Hundreds of our American service members are injured each year. These service men, women and their families make huge sacrifices to defend and protect our freedom. Some of them sustain serious injuries that will physically, emotionally, and financially affect their lives, and their family’s lives forever.
Some of our wounded warriors will be medically discharged at a fraction of their regular income, creating financial burdens and hardships for themselves and their families. Some may end up living close to poverty. These real heroes should be able to focus on rehabilitating and recovering. Many take dead end jobs just to provide for their family, lessening their chance at full recovery. Many struggle with daily life without handicap accessible homes.
Many Americans say they support the troops. You see it on bumper stickers and hear the loud ovations when these warriors are introduced at sporting events. But how many of us go the extra mile to actually get involved with truly taking care of our own?
On Feb. 22 I had the privilege of volunteering for Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors (H4WW) golf tournament at Turtle Bay Resort. Jared Allen, defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings – number 69, a five-time Pro Bowl and four-time All-Pro selection, is not just a name and a face for the charity. He is one of the Americans that go the extra mile. He is an active participant in the fund raising events, and in the off-season participates with the building and modifying of the homes.
Jared shared his passion for helping our service members with me after a USO (United Services Organization) trip to US military bases in the Middle East.
Why did you choose “Wounded Warriors” as your charity?
“I have many people in my family that are in the military and I felt that doing this charity, it would be a good way to give back.”
Why did you choose Hawai‘i to do this?
“I’ve come here for the Pro Bowl many times, and my family and I really enjoy the beauty of this island.”
Jared and his H4WW will help make life for our wounded warriors just a little bit easier, and lets them know that they are not alone. It is his way of saying ‘thank you’ to our service members for their dedication, commitment, and sacrifices.
One of the prizes at the golf tournament: A Chevrolet Camaro. Photo: Devin Takahashi/Kapi’o.
This was another one of the prizes at the golf tournament: A Maserati Quattroporte. Photo: Devin Takahashi/Kapi’o.
Jared Allen, the host of the tournament, takes a swing on hole #10. Photo: Devin Takahashi/Kapi’o.