Special Operations Warrior Foundation

[Warrior-Mentor]

It's that time of year again, and the Combined Federal Campaign is upon us...

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) provides college scholarship grants, based on need, along with financial aid and educational counseling to the children of Special Operations personnel who were killed in an operational mission or training accident.

Any donation helps.

CFC Number is 11455.

Check out their website at www.specialops.org (http://www.specialops.org)

[Pete]

I no longer get the little CFC stub at work, one of the down sides of being retired.

I will add extra to my SFA dues renewal this year and mark it for the Fund. It don't get bigger unless we give.

Pete

[longrange1947]

I will start it off, just signed in for $390.00 for the Warrior Foundation. :lifter

[Radar Rider]

I just got my CFC book and donation form at work yesterday. I don't even look through the book, because I know my donation is going to # 2124.

I used to find the CFC a bit intrusive; not any more though, because I know that my donation is going to those that truly deserve it.

[Ammodawg]

I just filled out my stub today for the CFC. My POC at my section asked me which one I was donating to and when I told him, he said "Oh, thats neat".

Warrior Foundation all the way :lifter :cool:

[lrd]

Thanks for the reminder.

[blackkn]

Can a non-special operations person make a donation?

I am not a qualified member but am a member in my heart.

[jasonglh]

Can a non-special operations person make a donation?

I am not a qualified member but am a member in my heart.


Anyone can donate to the SOWF. You can even donate online using paypal and they have an online store because everyone on your Christmas list needs a SOWF hat.

http://www.specialops.org/

[Bill Harsey]

Hillary donated anything yet?

[The Reaper]

Hillary donated anything yet?

I am sure that she considers her time at the SOWF photo op adequate, and we will see evidence of that as 2008 approaches. They will probably help put her over the top with her centrist make-over.

That is why I took them off my personal CFC donation form. Plenty of other worthy causes that will not promote a far-left winger in moderate clothing. The SFA has a scholarship fund as well, remembers its friends, and tends to be less political.

Just my .02, I am sure that others feel differently.

TR

[BamBam]

You got it TR, you summed up feelings.

[longrange1947]

Sorry TR, can't agree with you on this one. The Warrior Foundation can not kick ass wipes they don;t like out of their activites. Hate Hillary for being the whore she is but do not punish an organization that looks after the families. IMHO that is BS.

Use Hillary's words against her if she exploits the photo ops but do not with hold money because an organization has to let a photo whore into their activities.

[BrianL]

I completed and turned in my CFC form last Thursday and included SOWF among my charities. I was a little conflicted after hearing about Hillary being at that event, but decided to keep SOWF on the list for now (been donating to SOWF and two or three others for the past three years). But if the majority opinion of SOWF starts to go south (especially from those who the fund is supposed to be for), then I may choose otherwise.

[The Reaper]

LR1947:

We must read their intents differently, as I indicated when I said "Just my .02, I am sure that others feel differently."

Several of us here corresponded with them after they selected Hillary to be their keynote speaker at their Veteran's Day fundraiser last year, and were dissatisfied with their response, or lack thereof.

My involvement with them and their hierarchy during my time at USSOCOM left me somewhat ambivalent about their operation as well.

Finally, call me selfish, but I want my donations going to the families of SF fallen, and there is no current shortage of them.

Note that I am not telling anyone else what to do with their money, and I will do as I wish with mine. Clearly, we will have to agree to disagree on this one.

Appreciate you stating your opinion and I respect that.

TR

[CPTAUSRET]

LR1947:

We must read their intents differently, as I indicated when I said "Just my .02, I am sure that others feel differently."

Several of us here corresponded with them after they selected Hillary to be their keynote speaker at their Veteran's Day fundraiser last year, and were dissatisfied with their response, or lack thereof.

My involvement with them and their hierarchy during my time at USSOCOM left me somewhat ambivalent about their operation as well.

Finally, call me selfish, but I want my donations going to the families of SF fallen, and there is no current shortage of them.

Note that I am not telling anyone else what to do with their money, and I will do as I wish with mine. Clearly, we will have to agree to disagree on this one.

Appreciate you stating your opinion and I respect that.

TR

Class acts, both TR, and longrange 1947.

A sincere and serious difference of opinion, with no hystrionics, no name calling, and no BS.

You gotta love this site!

Terry

[Doc]

I called the SOWF before hillary spoke. The retired LTCDR(R) USN I spoke to via the phone didn't care about the repercussions this sort of venue could create.

Everyone here is a big boy or girl and can do with their money what they want.

