Dear subscriber,

President’s Update

Greetings Fans, Friends, & Heroes!

Wow, what a great couple of months at WISH for OUR HEROES! We have had a busy summer with changes, improvements, events, and of course, granting wishes! Since we are primarily a volunteer-run organization, granting wishes and raising funds has taken priority, so now we have LOTS of good things to share.

From fundraising events and grants, to new supporters around the country, it’s been a successful summer for W4OH. The measure of our success is calculated in many ways – we can evaluate the ratio of expenses to revenues (more clearly understood by the number of wishes we grant with the money we raise), to the types of wishes we grant, and more. As the founder of WISH for OUR HEROES, I still measure our success by the number of lives we positively impact, and that number continues to increase each day.

Our biggest news to date is that we have been accepted as part of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which begins THIS MONTH. Any government employee (military included) can choose to donate to our cause on their CFC donation form, and their payroll deduction (no matter how big or how small) will assist us in granting wishes for active-duty military and their families. So please spread the word to any military members or government employees you know. It will make a big difference in the lives of our service men and women!

Please read on to see some of the great things that are happening with WISH for OUR HEROES, and take a moment to review our newest wishes on our website. Should you choose to contribute, you will see your dollars immediately impact the wish you chose, by viewing the meter to the right of your wish.   Also, please be sure to ‘like’ our new Facebook page, as we will be closing the old one soon.  The new link can be found at the end of this newsletter.

As always, thank you for all that you do!

Jeff Wells
President & Founder, Wish for Our Heroes
Wish for Our Heroes
jwells@wish4ourheroes.org
 

News & Events

So many of our wishes are based on hardship circumstances, so we are always thrilled when we get a chance to grant a fun wish where military members can get away from their everyday lives and really enjoy themselves. This time, we got to grant 10 at the same time!

W4OH participated in one of our favorite events, the “Beyond the Lights” Celebrity Golf Tournament. Founded by hosts Kyle Chandler and Brad Leland of “Friday Night Lights”, the annual event raised over $200,000 May 13-14th, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa. Net proceeds benefitted Gridiron Heroes Spinal Cord Injury Foundation and The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis.

WISH for OUR HEROES sent 10 service members to attend the event, providing hotel accommodations and entry into the tournament, as well as various meals. Kyle Chandler personally donated a golf foursome and 4 hotel rooms for the event – thank you, Kyle!

Service members that were chosen for the once-in-a-lifetime event were:

• SPC Daniel Arledge
• SGT Alan Davenport
• SSgt Alex & TSgt & Virginia Farfan
• SGT Justin Gotaas
• SPC Corey Grimes
• SFC Juan Rendon
• MSgt Chris Sparks
• SSG Corbin Stacey
• 1SG Thomas Terry

Most of the participants arrived Thursday evening, which gave us a chance to meet our military guests and their spouses.  All enjoyed live music, a horseshoe tournament, and good company.

On Friday, golfers met for breakfast, and later dispersed to the driving range or met their favorite celebrities. Celebrities in attendance included actors Scott Porter, Taylor Kitsch, and Jesse Plemons from DirecTV/NBC’s critically acclaimed television series “Friday Night Lights”, Rex Linn from “CSI Miami”, Dallas Cowboys coach Dave Campo and player Terence Newman, and new University of Texas Defensive Coordinator, Manny Diaz, among others.

TSgt Alex Kuh (Air Force) and SFC Tony Rives (Army), who attended last year’s events, volunteered on behalf of W4OH, manning a booth on the 7th hole, and spreading the word on our organization.

After a full day of golf, attendees gathered for a silent auction followed by dinner and a live auction. Proceeds from the day’s event surpassed $200,000!

Congratulations to all of our wish recipients who participated in this memorable event. A special thanks to all the good people at “Beyond the Lights” for organizing yet another great outing. Honorable people and a wonderful cause - a mix that will bring us back year after year!

Photos from “Beyond the Lights” 2011:

Former wish recipients Alex Kuh (Air Force) and Tony Rives (Army) volunteered at this year’s event

Jeff Wells presented Coach Dave Campo with an award for his generous assistance supporting our troops

Rex Linn’s team gave a 5-man salute swing for the 5 branches of our military

Terence Newman’s team

Wish recipients with host Kyle Chandler

SSgt Alex & TSgt & Virginia Farfan with Kristen & Jeff Wells

Wish recipients with Kyle Chandler and WISH for OUR HEROES

MAY 30, 2011


Burnt Store Golf & Activity Club (Punta Gorda, FL) hosted their 2nd Annual Memorial Day Fundraiser for WISH for OUR HEROES. Last year, Burnt Store hosted a golf outing and silent auction that raised $9,300 for our organization. With this year’s additional support, the club raised over $17,000 for military members and their families!!!

