HERO 1 2009:

UPDATE: Hero 1 proudly served in the active duty Army from 9/2002-12/2008. He was deployed to Iraq in 4/2004 where he served 1 full year as an MP. Since his discharge from active duty he has struggled with adjustment issues including Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, (PTSD), and a medical condition involving his foot and knee. He has also struggled financially as well as with interpersonal relationships. Hero 1 is married with 4 children (2 are his wife's from a previous relationship). Hero 1 and his wife recently had a baby girl about 8 months ago.

While Hero 1’s transition after discharge from active duty service has been difficult, he has strived to maintain committed to his treatment and succeed in his personal goals. He has longed to return to college and recently began attending classes at a local university. Hero 1 was attending college when he decided to join the military and he has kept the goal of returning to college to complete his Accounting degree. Along with the assistance he received from WHOH, he is utilizing the Post 911 GI Bill, both of which have helped the family tremendously in paying for college and the financial challenges of raising a young family while attending school. Hero 1 and his family are very grateful for the assistance they have received from WHOH and would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation.

HERO 2 2009:

UPDATE: Hero 2 tragically died in February 2011 in an accident leaving behind his wife, son and daughter. In the midst of this tragedy, WHOH went above and beyond for this Hero and his family. WHOH attended our Hero's wake and presented his widow with a very generous donation on behalf of the organization. This was an unexpected but very well appreciated donation at a very difficult time.

Prior to this tragedy, our Hero had successfully returned to work as a carpenter and worked alongside his brother. He enjoyed owning his own home, something he never would have been able to purchase had it not been for WHOH. Often when he came to the Northport VA Medical Center, (NVAMC), he would share stories of his latest home improvement "project." His face would light up as he spoke about watching his children run outside in the yard. While our Hero's death is truly heartbreaking, the time he and his family had together since returning from Afghanistan was filled with happy memories because of the incredible generosity of WHOH.