The one thing he didn’t see: Any
Wounded Warriors tournaments in the community. That’s something he wanted to
change, and he did so in a big way.
After a few years of growth, the
third annual Aiken-Augusta Wounded Warrior Charity Golf Classic will be held at
1 p.m. Monday at Woodside Plantation Country Club.
“I realized how patriotic everyone
is over here,” he said, “but we didn’t have anything like this in Aiken.”
Morrison expects a large number of
competitors to match last year’s field. The first year, the tournament had 75
players. Last year, that number doubled in size.
With the additional number of
players, Morrison said he hopes to see more money raised from the tournament,
which will go to support the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Gordon and
the Active Duty Rehab Unit at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center. The event
brought in $7,000 in its first year. Last year, the tournament raised $12,000.
This year, Morrison said, he hopes the event will bring in $20,000.
There will be two teams of Wounded
Warriors playing in the tournament, one group on the Jones Course and another
on the Cupp Course. Morrison said golf is a good way for these American heroes
to continue their recovery.
“They’ve found that golf is the best
way to rehabilitate them,” he said. “It doesn’t take a lot of strength, but it
does take balance and coordination.”
The event will unofficially start
during registration, with a military band playing patriotic songs. Then, the
color guard from Fort Gordon will assist with opening ceremonies.
“We’re very happy with the
tournament,” Morrison said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
Chris Gay
http://www.augustawarriorproject.org/ (website stripped of HTML and PHP)
In the last 12 months:
found 188 Warriors
permanent housing
assisted 305 Warriors to
enroll in school
helped 149 Warriors to
find employment
YOU can support your local Warriors! To donate using a credit card or PayPal,
just click here. Or you may mail a check to:
AUGUSTA WARRIOR PROJECT
4115 Columbia Road
Suite 5-333
Martinez, GA 30907-0410
(Please note: this is
our post office box, not our physical address. Services are provided at
other locations throughout the CSRA.)
The mission of the SSVF Program is to provide supportive services and limited
financial assistance to very low income veteran families. AWP has partnered
with the CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority and Goodwill Industries of Middle
Georgia to serve
veterans and
their families.
Upcoming Events
(For more info check out
our upcoming events)
706.951.7506 • augustawarriorproject@gmail.com
Staff
Jim Lorraine
Executive Director
Jim Lorraine is the
Executive Director of the Augusta Warrior Project,
an Augusta, Georgia
based not-for-profit organization with the mission
to provide warriors
(veterans/currently serving) and their families
a model advocacy program
in order to enhance their quality of life
and capitalize on the
Augusta regions ability to contribute to the warriors
and their families.
Prior to his current
duties Jim served as the founding Director of
the United States
Special Operations Command Care Coalition. A
wounded warrior advocacy
organization recognized as the gold
standard in supporting
over 4,000 special operations force wounded,
ill, or injured and
their families. During his six years as the Director of
the Care Coalition, Jim
also served as Special Assistant for Warrior
and Family Support to
the Chairman, Joint
Chiefs of Staff. In this
role he created a document transforming the Chairmans œSea of Goodwill concept
into
a strategy.
Jim served 22 years as
an Air Force Officer and Flight Nurse. His service includes operations in Saudi
Arabia,Central
America,Somalia,Haiti,Afghanistan, and Iraq. As a staff officer Mr.Lorraine
served as a Fellow
to the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, and lastly as the Deputy Command Surgeon for the United States Special
Operations
Command.
His military awards
include the Bronze Star, Secretary of Defense Outstanding Civilian Award,
USSOCOM
Outstanding Public
Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Chairman, Joint
Chiefs of Staff
Exceptional Civilian
Award.
Jim was born and raised
in Clinton, New York. He is a graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in
Nursing and Webster
University where he received a Masters degree in Computer Resources and
Information
Management.
Rosemary Forrest
Community Relations
Rosemary Forrest, Community Relations, has lived in the Augusta area most of
her adult life. Her father was a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Force
during WWII and two of her brothers also served in the Air Force, one in Korea,
the other in Vietnam. She manages the AWP message, writes their
publications and grants, and serves as the outreach coordinator.