I decided not to contribute anymore to SOWF after November 11th, 2004.

[longrange1947]

TR - Now that I have the full details of your opinion I can understand your feelings better.

I have helped, in the past, to locate some family members that the warrior foundation was trying to locate. I have not had any bad dealings with them, but I will have to research them a bit better now.

I have turned in my CFC card and will stand by it but will re-evaluate for next year.

CAP - It is always fun exchanging opinions AND evidence here. :)

[CPTAUSRET]

CAP - It is always fun exchanging opinions AND evidence here. :)


Professionalism at it's best.

[Pete]

Professionalism at it's best.

I have found that money is green, not red or blue.

[Warrior-Mentor]

Here's what matters...

-- SCHOOLS SOWF STUDENTS ATTEND
Below is a list of schools, universities and colleges where SOWF students
attend:

Albuquerque Tech-Voc Institute
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
American University
Appalachian State
Auburn University
Campbell University
Central Washington University
Christopher Newport University
Clemson University
College of the Desert
David Litscomb University
DePaul University
East Carolina University
Faulkner State community college
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Ferris State University, MI
Florida Christian College
Florida Institute of Ultrasound
Franciscan University of Steubenville
George Mason University
Georgia Southern
Global Knowledge (Certification)
Guidance Helicopters, Prescott AZ
Guilford College
Gwinnet Technical College
Hillsborough Community College
Hopkinsville Community College
Hudson Valley Community College
Indiana State University
ISSA Distance Learning
Ivy Tech State College
Jefferson State Community College
Kentucky Christian University
Lake Superior State University
Lincoln Memorial University
Loyola University- New Orleans
Methodist College, Fayetteville NC
Michigan State University
Middle Tenn. State University
Midlands Technical College
Mississippi State
NC Agriculture & Technical State University.
New Mexico State University
North Carolina State
Northeastern University-Boston
Okaloosa Walton
Piedmont Technical College
Pikes Peak Community College
Radford University, VA
Rutgers University
Savannah College of Art & Design
South Puget Sound
Southern Connecticut University
Southwest Missouri State University
Spartan School of Aeronautics-Oklahoma
Springfield College
St. Joseph College
St. Lawrence University
SUNY at Old Westbury
Tennessee School of Beauty
Texas A & M, Corpus Christi
Texas Christian University
Troy State University-Fl Division
Troy State-Distance Ed.
UNC Chapel Hill
UNC-Wilmington
University California - Santa Cruz
University Calif-Santa Cruz
University NC-Wilmington
University North Carolina-Charlotte
University of Washington-Seattle
University South Florida
University Texas San Antonio
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
University Technical Institute
University Illinois-Urbana
University NC-Chapel Hill
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of Richmond
University of South Carolina
University of Texas at San Antonio
University South Florida
Utah Valley State College
Valdosta State
Valdosta Technical College
Villa Julie College

[Warrior-Mentor]

Got another note from Edie at the Warrior Foundation with an unusual request...



We have a strange promotion going on right now and I am looking for support from the SOF community.

There is a gentleman in Columbia, SC who is currently living atop a billboard to raise awareness for a snoring product, SnoreStop. He has the potential to raise $1 million and in return he is going to donate $500,000 to the Warrior Foundation.

I'm looking for folks to email their support for him.... and if possible, stop by the billboard to show their support.

The website for the webcam is www.snorestop.com (http://www.snorestop.com)

and his email is jamie@snorestop.com

Can you somehow send this out to your blog?? Or if you have any other ideas I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Edie

[ObliqueApproach]

Had a conversation today with one of my Jordanian translators whose brother was killed in the Amman bombing. He said that you cannot agree to disagree with "The true believer" because they will kill you!

Glad to see we can and still be brothers in arms even if we disagree!

[GunPig]

I have found that money is green, not red or blue.

I agree. Hillary is truly a political shitbag and just the fact that he rubbed elbows with Coach at a SOWF event does not mean she will sway votes away from anyone. On the contrary, she may get some of the Hollywoood Liberals to "bandwagon" with her sorry ass and donate money that would have otherwise went on to save homosexual whales or some other stupid charity.

The Army SOF community has a big stake in SOWF and there are lot of KIA from AFSOC and NAVSPECWARCOM also. All of thier children deserve the opportunity to a formal education if they so choose. That's the least we can do for thier deceased Fathers I beleive.

