Field Problem: Giving Back

Dear, Field Problems:

My fiancé would like for me to make a donation to a wounded or fallen warrior fund for one of his Christmas presents. I’m not for sure where to find one or how to know which ones are reputable. Could you please help me out?

Nikki; Fort Thomas, KY; Army Reserve fiancée

Dear, Nikki:

Please tell your fiancé that we think this is a fabulous idea, and we commend him for his support of his fellow service members. With that said, we know that you want your donation to be fulfilling. That is, to make sure it goes to an active and reputable organization—an organization that will make sure your contribution is put to good use by providing resources to military families in need.

Here are a few distinguishable organizations that we think will definitely meet your needs:

1. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors: TAPS was founded in the wake of a military tragedy—the deaths of eight soldiers aboard an Army National Guard aircraft in November 1992. In the months and years following the loss of their loved ones, the survivors turned to various grief support organizations for comfort; but when they turned to each other for comfort and to share common fears and problems, they found strength and truly began to heal. TAPS offers peer support and assists survivors through a wide variety of programs including grief support, trauma support, and youth programs.
2. Hope For The Warriors: Founded by two military spouses—Robin Kelleher and Shannon Maxwell—HFTW was established in 2006. The organization upholds a legacy of care for the wounded. That legacy began in October 2004 when Shannon’s fiancé, LTC Tim Maxwell, was severely wounded in Iraq after shrapnel from a mortar attack left him with a Traumatic Brain Injury. Hope For The Warrior’s mission is a promise that the sacrifices of the wounded across military service branches and throughout the nation will not be forgotten, nor their needs unmet. They have many projects and events through which they provide support: The Run For The Warriors, Team Hope for the Warriors, and A Warrior’s Wish are their main projects. You can find a list of their expert blog posts on our website.
3. Wounded Warriors Family Support: The founder of the organization, LTC (ret) John Folsom says, “When America goes to war, our families go to war.” Folsom founded this grassroots organization when he was assigned as the Marine Forces, Europe liaison officer to U.S. European Command, December 2002 to April 2004. Wounded Warriors Family Support’s mission is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured, or killed during combat operations. They do this by allowing families to find peace and solace in family-friendly resorts and retreats that they provide free of charge.

There are many wonderful organizations supporting our troops in myriad ways. Because each individual’s life experiences are unique, we encourage you and your fiancé to speak to veterans and military family members that you know to see which charities have helped them. Choose an organization that speaks to the two of you personally, and then you’ll know you’ve made your donation with a fulfilled heart.