It was partly a day of fun, partly a day of somber reflection and entirely a day of raising funds for our deserving military members. Roughly 120 golfers took to the course for the 8:15am shotgun start. So many golfers registered that they had to create fivesomes, while hole sponsorships sold out within 48 hours. Meanwhile, 68 items were up for auction and 30 prizes were available via raffle, nearly double from last year. These improvements allowed the club to meet its goal of $10,000 before the first ball even teed off.

Most of the golfers were dressed in red, white and blue with American flags adorning their golf carts. Among those on the course was guest speaker Bo Brister, Vice President of WISH for OUR HEROES, who lost his left eye in a rocket propelled grenade attack while serving in Iraq in 2004.

“Our goal is to aid families with presidents or money when they are in need,” Brister said. “We run the spectrum of wants and needs. Our objective is to have every service member get a wish.”

We are truly indebted to the many volunteers that made this happen. In particular, we would like to recognize Dianne Mattas, Cliff Ritterspush, and the staff of Burnt Store Golf & Activity Club. Above all, we would like to thank Joyce Brown for her efforts in making this event so successful!!

Government Contractor BAE Systems Donates $25,000 to WISH for OUR HEROES Efforts


In May of this year, W4OH received some very exciting news. BAE Systems had not only accepted the charity’s grant request to assist active-military families, but the government contractor surpassed the original request by issuing a check in the amount of $25,000 to assist military families across the country.

100% of BAE’s donation directly assisted 21 active-duty military families, benefitting nearly 70 family members in total. With 1.4 million people on active-duty, and 848,000 reservists, there are many more we can assist in the future.

WISH for OUR HEROES would like to thank all the generous members of BAE Systems for your support. Organizations like yours continue to assist us in our mission of “Helping Heroes Battle Hardships”.  With your help and others, we will continue to grant wishes, one Hero at a time.

JUNE

WISH for OUR HEROES Initiates “Habitat for Our Heroes” Program

With summer coming to a close, and cold months ahead for many, we have implemented the

“Habitat for Our Heroes” program. The program focuses on assisting military members with home repairs and renovations. We are proud to announce that both Home Depot and the ASMBA Star Foundation have supported this effort by issuing grants towards the initiative.

WISH for OUR HEROES RECEIVES GRANT
FROM THE HOME DEPOT FOUNDATION

 
Through its Community Impact Grants Program, The Home Depot® Foundation has awarded $5,000 to W4OH. The donation will be used to make necessary home repairs to active-duty military members across the nation.

W4OH has been awarded the ASMBA STAR Foundation grant in the amount of $7,000 for work towards our Habitat for Our Heroes program. The ASMBA STAR Foundation was established to help meet the rapidly growing needs - financial, physical, emotional, and psychological - of these military members and their families, and to provide support and assistance in all of those areas where their needs are not being met. The needs of the military are great and growing daily.

JULY
“Days of Thanks” Golf Tournament

On July 11, 2011, Ledgemont Country Club hosted a golf tournament in honor of WISH for OUR HEROES, thanks to the encouragement of Sharon Teich, a long-time supporter and volunteer of W4OH. The event was a HUGE success, large in part to Sharon’s efforts, as well as all the tremendous (and generous!) people of Ledgemont. The following is a letter Sharon wrote shortly after the fundraiser, which summarizes the day’s events:



Sharon Teich with “Day of Thanks” attendees
I had the honor of participating in an event that will remain with me for a very long time. As a proud committee member of Ledgemont Country Club (Seekonk, Massachusetts), and an even prouder military mother, I took part in a “Day of Thanks” golf tournament honoring the wounded warriors and heroes of our U.S. military.

Ledgemont Country Club and national military charity, WISH for OUR HEROES, hosted the “Day of Thanks” tournament to give back to the brave men and women who serve our country each day. The event was very special to me, as my son, Staff Sergeant Bernie Teich, was wounded while serving with the U.S.  Army.  While deployed to Iraq, Bernie was hit with an IED that ultimately took his leg, and his other leg still runs the risk of being amputated. Bernie lost many brothers, and even more were injured, but those who survived, stand by their efforts and continue to be proud patriots of our great nation.


Bernie Teich (above)

The “Day of Thanks” event paired military members with Ledgemont club members, and each team competed in an 18-hole scramble. Retired Lieutenant General Reginald A. Centracchio, of the U.S. Army, was the honorary member. With prizes throughout the tournament, and a silent auction loaded with celebrity items and more, Ledgemont raised over $25,000 for WISH for OUR HEROES to be used in granting wishes for our military members.


