My 11 year old grandson has personally raised almost $6000 in the last year for this organization. He did it through yard sales and bake sales in shopping malls. He and his family live 3 miles away and he routinely volunteers in giving tours and helping give speeches before groups there. He knows the ins and outs of the place like no other 11 year old. Last month he sat with Virginia Senator Kaine at a luncheon there and explained to him his commitment to this great organization.
As a military brat, I have such high appreciation for that this organization does. There are many parts of my life I never realized were given in sacrifice for our country --- even as a child. Because of this organization we now have the opportunity to make it our duty to help the children of the wounded veterans retain a level of normalcy in their lives. This retreat is magic. It reunites families, it heals wounds, it strengthens bonds. .... and it helps us serve those who have serves us without asking anything in return. This is the Great nonprofit.
As a disabled veteran my wife and I were drawn to a local charity that is really making a difference in the lives of our nation's wounded warriors and their families. There are plenty of great veteran organizations out there but SOWW is different because they specifically help active duty wounded, ill, and injured service members. The local community stepped up and donated thousands of man-hours and all the materials and furnishings to completely remodel a 5 bedroom, 3 level, 11,000 sq ft home, complete with a chair lift and elevator.
The families that have begun to come and stay for up to a week are overjoyed to be together in a beautiful home on 37 acres at the foot of picturesque Bull Run Mountain. This is truly a local charity making a difference.
When I found out that there was a non-profit looking to provide a place for wounded servicemembers and their families, I was immediately interested. Finding out that it was so near to where we live made it even better. One visit to the facility and talking to their enthusiastic volunteers made me want to be a part of this effort!! I was invited to attend the opening ceremonies for the house and assisted my portrayal as a Revolutionary War soldier to provide guests with a sense of history to link those who are currently serving our country and paying such sacrifices. As an Air Force veteran married to an ex-servicemember, we have a special place in our hearts for these warriors who have put their lives on the line for us. To be a volunteer in an organization such at SOWW is a very small way of showing our thanks, our respect and our support to what they not only have gone thru individually, but also what their families are going thru with them. The emphasis on families at the retreat is simply amazing, so fitting and so very much appreciated. SOWW has truly touched our hearts and made us feel a part of something so very special. My entire family is committed to this project and would do anything to help these heroes out. I hope that more people come to see the value of this project and that it is based in love and the grateful hearts of our country. I can't be more proud to serve in this family of volunteers!!
I am a 15 year old boy who was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy when I was 9. I underwent a bone-marrow transplant to arrest the disease, the result of which I was left blind and a quadriplegic. I went thru many ordeals. When I heard about SOWW, I thought that this organization would be a wonderful way to help others who are going thru traumatic life-changing events by just talking to someone who has been there. When I called to volunteer, the staff at SOWW responded more than enthusiastically, they made me a part of the family of folks dedicated to helping our veterans. I was part of the opening ceremonies, have "modeled" all the logo gear that SOWW sells to raise needed money for their services and continue to be called upon to help out. Not only does SOWW do simply amazing things for our wounded veterans and their families, they've opened their arms to me to give me the chance to give something back to those who have defended our country and given so much for us. I could not be prouder to be a part of this organization and so very much look forward to the success they will have with treating soldiers and their families to a unique experience in our wonderful area. I have become a true spokesman for the organization with whoever I talk to!!!! Thanx so much and may god continue to bless such a truly wonderful place that gives a boy in my condition the chance not only to be "normal" but to truly feel special and able to help our soldiers and their families!!!
