In addition, UT has named its newest building on campus in honor of retired general Peter J. Schoomaker. The facility will be shared by the school’s ROTC and Athletics programs, and will be the home of the Spartan Battalion, the University of Tampa’s Army ROTC cadre.

During his distinguished career, Gen. Schoomaker – a founding member of the Army’s Delta Force – served as the 35th Army Chief of Staff and the fifth commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command. 

Gen. Schoomaker (fourth from right, cutting the ribbon at the building dedication ceremony), is a SOWF board member.

"I cannot tell you how pleased we are that our high school graduates will have the chance to attend the University of Tampa,” says retired Air Force Colonel John T. Carney, Jr., the foundation's president and CEO.

"This partnership with UT will make it possible for many deserving children to attend a nationally-recognized and military-friendly university, and gain the education that their fallen parent would have wanted for them,” Carney says.

*  *  *

In 2012, for the third time, the University of Tampa was included in the Forbes magazine fifth annual ranking of America's Best Colleges. Inclusion, the UT website notes, is based on "things that matter the most to students: quality of teaching, great career prospects, graduation rates and low levels of debt.”

UT has also been recognized by Military Advanced Education and G.I. Jobs magazines for
helping active-duty service personnel and veterans reach their academic and career goals.

*  *  *

"We're excited about this unique partnership, since the University of Tampa can support these students and help them develop academically and professionally,” says UT President Robert Vaughn.

He adds, "this partnership fits in nicely with UT’s long history with being supportive of the military, through UT’s ROTC program and Department of Military Science and Leadership."

On Friday, March 29, the members of the USAF Seven Summits Challenge team will travel to Asia, the final stop on their world tour.

On May 28, they will begin their journey to the top of the world's highest mountain, with the intention of completing the mission they undertook seven years ago - to ascend the highest peak on each of the Earth's continents.

*  *  *

In 2007, a group of Air Force special operators embarked on a global odyssey to raise awareness of the U.S. Air Force, and funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

While their fundraising has been going well, the team hopes for pledges from SOWF's corporate and individual supporters - past, present and future - for each 1,000 feet they climb.

If that isn't enough, Maj. Rob Marshall says he's going to drop and do pushups atop Mt. Everest. He would like to get pledges for the number of pushups he can crank out in 60 seconds.

*  *  *

Team members will post updates on their progress on their website and Facebook page. And, of course, we at the Special Operations Warrior Foundation will post updates here and on our Facebook page.

Its organizer, Air Force Maj. Zane Holsher, had no idea that his efforts to support his fellow special operators and their families would expand into a full weekend of events - and become one of the most successful annual fundraisers for the SOWF. 

(Right: a team at the finish line of this year's ultra, wearing their race medals and bead necklaces.)

The original 50 mile and 50k marathons, held the morning of Sunday, Feb. 19, 2011, drew 120 ultra enthusiasts of all ages who wanted to race along the pristine sands of the Florida Panhandle.

Afterward, several of them took to the Internet to share their positive experiences with other runners. In addition to praising the region's beauty and the community's warm welcome, the bloggers liked that the Destin 50 was a charity event supporting Special Operations troops and their loved ones.

By including that fact in their race reports, the runners helped spread the word about the SOWF, which received a $20,000 donation the first year.

* * *

Just weeks later, Zane began planning the 2012 Destin 50 Beach Ultra, adding new events and promotions. He also sought additional volunteers to help register entrants, staff aid stations along the beach, and sell commemorative t-shirts.

The local media promoted the event, more people participated, and more ultra athletes posted enthusiastic run reports online, helping boost the second-year donation to $34,000.

A Destin 50 entrant, Kristopher Whitten of Olive Branch, MS, was featured on the cover of the April 2012 issue of UltraRunning magazine. The picture was taken by Larry Holscher of Ogallala, NE, the Destin 50 official photographer - and Zane's father.

Check out more of this year's photos here.

* * *

Even after transferring from Florida to another stateside duty station, Zane decided to continue as the Destin 50 race director in 2013 - a tall order even for someone as dedicated and successful as himself.

He is quick to credit the continued assistance of not only his entire family, but a corps of devoted friends, colleagues and volunteers, and the ongoing support of businesses in Destin and Ft. Walton Beach and in the surrounding communities, for making it possible.

* * *

SOWF scholarship recipient Brian Buege addressed the entrants at pre-race briefings held at ResortQuest, one of the Destin 50's key corporate supporters.