Shay Simms
Benefits Advocate
Shay Simms, Warrior Advocate, attended Richmond Academy, before joining the
military, where she served 10 years with 3 tours in Iraq. After leaving the
military she relocated from FT. Bragg, NC to Augusta. She facilitates and
assists with gathering the necessary documentation and reviewing benefit claims
for accuracy, on behalf of veterans or family members.
Krystal Garcia
SSVF Advocate
Krystal Garcia, Warrior Advocate, has lived in the Augusta area for most of her
life. She graduated from Augusta State University with a degree in Social
Work and a Psychology minor. She was a Ground Intelligence Analyst in the Air
Force, stationed at Robins AFB. Both her father and step-father served in
the Army during Vietnam.
Jeanette Gilles
General Advocate
Jeanette Alderman Gilles, Warrior Advocate, received her undergraduate degree
from the University of South Carolina. She also holds a Master of Social
Work. She was literally born on base in Augusta at Eisenhower Medical
Center as her father was in the Army. Her brother and sister have both
served in the Air Force. She specializes in working with veterans who have
economic issues and those who need assistance with benefits.
Al Steele
Education Advocate
Al Steele, Warrior Advocate, retired from the Army with 30 years of service.
He specializes in educational issues and works directly with Warriors who
need assistance with education benefits.
Hugh Conlon
SSVF Advocate
Hugh Conlon, Warrior Advocate, is a native of Augusta, GA and served as U.S.
Army combat medic. Hugh deployed to Honduras, Panama, as well as during
Desert Shield/ Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired as a
Sargent First Class and his awards include the Bronze Star, the Combat Medical
Badge and the Parachutist Badge with star device for Airborne Assault. He has a
wife and two children.
Cheree Tham
SSVF Advocate
Cheree Tham, Warrior Advocate, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (SCSW).
She specializes in managing the Supportive Services for Veteran Families
program that helps with veteran housing issues.
Bridget McClaine
Advocate, Data Wiz
Bridget McClain, Warrior Advocate, conducts Warrior assessments and intakes.
She performs supportive services and makes referrals. She holds a degree
in Social Work from Augusta State University and served in the Army from
1997-2003.
Katherine Hyer
Warrior Advocate
Katherine Hyer, Warrior Advocate, is a veteran of the Air National Guard
(1995-1997) and is married to an active duty member of the Air Force. She
has her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii and
her Masters in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. She is the AWP
employment specialist and works with Warriors to help them find jobs. She
also works directly with major employers in the community to assist them in
hiring veterans.
Larry Millstead
Warrior Advocate
Larry Millstead, Warrior Advocate for the Aiken Warrior Project, is a native of
Newberry, SC and has lived in Aiken, SC, since 2004. He received his undergraduate
degree, in History, from Newberry College (Class of 1995) and has served in the
SC Army National Guard, since 2001. Larry served as a part of base security
(Fort Jackson, SC), under Operation Noble Eagle, and deployed to Djibouti
(Africa) and Kuwait, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. His Father served
in the US Army (Vietnam Era) and both his Step-Father and Grandfather retired
from the SC Army National Guard. Larrys Brother currently serves as a SC
Army National Guard Recruiter. Larry and his wife have one child.
Jasmine Moore
VISTA
Jasmine Moore is AWP's current Volunteer In Service To America (VISTA).
She is a student at Aiken Technical College where she studies computer networking.
Her father retired from the military as a First Sergeant. She does
volunteer and event coordination for AWP and is the point of contact for all
hunts and fishing tournaments.
706.951.7506 • augustawarriorproject@gmail.com
James Hull
Mr. Hull is a member manager of the Hull Storey Gibson Companies, LLC, and
board member of the First Tee of Augusta, Augusta Preparatory Day School,
Community Foundation of the CSRA, Augusta State University Foundation, and
formerly served on the boards of Historic Augusta, the Gertrude Herbert
Institute of Art, and the Morris Museum of Art.
W Thomas Matthews
Tom is the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation and very
supportive of many programs in Aiken SC and Augusta GA areas to include the
Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Fisher House, the area Boy Scouts, the Marine
Corps League, and the Matthew Dillon Foundation. After his service in the
Marine Corps, Tom became a leader in the nations financial sector retiring as
the President & CEO of Citi Smith Barney.
