It takes a special kind of "quiet professional" to meet the exacting standards of America's Special Operations Forces. As the war on terrorism continues to unfold, Special Operations Forces will be facing new challenges all too frequently. In fact, there has never been a greater need for Special Operations Forces than right now - and Special Operations Forces will continue to be the force of choice time and time again during this tumultuous period.

 

Special Operations personnel consist of some 50,000 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps personnel, including Army Special Forces and Rangers, Navy Small Boat Units and Navy SEALs, Air Force Combat Controllers, and Marine Corps special operations personnel.  The specialized teams are conducting more missions, in more places, and under a broader range of conditions than ever before. These missions entail high operational tempos, heavy and unpredictable deployment schedules, personal hardships and, by their very nature, inordinate casualties both in operations and training. Unfortunately these casualties occur at an early age, at the beginning of their careers, thus leaving behind families who have yet to accumulate the resources to provide for their surviving children's college education.

 

 

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation strives to relieve Special Operations personnel of the one concern -- their families -- that might distract them from peak performance when they need to be - and when America needs them to be - at their very best.

 

 

 

Today, more than 800 such deserving children exist from Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps special operations personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Their children should not be denied the education their fallen parent would surely have wanted for them. With more than 100 children eligible each year for college in the upcoming years, the Foundation's financial need, determined by a professional actuarial corporation, is $76 million.

 

Because of the high tempo and active involvement of special operations personnel, the number of wounded warriors has increased significantly since Sept.11th, 2001.  Although there are numerous charities and other organizations who assist military personel who are wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, SOWF has learned that one of the most important issues the families face is getting to the hospital without delay.  SOWF fulfills this need by providing $2,000 immediately so family members can travel to be bedside at the hospital during the crucial first days.

 

Donations can be made to help provide college educations or support our wounded warriors.