"It's important for people to see that me being a success story would not have been possible without people like them," said Brian, who graduated from Troy University in Troy, AL, with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 2005.

"At the end of my speech, I spoke to all of them, and asked that they take a moment to reflect on just what exactly they were giving to, and remind themselves that by their generosity, they would soon change a child's life."

*  *  *

Hundreds of people flocked to Destin this year for a weekend jam-packed with activities. Last year, runners dealt with colder-than-normal temperatures, blustery winds and spotty rain. This year, the weather was perfect.

"We had over 160 Athlete Challenge participants, up from about 70 last year," Zane said. "And we had over 350 runners in our 5K, up from just over 300 last year.

"In 2012, we had 97 individual finishers, and this year, we raised that number to 121 finishers.," he added. "We added a few more team members, as well."

A new offering, a race to see how far participants could run in 24 hours, attracted even more coverage by local news outlets and attention from the running community.

Three entrants broke the previous Guinness record of 83 miles run in a 24-hour period, and a fourth set a world record.

(Left to right: World record setter Joe Fejes ran 134 miles, while record breakers Connie Gardner, Dustin Krajewski and Kelley Wells ran 116, 100 and 84 miles respectively.)

*  *  *

Zane said that after he finishes paying expenses from the Destin 50, he expects the SOWF to receive a donation of over $50,000.

Runners are already online talking about next year's event.

The SOWF would like to thank the 2013 Destin 50 sponsors:

ResortQuest--McCabe Associates--The Back Porch Seafood and Oyster House--Graffiti/Funky Blues Shack-- Pompano Joe's Seafood House--The Red Bar--Stinky's Fish Camp--723 Whiskey Bravo--FNBT.com Bank--Clif Bar and Co--Nationwide Tents 'N' Events--Run With It--BOTE Stand Up Paddleboards--Impact Images Photography--30A CrossFit--Zombie Runner--Bayside Airport Shuttle--Run Bum--Kill Cliff--2POOD-- Breakthrough Nutrition--Abita Beer--Salomon Running

In 2010, the couple (pictured at left) took over as race directors of the Arrowhead 135, a grueling competition held in late January in "America’s Icebox” – the city of International Falls in Northern Minnesota.

"Mary and I realized if we do this right, we can make a profit and still run a great race while keeping the entry fees the same,” says Dave, a retired FAA air traffic controller and supervisor at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility, or TRACON.

"We wanted to give back to those who make this country great,” he continues. "We looked up the SOWF and were impressed by this charity’s wonderful work and low administrative costs – right down our alley.”

* * *

For those not familiar with the Arrowhead 135, it was named for the shape of the northeastern region of the state of Minnesota; and it began in the winter of 2005 with 10 people.

This ultra marathon challenges even the most accomplished winter athletes, who endure temperatures that plummet to 40 degrees below zero.

Entrants choose their mode of transportation – skiing, cycling, or running – prior to the start of the race. It begins along the Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail at International Falls and ends 135 miles later, near Tower, MN.

As you can imagine, there are rules meant to keep the playing field level and ensure the safety of the men and women who enter the race. These include two mandatory pre-race meetings and a gear check; no outside help such as support crews once athletes hit the trail; no littering; stopping at all three checkpoints along the route; and yielding the right of way to snow machines and sled dogs.

* * *

Impressed with the servicemen who were entering the Arrowhead 135 to support the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, the Pramanns decided to donate most of the profits to the SOWF.

"Our connection with the military continues with Naval Academy grads, midshipmen, instructors, special operators and retired personnel from all branches; and Navy Cross recipients – all having raced the Arrowhead 135 over our nine-year history,” Dave says.

They also donate some funds from the race to Safe Families of Minnesota: "It's a local charity we are directly involved with, providing short-term respite to children and parents in need."

* * *

In 2012, The Arrowhead had 135 starters.

Talk about competitive: in the cycling category, Kevin Breitenbach took first place with a time of 15 hours, 51 minutes and 46 seconds – one second ahead of second place finisher – and fellow Alaskan – Tim Berntson.

The run champion was Minnesotan Jason Buffington, with a record-setting finish of 37 hours and 16 minutes. Parker Rios of Wisconsin clocked in at 40:46:00 to take second place; while in the skiing category, Casey Krueger of Minnesota’s time of 22 hours and five minutes broke the previous year’s record by over 14 hours.