President Jeff Wells and Vice President Bo Brister

I think the most impressive thing I witnessed was seeing members of Ledgemont, and of the community, recognize the sacrifices these honorable people make each day – whether it be time away from their families, earning very little for what can be a thankless job, or even risking their limbs and lives (as was the case with my son, Bernie). It warmed my heart to see people give back in their own ways – through a donation, or by a simple handshake and “thank you” to the people that risk their lives for our freedom. Some of us will never know the toll the military life can take on people, and many of us admittedly are not brave enough to sign up for duty, but we all can serve and contribute in our own ways. So the next time you see a military member, please thank them for their service. Your voice means more to them than you probably know.

Finally, we are proud to announce that Ledgemont will hold the same event next year on August 6, 2012. We are currently accepting donations, auction items, and volunteers. Email SHARONTEICH@todays.com to give back in your own way.
          -Sharon Teich
           Warwick, RI
  

AUGUST
WISH for OUR HEROES Partners with Indianapolis Colts for 2nd Year

We are pleased to announce that Dallas Clark of the Indianapolis Colts has generously donated 20 tickets per game to our troops throughout the pre-season and regular 2011-2012 season. Requests for tickets can be submitted on our home page.

Thank you to Dallas Clark, Joyce Bell (Community Relations Assistant) and Stephanie Mathes (Director of Community Relations) for assisting us with this fantastic opportunity! 



Joyce Bell receives award on behalf of the Colts from Jeff Wells for her assistance in sending troops to Colts games during the 2010-2011 season.

WISHES GRANTED

14-yr old boy receives wish in honor of father killed in Afghanistan

On April 16, 2011, SFC Charles Adkins of the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY, was killed in action by a suicide bomber during a deployment to Afghanistan. SFC Adkins paid the ultimate sacrifice and left behind his wife, Sarah, and 5 children. Before SFC Adkins was killed, he ordered a 1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ from eBay and had it shipped to his home. His intention was to have a father/son project rebuilding the jeep with his oldest son, Garrhett, age 14.

SSG Jason (Jay) Axelson, had never met the Adkins family, but heard about the circumstances and discovered he lived in the same neighborhood as the Adkins family. In fact, he lived on a connecting street. As a father of four, the story greatly pulled at Axelson's heart strings, and since he considered himself mechanically-inclined, he immediately volunteered to take the lead restoring the jeep in honor of SFC Adkins.

When funds were needed to purchase parts for the jeep, word spread quickly around Ft Campbell. A soldier's wife sent the story to WISH for OUR HEROES, a national military charity that grants wishes for active-duty military members and their families. The organization immediately began raising funds, and the joined forces raised over $10,000 for the cause.

After months of work, with every spare minute Jay had spent in the garage rebuilding, we were prepared to reveal the result of Jay's hard work, a product of the community and so many people that rallied behind this cause in honor of SFC Adkins. The event was scheduled for September 10, 2011 during Riverfest in Clarksville, TN following the Collin Raye concert.  Ironically, we later came to find out that Chuck (SFC Adkins) had proposed to his wife, Sarah, during the Collin Raye song “Love Me”.

Supporters that had heard about this story traveled from Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee to see this event, and all wanted to see SFC Adkins’ memory honored as planned. An intimate meeting was arranged that included Collin Raye, Mayor Kim McMillan, Jay Axelson (who rebuilt the Jeep), The W4OH team and the Adkins family. Unfortunately, Garrhett came down with a high fever and was not able to join us, but his mother, siblings, cousins and grandparents (Chuck’s parents) were all present for the special event.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to Jay Axelson for his relentless work on this project. Your unwavering efforts put a smile on the entire community of Clarksville and beyond, and you provided a tribute to a very honorable man that will be greatly missed.

Finally, our best wishes to Sarah, Garrhett and the rest of Chuck’s family who have sacrificed more than any family ever should. We know you are planning to pass the jeep to each child, and hope it is a constant reminder of Chuck, as well as the many people who support you.

The Jeep!

Jeff Wells, Jay Axelson (who built the Jeep), and Shaun Raines of Savannah, GA.


Gear box made out of an ammo can

  

Country star, Collin Raye, thanked the Adkins family for their sacrifices.



Mayor Kim McMillan, Jeff Wells, the Adkins family, Collin Raye, Jay Axelson (and other volunteers who rebuilt the Jeep)

Returning Soldier Honored in Orlando

Saturday, May 14, 2011, will be a day SPC Stephen Nitz will not soon forget.  On Saturday, SPC Nitz was honored at a Rolling Thunder Veteran’s ride held at Seminole Harley Davidson. Stephen was presented with a new and improved version of his Harley Sportster, all chopped up, waxed and polished, and ready to ride.  Rick Nitz, SPC Nitz’s father, contacted WISH for OUR HEROES last summer to request a wish that would hopefully help Stephen overcome memories of two difficult deployments.  Stephen had deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in less than a 3-year span. During that time, Stephen lost several battle buddies, and was having a difficult time finding his “old self”.