The Honorable Doug Barnard
From 1977-1993, Mr. Barnard served as Georgias 10th Congressional District Representative.
Mr. Barnard had previously served as Executive Secretary to Georgia Governor
Carl E. Sanders, Executive Vice President of the Georgia Railroad Bank and
Trust Company (now Wachovia), and was a founder of the Community Foundation of
the CSRA. He also served on the Alzheimers Foundation Day House Project, the
board of MCG Health Inc., and is an honorary member of the University Health
Care Foundation. Mr. Barnard is also a past President of the American US Army
Association.
Clay Boardman
Mr. Boardman is CEO of Flywheel, LLC. He serves as Chairman of the Georgia
Health Sciences Foundation. He serves on various community and business boards
such as the Community Foundation of the CSRA, First Bank of Georgia, Augusta
Tomorrow, Georgia Childrens Health Alliance, Oglethorpe Foundation,
Augusta-Harrisburg Fuller Center for Housing, Sixthman, LLC and Music with
Friends, LLC. He also serves as trustee for Paine College and Augusta
Preparatory Day School.
Jean Roper
Mrs. Roper is Vice President Member of Business Services for the Savannah River
Plant Federal Credit Union and past Chair of the Columbia County Chamber of
Commerce and board member of the First Tee of Augusta, Executive Committee
member of the Georgia Bankers Association Southern Audit and Operations School,
past President of the Executive Womens Golf Association, Augusta chapter, past
President of Financial Women International, Augusta chapter and past Chair,
Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee.
Perry Smith
Perry M. Smith is a teacher, speaker, TV and radio commentator and best-selling
author. Smith is the president of Visionary Leadership of Augusta, GA. He has
conducted workshops on leadership, strategic planning or ethics for Emory
University, University of Georgia, US Military Academy, Air War College,
Georgia Bankers Association, The Chautauqua Institution, The Commonwealth Club
of San Francisco, Texas Instruments, as well as the governors of three states,
and the mayor of Detroit. He now serves as a military consultant to CBS Radio
News. A retired major general, Smith served for 30 years in the U. S. Air
Force. A graduate of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, he later earned
his Ph.D. in International Relations from Columbia University.
Mason H. McKnight, III
Mason McKnight, III was born, raised and has been a lifetime resident of
Augusta, Georgia. Mason is the President and CEO of ACC Construction Company,
Inc. where he actively engages in the commercial construction business as a
third generation contractor. The Mason McKnight family in Augusta successfully
completed over $1.5 billion in governmental construction projects throughout
the south eastern US since the early 1980s specializing in military and school
construction.
Mason McKnight has
energetically supported numerous Augusta charities. Some of the Augusta
charities supported by Mr. McKnight are Girls, Inc., Morris Museum of Art,
Golden Harvest Food Bank, University Hospital, Episcopal Day School, Augusta
Preparatory Day School, Augusta State University, Augusta Warrior Project,
Community Foundation for the CSRA, Ronald McDonald House, Phinizy Swamp,
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Alzheimer;s Association, American Cancer
Society, Untied Way, The Augusta Symphony, Historic Augusta, Gertrude Hebert
Institute of Art and the Make a Wish Foundation. The McKnight Banquet Hall in
the new Harrisburg Community Kroc Center was so named because of the McKnight
familys avid support of that important community project.
Laurie Ott
Ms. Laurie Ott is President of University Health Care Foundation, a nonprofit
organization that supports University Health Care System and patient care at
the areas premier medical facility. University Health Care Foundation provides
many community benefits through its numerous endowments and funds, including
supporting the areas only certified Breast Health Center and providing free
mammograms to women who would otherwise not be able to afford them, supporting
patients with cancer, providing employees with continuing education, as well as
recently spearheading an $8 million capital campaign to build University
Hospitals Heart and Vascular Institute.
Prior to joining
University Health Care Foundation, Ms. Ott was the founding Executive Director
of the CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project.
Dana Atkins
Dana T. Atkins is President of The Augusta Chronicle. Prior to joining the
private sector he served as Lieutenant General in the US Air Force. At the time
of his retirement he was commander of Alaskan Command, Alaska NORAD Region,
Joint Task Force Alaska and 11th Air Force stationed at Joint Base
Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska.