* * *

This year, Parker Rios (below right, with fellow runner Bill Bradley of California), took first place with a winning time of 45 hours and 40 minutes.

Todd McFadden of Minnesota won the cycling competition at 14 hours and 20 minutes; and Mike Scotch of Wisconsin took top honors among the skiiers, with a finish time of 38 hours and 47 minutes.

Gen. Hejlik (near right) retired from the Marine Corps last year after 44 years of service.

He is pictured here with fellow SOWF Board Member and Retired Air Force Gen. Charles Holland, who received the Rylander Award for 2011.

It is named for R. Lynn Rylander, a Department of Defense civilian who was an early advocate and activist for the revitalization of Special Operations Forces and the organizational and legislative changes required to sustain them; and who was a founding member of the organization, which is now the SO/LIC Division of NDIA.

In choosing Gen. Hejlik as the 2012 recipient, it was noted that he had served in every major conflict, starting with Vietnam.

Gen. Hejlik culminated his service with the successful integration of the U.S. Marine Corps into U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), to include serving as the first Commanding General of Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC).

In addition to Gen. Hejlik and Gen. Holland, prior Rylander Award recipients currently serving on the Special Operations Warrior Foundation board of directors are Retired Army Gen. Peter Schoomaker (2010); Retired Army Gen. Doug Brown (2009); and Retired Army Brig. Gen. Richard Potter (1993).

The SOWF's President and CEO, Retired Air Force Col. John T. Carney, Jr., received the 2003 Rylander Award.

Sean Markam (left) from SKD Tactical, presents a check for $3,775 to SOWF Public Relations Director, Edie Rosenthal at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas January 18.

"We're proud to have an opportunity to contribute to such a great organization," said Adrian Hovey, SKD Tactical, whose core mission is to outfit professional operators with the best gear and service available.  (www.skdtac.com)

"The greatest measure of respect we can bestow upon a fallen or wounded warrior is to make sure their family is taken care of," said Edie Rosenthal, "and the funds received from SKD Tactical will relieve the burden of a family who have lost so much."

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation has supported America's Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations forces through its three programs:  (1)  College educations for the surviving children of fallen special operations warriors; (2) Providing $3,000 stipends to help offset the cost of immediate needs families of wounded SOF warriors face when hospitalized; (3)  Family support and counseling. 

"We sincerely appreciate the support of SKD Tactical and look forward to working with them in the future." 

Chris is the recipient of the 2013 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award from Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley Jan. 10, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

The Warrior Foundation was noted as one of the organizations Chris has supported.

Read more

Conceived and created by Air Force pilot Zane Holscher in 2011 to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, the Destin 50, named for the Florida Panhandle city that boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches, has raised $54,000 to date.

Though he's changed duty stations since last year, Zane is back as the Destin 50 race director and event manager.

The morning of Saturday, Feb. 16, runners will hit the sand for the Son of a Beach 5k, while others will undertake the Son of a Beach Athlete Challenge.

But the main event begins in the pre-dawn hours on Sunday, Feb. 17, when ultra marathon teams and individual runners will start their 50-mile and 50-kilometer runs along the shoreline. Several runners who have successfully completed this event have said afterward that it was the most difficult challenge they have ever faced - and the most satisfying to accomplish.

Many of the same businesses and sponsors are supporting the 2013 Destin 50. Zane hopes this year's weekend of festivities will raise $50,000 for the Warrior Foundation.

Get all the details at the Destin 50 Beach Ultra website.

Mt. Everest will be the last of the seven mountains the Seven Summits team has taken on in its seven-year quest to promote the Air Force and raise awareness of and funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, by scaling the highest peak on each of the Earth's seven continents.

The blog poster, Brandon Lingle, served with Capt. Derek Argel, one of the fallen Air Force special operators the team is honoring.

Derek's mom, Deb Argel-Bastian, lives in California and has been a SOWF supporter since Derek lost his life in 2005. Her grandson Logan, now 8 years old, is a future scholarship recipient.

"I wish to thank the team who is taking this challenge in honor of our fallen," Deb says.

"Words can't express the gratitude I have for the help and support this will mean to the children through the Special Ops Warrior Foundation."

We are excited to announce that the organizers of the 2013 Toadlick Music Festival, which will be held April 11 – 13 in Dothan, AL, have chosen the Special Operations Warrior Foundation as the national charity to benefit from the event, which will feature some of the top artists in country music and southern rock.

There will also be a number of activities, vendors and attractions.

