

Today I want to share with you, our supporters, the kind words form wounded warriors who have been helped by your generosity. For those of us who work out in the field, visit military hospitals, answer phones at our headquarters or travel the country every day, we hear stories how the Coalition has helped change lives for the better. Today it is your turn to hear how the Coalition is assisting families along the road to recovery:

"I can't even put {what the Coalition means to me} into words. I didn't even know stuff like that existed. The programs they have are awesome for new injured troops, spouses and their children. And that stuff is very helpful. They are like family to us. Everybody we have met through the Coalition is family and it's nice to know that people do care. I will thank you a million times over. We have what we have because of the Coalition. We are on track now and everything is good to go. And it's because of you. So thank you." - Desiree Myers, wife of Patrick Myers who lost both legs in Iraq

"I hope that the Coalition is around for future troops because this is an organization that we definitely need. We need to support the Coalition. The Coalition is a great organization and they ARE for the troops. Thank you because you have brightened a lot of our futures. You have given the soldiers and their spouses a lot of hope. The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is our guardian angel." - Denise Jones, whose husband was paralyzed in Iraq

"We didn't put up a Christmas tree this year because we didn't want our children to think they would get presents. Now that we got this $500 gift card from the Coalition, we can give our kids a Christmas." - Mindy Ross, wife of wounded Airman

We feel privileged to be able to help so many troops and privileged that you are making that possible. Thank you.

- Jorge DeLeon, US Army (Ret.), Assistant Director of Family Support Network for CSAH

LeAnn Rimes Donates 10 Tickets and VIP Passes for Iowa Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:39:00 +0000

Hello all,

I just wanted to let you all know how incredible LeAnn Rimes is! She gave CSAH 10 tickets and 10 VIP passes to meet with her before and after her show this Friday, January 25 in Tama, Iowa. She even invited us to listen to her sound check as she gets ready for the show! Fellow wounded veteran B.J. Jackson and his wife Abby are going to go with me and my wife Sarah.

We're also bringing with us a recently wounded soldier's wife as well as a Marine that lost his foot in Iraq, and some other local troops.

LeAnn is such a special woman, she has dedicated so much of her time to helping out CSAH and supporting the troops. Last October, B.J. Jackson and I got to fly to New York City to present her with REDBOOK Magazines Strength and Spirit Award at the Hearst Tower for her dedication to our wounded troops. We were very honored, and I am very honored to be able to attend her show this Friday, and even more excited to take some of my fellow brothers and sisters in arms to meet LeAnn!

So at 8:00 pm this Friday, I hope you all will be thinking of us and how lucky we are to have the support of amazing people like LeAnn - the songstress of the troops.

-Posted by Donny Daughenbaugh

A Present Too Big to Wrap

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:02:00 +0000

I wanted to share some heartwarming news with you all. Below is the story of how CSAH help give the Ewell family a very merry Christmas...

CSAH first met the Gordy and Terra Ewell at the 2007 Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute in Orlando, Florida at the beginning of December. Gordy's Operation Iraqi Freedom tour extended beyond 1 year; he survived several multiple blast exposures from March of 2006 to October of 2006 which resulted in vision loss, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and hearing loss. An initial blast blew out an impacted wisdom tooth from vocal plate, fractured all the teeth in front, and his left mandible was shattered. He also suffered a broken neck and currently suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

When we first met Gordy at the Conference, we also met his wife Terra and their six children, ranging from toddlers to teens. Since returning home from Iraq with new disabilities, Gordy and Terra have been struggling to maintain their home and family life. It is hard for Gordy to be the same dad that he was when he left. By sharing their inspiring story at the conference, they touched and moved us all.

When an opportunity came up to nominate a veteran and their family for the Montel Williams Christmas Special we were sure to recommend Gordy and Terra because we knew that they would be the perfect fit for a Christmas show dedicated to our troops. When Terra heard the news she said with a selfless courage, "But isn't there anyone who needs this more than we do?"

On the show, Gordy, Terra, and their six children received over $40,000 worth of gifts and cash including a new Hynudai Santa Fe SUV (complete with big red bow and the taxes paid), grocery gift card, and electronics. Their two oldest daughters, Shelby (17) and Jaime (15) are remarkable young women who, in light of their father's injuries, have taken on more responsibility than most teenagers could imagine. Because of their hard work, Montel rewarded them specifically with spa packages, affording them a break from their everyday responsibilities.

Gordy, like many others who serve our country, has made an insurmountable sacrifice to serve our nation. Montel said it best - "the greatest gift that anyone of us have in this country is our freedom." We are proud to give back to Gordy and his supportive family for all that they have given to us.

Best wishes,

Dan Vargas

Director of the Family Support Network for CSAH

Happy 2008!!

noreply@blogger.com (Coalition to Salute America's Heroes) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:07:00 +0000

It has been a while since our last post, and we wanted to log in to tell everyone to have a Happy New Year!

2007 was amazing for us, as an organization we have grown and passed many milestones. We have now helped over 5,000 severely wounded troops from the War on Terror!

Our Road to Recovery was a huge success last year, and we look forward to begin planning on the 2008 Conference and Tribute.

Check out our 2007 Year in Review video below!