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Hope for Heroes started almost by accident. One of our founding members, a well known actor and comedian, was making a guest appearance at a function in the city of Valdosta, GA. While this southern city is full of charm and beauty, daytime entertainment is limited. It was decided that we would visit Moody Air Force Base tomake a few troops smile.
That short trip would change his life and the lives of those who accompanied him. It would also be the inspiration for Hope for Heroes.
From the Commanding Officer to the newest Airman on the base, we were treated with overwhelming hospitality. Throughout the day, we visited and talked with many young servicemen and women. Some had just returned from Iraq or Afghanistan, while some were just getting ready to go. All of them were dedicated to their mission and to their fellow servicemen and women. Their talks with us were candid, un-rehearsed, and refreshing. Since this trip to Moody AFB was a “spur-of-the-moment” idea, there was no press and no coaching from anyone. These folks were amazing. They represent the best our country has from all levels – commander down to private. And each is equally proud of the other! We found that pride growing within ourselves as well.
The trip was more moving and inspirational than we could have imagined.
After we left the base, we started talking about what we had heard, and the concerns of many, if not most, of the troops with whom we visited. Many of them were concerned not with their tour of duty overseas, but with what awaited them when they returned. The government (is doing) a wonderful job of providing for them and their needs, but in some situations extra care and effort is needed, especially in the case of our wounded and disabled veterans. Almost all of them have friends who are going through physical therapy and/or rehab, but once they are released, there is the “Real World” to face. In addition, there were many concerns about their children and spouses in the event they did not return.
We decided on that short trip back that we would do something that would make a difference. While we can’t possibly match their contributions to keeping us free, we believe we can show our support in an important way!
That day we started to formulate what we have now—“Hope for Heroes”!
In the short time we have been in existence, we have managed to recruit some amazing talent. We have professional managers, mostly on a volunteer basis, that help us get the most out of what we have. This enables us to use our resources for their intended purpose, the needs of the troops and their children. Our funds are not spent on outlandish expenses for fundraising and unneeded overhead.
Our national headquarters is in Orlando, Florida. Orlando has an ideal climate, and has very giving volunteers for offices, administrative help, and of course entertainment for our children. One of our key program goals is to have the ability to not only provide a resource for Disabled Veterans, but a center-point for the recreational facilities for our their children as well. What better place?
We know that life won’t ever be the same for some of these folks, but we intend to do our part to at least allow them the chance –what we call “Hope” – Hope for Heroes.
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