"We thought it very important that we give back to the community,” says Toadlick Event Coordinator Chris Mendez.

"What better way to give back than to support soldiers? They are the very reason we are able to enjoy a weekend of music, camping and family fun in the first place,” Chris says.

"I am a vet myself, and I will always have a special place in my heart for the military.”

Toadlick organizers chose the Wiregrass Children’s Home, an emergency shelter in southeast Alabama for children from birth to age 18, as the local charity it would support.

"We are very proud to be associated with these two very fine nonprofit organizations,” he says.

Tickets, including three-day passes, are available now; kids under 12 are free.

Visit the Toadlick Music Festival website to learn more and follow the festival on its Facebook page.

As employees shared coffee and breakfast, they listed to a group of fellow- staffers perform holiday songs. After the breakfast gathering, the group would be going to the VA hospital to provide some holiday cheer and caroling.

USAA Vice President and General Manager Robert Hoyland (pictured, left) spoke about how it was important as an organization to give back to the community, and that the Special Operations Warrior Foundation had been chosen because of its reputation as a top-rated organization.

SOWF President John T. Carney (pictured, right)  accepted the generous donation and talked about the successes of the foundation, its programs for providing college educations to the surviving children of fallen special operations personnel and immediate financial assistance to severely wounded SOF personnel.

"This morning I signed a large stack of tuition checks going to various colleges and universities across the country where we currently have 140 students enrolled, and it is always comforting knowing that there are caring organizations like USAA, who believe that the least we can do for our fallen warriors is to make sure their children receive a post-secondary education,” said John T. Carney, Jr.

The "8th Annual Emerald Coast Salute to Special Operations Forces,” hosted by the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, drew nearly 600 guests, including several high-ranking military officers and civilian leaders, and family members of fallen special operations.

The evening started out with a touching moment when the daughters of a fallen special operator, Brianna and Madison Chapman, joined country music artist Donovan Chapman for the National Anthem. Brianna and Madison are the daughters of Air Force Silver Star recipient Sgt. John A. Chapman, who lost his life in 2002 while providing critical communications for an extraction during hostile fire that saved the lives of the entire rescue team.

Retired Air Force General Norton Schwartz, who most recently served as the 22nd Chief of the Air Force was the keynote speaker.

"We are all here this evening to reconfirm our commitment to ensure the sons and daughters of our fallen heroes have every opportunity to reach their full individual potential,” he said. He spoke about the rich history of Special Operations and the quiet determination of the people who voluntarily place themselves in harms’ way.

"Special Operations is a complicated, hazardous and risk-filled business. We ask our people to endure long family separations, and to execute difficult and stressful missions,” he explained. "Success in our business depends as much on the heart as it does the head. It is attitude that distinguishes special operations personnel from their superb colleagues in other disciplines. It is that spark of inspiration that propels our men and women to achievement greater than their considerable individual talent would otherwise allow,” he said as he described special operators.

"It is the capacity to reach down deep and see a difficult mission through. To persist and relentlessly pursue the objectives.”

He spoke directly to the families of the fallen special operators to let them know that their loved one’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Special Operations Warrior Foundation success story, Sharise Troup, charmed the crowd with her remarks thanking SOWF for making it possible for her to go to college.

Sharise is the step-daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Jamie Nicholas, who was killed by a roadside bomb in 2008 in Afghanistan while assigned to the 7th Special Forces group.

"Over the past four years, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation has been my rock --that solid and unbreakable rock that I can undoubtedly count on, not only financially but, more importantly, emotionally.”

Sharise graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania last May with a degree in Criminology.   She will be attending the Police Academy in Fayetteville, NC, starting in January 2013.

"If it wasn’t for the SOWF, I don’t know where I would be right now,” she said. "I will be forever grateful for this gift they have given me.”

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Donovan Chapman, who is a former Air Force pararescueman. Chapman performed several touching songs about family and sacrifice.

Special thanks are due to the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, retired Air Force Special Operations Command Chief, CMSgt Mike Reynolds, who presided with good humor and erudition.

The bottom line for the informative and entertaining evening was more than $130,000 was raised. With more than 140 students currently in college and universities across the country, and another 600 children who have yet to reach college age, the funds raised will go directly to support the foundation’s programs for providing full college educations as well as immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special operations personnel.

Thank you to all of those who have continued their generous support – corporate sponsors (listed below), our active duty and retired communities who allow the SOWF to continue to fulfill its pledge to support our fallen and wounded Special Operations personnel.