Everyone can do what they wish, but I'll continue to support SOWF regardless of the political implications. Hillary should not be allowed to tear down a great organization to bolster her political image...I think we should be using her intsead.

v/r
Bill

[Warrior-Mentor]

Congratulations Students for achieving this accomplishment

James Michael Berryhill
Graduated from Ferris State University, MI with a degree in Radiology. James is the son of MSG Roger D. Berryhill, U. S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group who died in a training accident, 1989.

Brian M. Buege
Graduated from Troy State University with a degree in Business Mgmt. Brian is the son of SMSgt Paul Buege, U. S. Air Force, 16th Special Operations Squadron, who was killed in Kuwait, 1989.

Tommy M. Campbell
Graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College with a degree in Criminal Justice. Tommy is the son of SSG Kenneth W. Campbell, U. S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group who died in a training accident, 1989

Randi Cline
Graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Nursing. Randi is the daughter of SGT Randy K. Cline, U. S. Army, 75th Ranger Rgmt who died in Grenada, 1989.

Lindsey Eyler
Graduated from Florida Institute of Ultrasound as an Ultrasound Technician. Lindsey is the daughter of Staff Sgt.William C. Eyler, U. S. Air Force, 16th Special Operations Squadron who died in Kenya, 1994.

JP Gant III
Graduated from Albuquerque Tech-Vocational with a degree in Metallurgy. JP is the son of Capt JP Gant, Jr., U.S. Air Force, 337th ABS who died in a training accident, 1981.

Amanda Jeske-Kowaleski
Graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in International Business. Amanda is the daughter of SSG David Kowaleski, U. S. Army, 10th Special Forces Group who died in a training accident, 1981.

Diana Martin
Graduated from Springfield College with a degree in Applied Exercise Science. Diana is the daughter of MSG Timothy L. Martin, U. S. Army, Special Forces Command who died in Somalia, 1993.

Stephanie Matos
Graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Exercise Science. Stephanie is the daughter of SGM Santos Matos, U. S. Army Special Forces who died in a training accident, 1991.

Daniel McIntyre Quigley
Graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in Computer Science. Daniel is the son of SSG Wilford W. McIntyre, U. S. Army Special Forces who died in a training accident, 1984.

Dustin Rodriguez
Graduated from Full Sail Real World Education with a degree in Entertainment Business. Dustin is the son of MSG Eloy A. Rodgriguez, U. S. Army, Special Forces Command who died in Iraq, 1991.

Megan Stauss Smith
Graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a degree in Theology Education. Megan is the daughter of LTC Kenneth W. Stauss, U. S. Army, 75th Ranger Rgt. who died in a training accident, 1992.

[Team Sergeant]

I knew MSG Martin when he was assigned to 1/1 and I worked with MSG Rodriguez at SF Command. Rod was a medic with a great sense of humor.
RIP Gents.

Dustin and Diana, your fathers would be proud of you I'm sure.
TS

Dustin Rodriguez
Graduated from Full Sail Real World Education with a degree in Entertainment Business. Dustin is the son of MSG Eloy A. Rodgriguez, U. S. Army, Special Forces Command who died in Iraq, 1991.

Diana Martin
Graduated from Springfield College with a degree in Applied Exercise Science. Diana is the daughter of MSG Timothy L. Martin, U. S. Army, Special Forces Command who died in Somalia, 1993.

[Basicload]

LTC Stauss was my BN Commander when he was killed in 1992. Two Ranger BN CDRs, two RTOs, my PSG, several AFSOC STS, and the aircrew were lost.

There was one survivor (co-pilot). He was recovered from the great Salt Lake hanging to a piece of burning wreckage by three Rangers in a blackhawk survival raft who paddled out to the crash site. All three Rangers were medivac'd with the pilot for severe hyporthermia when they got him back to the Antalope island on Salt Lake. All three received soldier's medals for their actions.

The co-pilot recovered and was placed back on full slight status distinguishing himself as the air mission commander for the CSAR of a downed F-117A pilot during the KOSOVO air campaign.

There is a beautiful memorial on the causeway right by the island, if any of you ever get to salt lake city.

SOWF: I have supported them for years but I have no problems with those that choose not to. I am disappointed that they chose to have hillary associated with them as well.

I had lunch with Stephanie Shugart who was on the board of directors to give her information about the daughter of Lorenzo Ruiz who was KIA in the Mog in 93. They could not confirm that he even had a daughter until I spoke with Steph.

[Warrior-Mentor]

2008 Special Operations Warrior Foundation Volunteer of the Year...

10292 10293

It's official... we've raised over $100,000.00 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

Most of that has been raised directly through online sales... which credit must be shared with PS.com and the other military forums that have help spread the word... so thanks to all of you is certainly in order!