Stephen’s father knew that some of Stephen’s happiest days were spent on his Sportster, so Rick and W4OH worked diligently to ensure the bike would be ready for Stephen’s return from   Afghanistan. Ron Schroeder, proprietor of Schroeder Cycle, was the Harley tech that did all the work on the bike, and he made a grand entrance on the bike at the Rolling Thunder event.

Ron Lau, from Rolling Thunder, Chapter 8, joined Ann Mayer of W4OH, and Rick Nitz, to present Stephen with his new bike.   The ceremonies started with the Pledge of Allegiance with the Boy Scouts providing Color Guard.  Ann Mayer from W4OH touched on Stephen’s life changing experiences and talked about the differences WISH for OUR HEROES makes in the lives of our troops.  Rick Nitz then talked, getting choked up at times, about what an incredible person SPC Stephen Nitz is.  SPC Nitz is a very giving person and donates time and money to charitable causes.  He concluded by announcing that Stephen has just been awarded the Bronze Star for act of bravery while serving in Afghanistan.  Wish cost: $2,000.

Once the presentation concluded, Stephen jumped on his bike and led the Veteran’s ride, carrying the American Flag, on the Veterans Ride around Lake Monroe.  Stephen was smiles all day.  It was a great day for SPC Nitz to realize how much he and his fellow troops are greatly appreciated.

Wishes to Grant

This past month, we have received a large influx of wishes from all over the country. As we are screening through all of them, please assist us with two very urgent wishes featured below:

SPC Brandon Vannoy is stationed at Ft. Campbell and currently deployed to Afghanistan.  He is married to Heather and they have 1 child.  SPC Vannoy was just notified by the Red Cross that his father is dying of leukemia in Pittsburgh.  SPC Vannoy is on his way home to Fort Campbell but needs help getting to Pittsburgh to say goodbye to his father.  He is due home in 2-5 days and the family will drive from Ft. Campbell to Pittsburg.  Please help us in providing gas cards for their 1200 mile trip, as well as hotel accommodations for 4 nights. Maximum wish cost: $950. Deadline: September 30, 2011



SGT Glenn Connot is stationed at Ft. Riley and currently deployed to Afghanistan.  He is currently home on R & R.  He is married and father of 2.  They have been having problems with the family vehicle, a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer with 104,000 miles.  Last year they replaced a wheel hub, the year before they replaced a fuel line and filter, and in 2007 they replaced the transmission. Although the car has higher mileage, they would prefer to repair the car versus trying to take on a car payment for a new vehicle. Repairs needed are ball joints, tie rod ends, and brakes totaling about $1300.00.  They also have some body damage to one of the doors which causes rain to get inside the vehicle. 

Note: If there are any mechanics in the Ft. Riley area that would like to volunteer to assist in this wish, please contact amayer@wish4ourheroes.org

Max wish cost: $3,000. Deadline: September 30, 2011



Make a donation today!  http://wish4ourheroes.org/wishes/grant-a-wish

Donor of the Month

We would like to acknowledge a very special person, who has become  a dear friend of WISH for OUR HEROES. Two years ago, Mrs. Jean Yarbrough happened to turn on the radio and heard Jeff Wells introducing WISH for OUR HEROES to the city of Indianapolis, Indiana. We had just granted our 12th wish to a soldier from Camp Atterbury who was raising two kids on his own when his car broke down. W4OH purchased a used vehicle for the soldier, and the soldier was describing how his life had changed since his wish. The soldier’s story touched warmed Mrs. Yarbrough’s heart, and she called the radio station to see how she could contact Jeff to contribute to other wishes.

As time went on, Mrs. Yarbrough and Jeff became pen pals. Jeff would send her updates on the foundation and current wishes, which she appreciated because she does not have the internet. W4OH news turned to personal updates on each other’s lives, and today they have become close friends.

Mrs. Yarbrough has been one of our most loyal and consistent donors. She donates in honor of the love of her life, her late husband, Orville P. “Bud” Yarbrough. Bud was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as a medic during WWII in the South Pacific.


Kristen Wells & Jean Yarbrough

Thank you Mrs. Yarbrough for your continued support and for warming OUR hearts. You are a very special lady!

IN OTHER NEWS…

We would like to congratulate President Jeff Wells and his bride, Kristen Wells, on their recent wedding! Jeff and Kristen were married on August 5, 2011 in St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands). Jeff and Kristen started WISH for OUR HEROES in 2009, and Jeff has led the organization to where it is today, spearheading fundraising efforts and operations, while Kristen has led the wish granting and marketing efforts. Jeff and Kristen both have “day” jobs, but continue to spend countless hours growing WISH for OUR HEROES.

IMPORTANT: We have closed our previous Facebook page. Become a fan of our new Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/WishForOurHeroes