Warrior Level Sponsors

Lockheed Martin

Pinch A Penny

Patriot Level Sponsors

The Boeing Company

Freedom Level Sponsors

Booz Allen Hamilton

L-3 Mission Integration

Liberty Level Sponsors

Eglin Federal Credit Union

Northrop Grumman

SAIC

Stray Goose International

Support Systems Associates

WinTec Arrowmaker

Afterward, city officials decided to make the event an annual tradition - and incorporate a fundraising element to support a charity. Ellisville’s recreation coordinator, Sherri Klekamp, oversaw the inaugural event with the help of municipal employees and volunteers.

A few weeks before the 2010 run, she phoned the Special Operations Warrior Foundation to announce it would be the beneficiary. While the news was a pleasant surprise, it raised the question of how a city of just over 9,000 residents in America’s Heartland was familiar with the SOWF, an organization unknown to many Americans; and why they chose to use their 5k Run/Walk & Kid’s Fun Run to support the foundation.

Here’s the answer.

* * *

Race Director-to-be Sherri Klekamp was five years old on November 4, 1979, when 66 Americans were taken hostage by Iranian militants who stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. Sherri didn’t know it then, but one of the captives was her 22-year-old uncle, Marine Corps Sgt. Rodney V. "Rocky" Sickmann. Rocky, who hailed from Krakow, MO, 35 miles west of Ellisville, had reported to the embassy for guard duty just two weeks earlier.

Five months into the hostage crisis, after diplomacy had not secured the Americans’ release, President Jimmy Carter authorized military force to free them. A team of U.S. commandos had been training in secret for this very purpose and would now carry out "Operation Eagle Claw”.

* * *

One of the men chosen for the Eagle Claw mission was an Air Force special operations officer,  Maj. John T. Carney, Jr., of New London, CT.

The general role of a combat controller -John Carney's speciality - was, and still is today, to operate in remote and sometimes hostile areas helping the Air Force accomplish its mission by directing air traffic; and alerting pilots and command of the location of hostile forces on the ground.

John slipped into Iran weeks prior to Operation Eagle Claw to scout the desert landing strip and bury infrared lights to mark a runway. He would also lead a team of combat controllers during the mission. 

However, when mechanical problems forced the return of one helicopter and another one turned around when it encountered an unexpected dust storm, the daring mission was scrubbed. Then, as the rescue team was departing the restaging site, code name Desert One, the unthinkable happended. One of the helicopters collided with a C-130 which took the lives of eight men.

When the surviving members of the commando team returned home, they took up a collection to support the 17 boys and girls who lost a parent at Desert One. This humble but heartfelt effort would grow into today’s Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

* * *

Anne Lucas lives in Missouri and Theresa Bradshaw lives in Illinois. Their father, Army Capt. Keith Lucas, a special operations helicopter pilot and Illinois native, lost his life in October of 1983 when Anne was 2 and Keith’s wife, Paula, was pregnant with Theresa.

The sisters – both SOWF scholarship recipients – and their families have come to the Ellisville 5k since it began supporting the foundation. Anne and Theresa take turns addressing the crowd briefly prior to the start of the run, thanking everyone for participating.

It’s very emotional for them, even after three years, but they are very appreciative.

"The race just gets better each year,” Theresa says. "We love being a part of it and the SOWF!”

* * *

"I discovered the SOWF when I was assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron,” says Rory Foster, communications director for Bo Beuckman Ford in Ellisville, one of the 5k’s corporate supporters.

"Many of the men and women at the squadron had spoken very highly of the organization, of fallen warriors and how SOWF stepped in and took care of the families left behind.”

After retiring from the Air Force in 1999 at Ft. Bragg, NC, Rory returned home to Missouri. He was hired by Bo Beuckman, a lifelong friend who was always very supportive of the military. (The largest U.S. flag in Ellisville flies in front of the dealership.)

Rory says he had spoken with his boss about the SOWF, so when the two men found out that Ellisville was going to start supporting the Warrior Foundation through the 5k Run/Walk & Kid’s Fun Run, "we had to be a part of it.”

* * *

As the sun began burning off the fog and peeking over the treetops the morning of Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, Sherri and her coworkers in the Recreation Department, joined by members of the police, fire and public works departments, City Manager Kevin Bookout and Assistant City Manager Andrea Muskopf, were busily preparing scenic Bluebird Park for the Fourth Annual City of Ellisville 5k Fun Run and Walk & Kids Walk.