I must confess that we've raised the bar over time. When we started this project, the goal was to raise $20,000 in order to fund a scholarship... then $50,000 to fund more scholarships and to beat Tiger Woods ;) ...then we raised it to $100,000. Now we're raising it again... to raise $1,000,000!

We're already 10% of the way there....it may take some time, but this cause is worth it!
___________________________________
The Guest speaker this year was GEN(RET) Abizaid.

10291 10294

[Team Sergeant]

Great Job LTC!

You need to write another book!;) (maybe a diet book;) You'd sell millions!)

Everybody go and buy Get Selected! NOW!

http://www.warrior-mentor.com/

[Warrior-Mentor]

Everybody go and buy Get Selected! NOW!

http://www.warrior-mentor.com/

Here's a better site:
www.specialops.org

Here's the story SOWF sent out about the evening:

Washington DC Dinner Raises $500,000

Supporting SOWF's Programs for College Educations & Wounded Warrior Support

Past and present members of the U.S. military's Special Operations community and numerous representatives from corporations gathered at the Waterford Springfield reception hall just outside Washington, D.C. on September 18th to honor America's most elite fighting forces.

The "Tribute to Special Operations Forces," hosted by the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, is an annual dinner that draws nearly 400 guests, including several high-ranking military officers and civilian leaders, family members of fallen special operations personnel and eight special operations warriors recovering at Walter Reed Army Center from wounds received while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

One of the touching moments of the night was when retired Army General John Abizaid, former CENTCOM commander and keynote speaker, introduced each of the wounded warriors and asked them to come to the front of the room where he presented each of them with a coin. General Abizaid also asked for veterans of past wars dating back to World War II to stand and be recognized for their service.

Along with General Abizaid's remarks, some of the evening's highlights included the presentation of SOWF's "Volunteer of the Year Award" to Army Major Joe Martin. Joe has helped raise more than $100,000 for SOWF through direct sales of his book "Get Selected for Special Forces."

Special Operations Warrior Foundation success story, Courtney Robinson, charmed the crowd with her remarks thanking SOWF for making it possible for her to go to college. Courtney is the daughter of a Army Special Forces Lt. Col. Craig Robinson who lost his life in 1994. Courtney was able to get her degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill's famous journalism program.

Since her graduation, Courtney has been on the career fast track. She recently joined WJLA- ABC 7 TV in Washington, D.C. as a reporter after spending two years at a station in Lynchburg, Virginia where her work covering the Virginia Tech massacre brought acclaim for thoroughness and sensitivity.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by the U.S.O. Liberty Belles. The lovely and talented trio of young ladies set a patriotic tone by opening the evening with the "Star Spangled Banner" and later entertained the crowd with nostalgic recreations of World War II era Andrews Sisters hits and a rousing rendition of "God Bless the USA".

Special thanks are due to the evening's Master of Ceremonies, Human Events magazine editor and former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Jed Babbin who presided with good humor and erudition.

The bottom line for the informative and entertaining evening was more than $500,000 was raised through the generosity of many corporate sponsors, including L-3, Anheuser-Busch, Blackwater USA, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Pinch A Penny, and Tactical & Survival Specialties.

[Ret10Echo]

Outstanding work Sir...:lifter

[RB]

Sounds like an awesome event!

I had previous engagements or I would have attended as I only live about 5 miles from Springfield.

Maybe next time and congrats to Courtney!!

[greenberetTFS]

Outstanding work Sir...:lifter

I agree Sir.........:lifter

[Gypsy]

Fantastic news, congrats!

[Warrior-Mentor]

SOWF Named Top-Rated Charity for 3rd Consecutive Year

For the third consecutive year, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities. Receiving four out of four stars indicates the Special Operations Warrior Foundation excels, as compared to other charities in America, in successfully managing organization finances.

Organizations that receive a four-star evaluation "exceed industry standards and outperform most charities in their causes," according to Charity Navigator. Less than 10 percent of the programs rated receive a four-star evaluation.

"This 'exceptional' designation from Charity Navigator differentiates the Special Operations Warrior Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust," wrote Ken Berger, President and Executive Director of Charity Navigator in his letter to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. He stated that this designation helps informed donors feel confident that their contributions are being utilized in the most effective and transparent manner.