First responders stood by in case anyone might need medical attention. Business owners and their employees set up tents and tables, while runners and walkers checked in, or registered if they had not done so previously. Lots of folks grabbed cups of coffee and hot chocolate to help fortify them against the cold.

The run’s host and master of ceremonies, St. Louis radio personality Dave Glover, took to the mike to caution the runners and walkers there could be black ice - which is difficult to spot – on the wooden bridges along the park’s winding pathways. Two days earlier, locals said, temperatures were in the 80s. Yet no one was complaining – adults, young children or infants. In fact, everyone was downright cheerful. Applause rang out for runners and walkers who collected medals for placing in their respective adult and child categories.

But by 10 a.m., the event – and the teardown – was complete.

* * *

John Carney retired from the Air Force in 1991 after nearly 30 years of service. He is widely considered to be the father of American special tactics, and has received numerous accolades.

Determined to support the special operations community after hanging up his uniform, John joined the Special Operations Warrior Foundation as president and CEO in 1997. In 2011, he was inducted into the U.S. Special Operations Command Commando Hall of Honor.

* * *

Rocky Sickmann left the Marine Corps three months after his release from captivity. In 1982, he was hired by Anheuser-Busch, based in St. Louis. Rocky worked his way up through the ranks and today, this husband and father of three is director of military sales for the company.

Each year, a few days before the City of Ellisville 5k Fun Run/Walk and Kids Walk, he stops by the Dave Glover Show, which airs on News Talk Station 97.1 FM, to promote the event. So do Anne and Theresa, and Sherri Klekamp.

Anne graduated college in 2003 with a degree in psychology, while Theresa, who was born five months after her dad’s death, graduated college in 2004 with a degree in criminology.

Both sisters continue to play the grand piano their father bought when he and Paula learned she was pregnant with Anne.

* * *

There were 52 Americans held hostage by Iran for 444 days. Another 13 were freed on Nov. 19 and Nov. 20 of 1979; and one was freed on July 11, 1980.

Six Americans evaded capture and took refuge in the Canadian embassy, then were smuggled out of Iran with Canadian passports. Their story has been made into a movie, Argo, now playing in theaters.

* * *

Ellisville leaders have decided to move the 2013 5k fun run/walk and kid’s walk to July 4.

* * *

In addition to Bo Beuckman Ford, the SOWF would like to thank the other sponsors who helped support the SOWF via the City of Ellisville 5k Fun Run/Walk & Kids Walk:

Allen Roofing & Siding, Allied Waste Services, Anheuser-Busch, Ameren Missouri, Bethesda Health, Gold’s Gym, Manchester West Vet, Metro West Fire, The Fountains, West County Honda, West Newsmagazine, All-Star Distributing, Big River Running Co., BMO Harris Bank, Carmody’s Pub & Eatery, Cooper, Dierbergs, Ellisville Veterinary Hospital, First Bank, First Baptist Church of Ellisville, First Community Credit Union, Logan Chiropractic Health Centers, and Masterpiece Smiles.

At the top of the 6,288-high peak is the Mt. Washington Observatory.

Ascents of Honor is a group of like-minded individuals who are teaming up to help inspire the public through climbing and mountaineering expeditions. They have three goals:

Encourage contributions to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation;

Continue to keep the "invisible wound” (post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD) in the public eye; and

Inspire Americans to engage returning combat veterans.

In addition to Keith, the group includes Andy Politz of Columbus, OH, who has spent four decades climbing and guiding extensively on mountains around the world; and several others who want to help our military personnel and their families. Learn more about the team members on their blog.

Staff members of the nonprofit Mt. Washington Observatory are not only supporting the Ascents of Honor trip up their mountain, but also plan to help organize a non-climb event on behalf of the SOWF in the spring, according to Cara Rudio, the observatory's marketing and communications manager.

To donate to the Warrior Foundation, click here and choose Ascents of Honor from the Program Area pull-down menu.

About Credit Card Donations

If you make a financial gift to the Warrior Foundation via our website - click on the "Make a Donation" button at the top of the home page, then on the credit card donation option - every penny will go to the SOWF.

We are not charged any fees by GiveDirect, the organization that processes donations made via our website, when donors use MasterCard, Visa or Discovery cards. GiveDirect pays the transaction fees to the card companies.

We wanted to let everyone know that supporting the SOWF through credit card donations is a true value.

And to everyone who has donated to the Warrior Foundation over the years, regardless of the method, we cannot thank you enough.

Shortly after his arrival, a liaison stopped by the soldier’s bedside with two items from the nonprofit SOWF: a check for $3,000 and an embroidered pillowcase.

Neither he nor his wife, who was out of work and had rushed to Walter Reed to be by his side, knew what to expect.

"One thing we realize now is that when a soldier is injured, he or she and their spouse have no idea how long they will be away from home,” he said. "We thought we would be home in a week or two, but it ended up being five weeks."

He added, "This money is extremely helpful to families during their time in the hospital.”

The couple spent the Warrior Foundation funds on rent and utilities, personal care items for themselves and warmer clothing for his wife, who had hurriedly stuffed a suitcase with a few summer items.

The soldier’s pillowcase was crafted by Sylvia Oliveras, a registered nurse and the wife of retired Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gary Aquino, an employee of the SOWF. Sylvia made 92 pillowcases for special operators hospitalized in 2011 and 85 pillowcases for SOF personnel hospitalized this year.

"We are so grateful for the generosity of the SOWF and can’t thank you enough,” the soldier concluded.

"You made life so much easier during such a difficult time.”

With six down, there is but one more mountain to scale. However, it's Mt. Everest.

But these guys haven't set this goal just for the adventure. They are climbing for some very personal reasons, including honoring their fallen comrades. Learn more about Rob, the climb and his motivations from this recent Time magazine story.

Time magazine article

ARA created a matching contribution plan for donations to the SOWF, a charitable organization whose mission is to foster and improve the quality of life for families of those to whom the nation owes a great debt of gratitude.

For over 32 years, SOWF has cared for wounded and fallen special ops personnel and their families in various ways. The foundation provides two primary programs. One is full college scholarships and educational counseling to the children of fallen special operations personnel. The second is immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special operations personnel so that family members can be at their loved one’s bedside during recovery. As one of the most highly rated charities for the seventh year in a row, it has received a 4-star rating from the nation’s leading charity watchdog group, the Charity Navigator.

Special ops personnel always play an important role in protecting the nation. During peacetime, they can still be in harm’s way conducting special missions around the world. Failure is never an option for them. When they have given their lives so others may live freely, their story often goes untold.

The end of the employee-giving campaign was Sept. 28, and almost $3,000 was raised. ARA not only matched their employees’ donations but kicked in additional funds to make a $10,000 donation to SOWF.

"ARA is proud to be involved with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Our men and women serving in the military have sacrificed so much to secure the safety and freedom of our nation," said Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Dr. Frank A. Maestas. "Military personnel and their families live with those sacrifices each day – we are thankful to be able to help ease their burden in any small way.”

"This generous gift from the men and women of ARA will provide college educations to the children of fallen warriors,” said SOWF President, John T. Carney, Jr. "I can think of no greater way to honor the sacrifices of our men and women serving in special operations than to make sure their children are never forgotten.”

Applied Research Associates was founded in 1979, in Albuquerque, N.M., to solve problems of national importance by providing science and engineering research, technical support services. The company’s applied research delivers scientific solutions for national defense, homeland security, aerospace, transportation, and manufacturing.

Drew Buehring is the son of Army Lt. Col. Charles "Chad" Buehring, an almuni of The Citadel who lost his life in Iraq in 2003 while working with Psychological Operations. Drew will attend his father's alma mater.

Also following an Armed Services career path is Zachary Todd, who has been accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is the son of Air Force Capt. Mark Todd, who lost his life in a training accident in El Salvador in 1996 while assigned to the 6th Special Operations Squadron.

Congratulations!

Click here for complete list of graduates and see where they are going to school

US Elite LLC (US-EliteGear.com) announced today a campaign to raise money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). The campaign pays tribute to the warriors whose helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011 - and extends their legacy through helping to fund their children's college education. US Elite is donating 10% of sales of its exclusive Arc'teryx LEAF products to the SOWF.

On Aug. 6, 2011, a Chinook helicopter was shot down west of Kabul, Afghanistan. The crash killed all 38 people on board including 25 U.S. Special Operations Forces (Navy and Air Force), 5 National Guard and Army Reserve crewmen, 7 Afghan commandos and 1 Afghan interpreter (also a military dog who was on the mission). They were a quick reaction force on their way to reinforce an engaged Special Operations unit when they were shot down.