"This award is a testament to our dedicated supporters, as well as to the talents of our Board and our staff," said John T. Carney, Jr., President & CEO of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

"For over 28 years, we have been dedicated to supporting the special operations community by providing college educations to the surviving children of fallen Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine special operations personnel as well as providing immediate financial assistance to special operations personnel severely wounded in action. We are very proud of this recognition, and it further motivates us to continue our important efforts to support our troops and their families."

[Warrior-Mentor]

http://twitter.com/SOFWarriorFnd

[Z06Fix]

Made my donation and picked up a copy of "get selected" a few days ago.

Just wanted to say thanks to all that have put their time and effort into the charity.

[greenberetTFS]

W-M,

I had lunch at the Cracker Barrel and saw they had Wounded Warrior T-shirts on sale but only up to size 2XX. :cool: Would the Foundation consider that they're enough "big guys" who would like to show support,but are unable to fit in that size .....:) How about 4XX or even 5XX? ;)

Big Teddy :munchin

[Warrior-Mentor]

The Wounded Warrior Project is different from SOWF.
Sounds like you saw a different organization's gear...

Digressing, just got my copy of "Warrior Link" (SOWF's newsletter) and saw Dalton Fury supported them with a check for $25,000.

[Prester John]

I'm kind of out of pocket right now, but had the pleasure of being involved in the SOWF fundraiser in the Springs a few weeks back. From the correspondence i got, it seemed like a top notch event that raised an impressive amount of money for an excellent organization. I'm proud to be involved, and have had three BIG reminders of the foundation's worth on this trip.

Thanks for the hard work, sir. I know i still have my copy of your book on the shelf from when i was a SOPC.

Doug

[orion5]

Saw the concerns expressed in 2005-06 by several QPs about SOWF potentially on the decline. Some of it was about Hilary's involvement as a spokesperson; some of it seemed to be about SOWF leadership.

Also saw W-M's more recent post about SOWF as a 4 star-rated charity 2006-08.

I'm a stickler about contributing to orgs that use majority (90%+) of my donation towards the charity (QPs/families), not towards salaries/operating expenses.

What are your thoughts in 2009... TR, changed your mind? Others, is this where you prefer civie donations to go? I know there is no perfect charity or situation, but if we were to support you financially, is this where you would want our money to go?

Thanks,
o5

[Warrior-Mentor]

Can't speak for TR, but here's two posts worth looking at:

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=284241&postcount=327

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=282215&postcount=323

[longrange1947]

I just pledged 23 dollars a pay period, every two weeks, to them. They use volunteers and most of the money goes directly to the families and not to admin overhead. I believe they are at less than 12% for admin and the rest goes to the famillies of SOF personnel.

The CFC rates them very high.

My 2 cents, they stepped on their wanger with the b***h but still do good work. :munchin

[greenberetTFS]

The Wounded Warrior Project is different from SOWF.
Sounds like you saw a different organization's gear...

Digressing, just got my copy of "Warrior Link" (SOWF's newsletter) and saw Dalton Fury supported them with a check for $25,000.

I did send $25 to SOWF after I got my "get selected" book,but I will send more as I feel this is the best use of my extra cash when I have some.....Do they have T-shirts in big guys sizes? .........;)

Big Teddy :munchin

[Team Sergeant]

Saw the concerns expressed in 2005-06 by several QPs about SOWF potentially on the decline. Some of it was about Hilary's involvement as a spokesperson; some of it seemed to be about SOWF leadership.

Also saw W-M's more recent post about SOWF as a 4 star-rated charity 2006-08.

I'm a stickler about contributing to orgs that use majority (90%+) of my donation towards the charity (QPs/families), not towards salaries/operating expenses.

What are your thoughts in 2009... TR, changed your mind? Others, is this where you prefer civie donations to go? I know there is no perfect charity or situation, but if we were to support you financially, is this where you would want our money to go?

Thanks,
o5

If you wish to assist SF soldiers donate here:

http://www.specialforcesassociation.org/

[The Reaper]

If you wish to assist SF soldiers donate here:

http://www.specialforcesassociation.org/

I agree.

It will go directly to the families of SF soldiers, not SOF, who were killed in combat, not training.

TR

[orion5]

Thanks, gentlemen, for your feedback. My donations are done - hope others continue to support your families as well.

[Warrior-Mentor]

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation was awarded the prestigious four-star rating for the fourth consecutive year by Charity Navigator, the nation's leading charity watchdog group. The Tampa-based Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides support and assistance to the families of wounded and fallen special operations personnel, earned the coveted rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances.

Only 7% of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have received at least four consecutive 4- star evaluations, indicating that Special Operations Warrior Foundation consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America.