In memory of the 38 warriors who lost their lives in this tragedy, from August 1 – 12, US Elite is offering its exclusive Arc'teryx LEAF Jackets for half price, and donating 10% of sales from this campaign to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The US Elite Arc'teryx LEAF Jackets are the "BAJ" (aka "BadAss Jacket") Covert Zip and the "Radiator" Gamma AR, both in Crocodile color.

"We believe in getting involved, and making a difference in the Community," said Steve Keefer, CEO of US Elite and former member of the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment. "We believe this campaign - which is the first time we've mixed our commercial and charitable endeavors - offers a balance of paying tribute to the fallen, while at the same time celebrating the living, by helping fund college educations."

SOWF has been supporting the families of fallen and wounded special operations personnel since 1980 through its two programs: College scholarships for the children of fallen special operations personnel; and immediate financial assistance for the severely wounded, to allow families to be together at bedside during convalescence. SOWF is in an elite category of fiscal management and accountability, as measured by the independent and credible Charity Navigator, having earned a coveted four-star rating 6 years in a row.

"US Elite, through this generous promotion, will help make dreams come true for some very special children who have had to suffer through what no child should have to face -- the loss of a parent," said John Carney, President/CEO of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. "Because of this effort, the children of fallen special operations heroes will know that there are caring Americans out there that want them to succeed in life and that their fallen parent’s sacrifice will always be remembered,”

About US Elite LLC. US Elite LLC (http://www.US-EliteGear.com) offers high end outdoor, tactical and performance athlete gear. Founded in 1999, US Elite holds a GSA contract; is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB); and has earned the
prestigious customer service award of STELLAService "Excellent." US Elite also owns and operates CrossFit SOAR (http://www.crossfitsoar.com), which will be hosting the 31 Heroes Workout on August 6, 2012 (31heroes.com).

Since he set off on July 9, parking his car along Rt. 73 near Chapel Pond in Keene, N.Y., to tackle his first objective - Giant Mountain - he has surmounted several more.

While John respects all military personnel, those at the "tip of the spear" are closest to his heart, as he explains:

"These special people do incredible things to protect our freedom that few will ever know about. Some even live and train here in the Adirondacks."

John's blog

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Lions Club members in the communities of Caruthers, Easton, and Riverdale in Fresno County, CA, joined forces May 19 to organize a "Salute Our Wounded Heroes" dinner, dance and auction to raise funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and Homes Fit for Heroes.

The festivities drew hundreds of participants to the event site in Caruthers, which is just south of the city of Fresno.

For organizer Gary Wenter, its success was never in question.

"We are located in the central valley of California, only 20 miles from Lemoore Naval Air Station. It is an area full of proud Americans who really feel the need and obligation to support our troops," he said.

Gary is extremely proud of Caruthers - which has approximately 2,500 residents - having produced two Medal Of Honor recipients. The names of these two extraordinary men are etched in granite at the top of a memorial wall created a decade ago, to recognize all pf the Caruthers residents, living and dead, who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. View TV coverage

(Info from the Fresno Bee newspaper website and KSEE-TV 24 were included in this article.)
 

As she travels, she will be encouraging everyone she knows to make a donation to the SOWF.

Evelyn's blog

"Every day or two, I will be updating this blog with photos, videos and comments on the journey, and asking you to please consider making a donation to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation," she says. 

As part of the 12th annual Yankee Stadium Military Appreciation Ceremony, the Black Team of the U.S. Army Golden Knights will parachute into Yankee Stadium.

Following the jump, the Yankees will pay special tribute to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation by honoring three outstanding recent graduates, and the mother of two current students who benefitted from the foundation’s contributions to their college education.

Read entire NYY press release

Capt. Cliff was not only a highly-respected soldier, he was a very charismatic man, a good husband and the father of an infant boy. He deployed to Afghanistan one week after Richie Junior was born. Sadly, Capt. Cliff was killed in action 25 days after his son's birth. (learn more)

Frank Hill met Rich Cliff at Appalachian State ROTC in 2000.

"Rich was one year ahead of me, and light years beyond us all in his ability to lead, train and fight," Frank recalls.

"To say he was looked up to is an understatement. He was the guy you wanted to be, not just be near."

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Frank knew how strongly Rich felt about the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which is why he is training to run the Baltimore Marathon in October: to generate funds for the SOWF, and in memory of his friend.

Frank is about halfway to his goal.

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