"This exceptional designation differentiates Special Operations Warrior Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust," said Ken Berger, President/CEO, Charity Navigator.

Charity Navigator uses a number of measures to evaluate charities including how much money they direct to their core missions compared with overhead and fundraising, explained Steven L. McLeary, SOWF Executive Director.

"Every single day, the foundation strives to be the best. As a result, we are able to keep our overhead low and 93 cent of every dollar goes directly to our programs," said McLeary. "The best charities are transparent and accountable to their giving public."

"The four-star rating from Charity Navigator is important to the foundation because it substantiates our commitment to supporting the families of wounded and fallen special operations personnel while also being good stewards of the donations provided for our noble cause," said John T. Carney, SOWF President and CEO.

Today, there are more than 800 children in the foundation's program. Some 125 students are enrolled in colleges and universities across the country with funding by the foundation, which includes tuition, books, fees, room, board, expenses, computer and printer.

Last year, the foundation provided $1.7 million in scholarship grants, academic, financial aid and family support to our families. The foundation also provided $840,000 for wounded troops to date.

[Stealthed]

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation was awarded the prestigious four-star rating for the fourth consecutive year by Charity Navigator, the nation's leading charity watchdog group. The Tampa-based Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides support and assistance to the families of wounded and fallen special operations personnel, earned the coveted rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances.

Only 7% of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have received at least four consecutive 4- star evaluations, indicating that Special Operations Warrior Foundation consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America.

"This exceptional designation differentiates Special Operations Warrior Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust," said Ken Berger, President/CEO, Charity Navigator.

Charity Navigator uses a number of measures to evaluate charities including how much money they direct to their core missions compared with overhead and fundraising, explained Steven L. McLeary, SOWF Executive Director.

"Every single day, the foundation strives to be the best. As a result, we are able to keep our overhead low and 93 cent of every dollar goes directly to our programs," said McLeary. "The best charities are transparent and accountable to their giving public."

"The four-star rating from Charity Navigator is important to the foundation because it substantiates our commitment to supporting the families of wounded and fallen special operations personnel while also being good stewards of the donations provided for our noble cause," said John T. Carney, SOWF President and CEO.

Today, there are more than 800 children in the foundation's program. Some 125 students are enrolled in colleges and universities across the country with funding by the foundation, which includes tuition, books, fees, room, board, expenses, computer and printer.

Last year, the foundation provided $1.7 million in scholarship grants, academic, financial aid and family support to our families. The foundation also provided $840,000 for wounded troops to date.

That's awesome! :D

Glad to have contributed and am thoroughly enjoying GET SELETECTED! :lifter

[Warrior-Mentor]

That's awesome! :D

Glad to have contributed and am thoroughly enjoying GET SELETECTED! :lifter

It is impressive. And if your book has a typo, send it back and I'll get you one with the title spelled correctly. :D

[Stealthed]

It is impressive. And if your book has a typo, send it back and I'll get you one with the title spelled correctly. :D

Oh dear, I never have typos... :rolleyes:

Yeah once I'm done reading GET SELETECTED! I'll start GET SELECTED! and get back to you. :p

Oh yeah and cool pictures too. Got a kick out of the bottom photo on Photos-9.

[dknob]

I agree.

It will go directly to the families of SF soldiers, not SOF, who were killed in combat, not training.

TR

wow

[hharke]

I have supported SOWF for the past 6-8 years thru the CFC and unfortunately it came home this year. My daughters fiancee (An AF PJ) was on the CH47 with the Seals. SOWF was there within hours to support the families and organizations to include the aircrew members who were supporting the SOF mission. It was truely remarkable as they went over and above of what anyone could have expected! My hat is off to Dick D. and crew and I up'd my donation for this year. The SOF community is one big community now and has become more purple than ever before. It is time we all recognize that. Anyway just my opinion.

[Saturation]

I have supported SOWF for the past 6-8 years thru the CFC and unfortunately it came home this year. My daughters fiancee (An AF PJ) was on the CH47 with the Seals. SOWF was there within hours to support the families and organizations to include the aircrew members who were supporting the SOF mission. It was truely remarkable as they went over and above of what anyone could have expected! My hat is off to Dick D. and crew and I up'd my donation for this year. The SOF community is one big community now and has become more purple than ever before. It is time we all recognize that. Anyway just my opinion.

I have supported since my fed employment began (not as long as you) and want to say thank you for sharing this. It's obvious from their materials and cost/admin ratios they are doing great work. Sorry there was need- glad they were there!