During his career in the
USAF he served as a command pilot accumulating more than 4,000 hours in fighter
aircraft, as vice commander of the 7th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Korea,
Director of Operations for U.S. Pacific Command, and was special assistant to
the Supreme Allied Commander Europe during the air war over Serbia. During his
career, he flew as a demonstration pilot for both the European A-10
demonstration team and the Air Force Thunderbirds.
He earned his
bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Portland and
graduated with distinction from the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air
Force Base in Alabama. He earned master’s degrees in both
aeronautical sciences from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and
in national security strategy at the National War College, Fort Lesley J.
McNair, Washington, D.C.
Pete Caye
Mr. Pete Caye is CEO of Caye Properties. He is also on the board of Historic
Augusta, is a past board member of Regions Financial, and is past President of
the Augusta Golf Association.
706.951.7506 • augustawarriorproject@gmail.com
1st Annual
Georgia-Carolina Classic Rods & Rides Car Show
Saturday June 15, 2013 / 8:30am-6:00pm
This event will be held at the Hippodrome in North Augusta, Sc. Spectators fee
will be $7 and children under 12 are free. If you would like to enter you car
please email
csrahotrodassoc@aol.com.
Discovering the Power in Me
Date To Be Announced
Discovering the Power in Me is a two-day retreat designed especially for
military/veterans and spouses who have experienced a loss due to their service.
It may be health-related, as with an injury or illness or death, or it may concern
the loss of a relationship or other less tangible loss. Discovering the
Power in Me is designed to help individuals and couples find the strength
within to overcome such losses and move forward. There is no charge for
this workshop. See the find a form link on this website to
apply.
Please CLICK HERE to register for the event
Check back for more upcoming events
706.951.7506 • augustawarriorproject@gmail.com
Our Mission
The Augusta Model
The Four Step Plan
Connecting Warriors and their familes who live in the Greater Augusta area
of
Georgia and South Carolina (CSRA) with resources that improve their lives.
Augusta Warrior Projects
model is based on developing a proactive relationship with Warriors in order to
prevent or mitigate life crisis by holistically addressing issues early and
collectively with our partners. Warrior assistance is coordinated by Augusta
Warrior Project advocates. Our collaborative relationships with local, state,
and national organizations ensures the well-deserved support for our Warriors
and their families.
1. Connect
Find and link Warriors to the AWP network of resources
2. Educate
Inform Warriors of the services and opportunities available to them
3. Advocate
Ensure Warriors receive the support they have earned
4. Collaborate
Work with partners at all levels to facilitate total Warrior care
Our Model
Our Mission
The Augusta Model
The Four Step Plan
Success Stories
Sitrep
Financials
Supporters
Contact Us
once
or
monthly
Employment
Homelessness
Education
Strong relationships with local companies give us the ability to find
employment for our warriors. For example, we were able to find
employment for a warrior named Billy who had been out of work
for months. Our partnership with Goodwill enabled us to find him a
steady job.
œMy job search was going nowhere fast. I applied to several positions
that I was qualified
for, but never got a response. I am so
thankful for the Augusta
Warrior Project for putting me in front of the
right people. It feels
great to be back on my feet again. “ Billy S.
It is hard to believe
there are warriors in our community that are homeless.
We are combatting this
problem by creating awareness through
various community
outreach initiatives. The CSRA Economic Opportunity
Authority (EOA) is our
housing partner for warriors in need. We
work in tandem with the
EOA to put a roof over the head of any warrior
that has fallen on hard
times. Take George, for example. A homeless
warrior with no one else
to turn to, George found refuge in the
AWP.
œIm not sure where I
would be today without the Augusta Warrior
Project. They carried me
through what was probably the most difficult
time of my life. Thanks to
AWP, I now have a safe place to live and
am working toward a
certificate in law enforcement. ” George M.
We make sure warriors
take full advantage of G.I. Bill benefits they
have earned. Our
Veterans Education Coordinator offers guidance
and advice to warriors
who desire a higher education.
œThe AWP went to bat for
me when my VA Work-Study Program
application was denied.
They knew who to contact at the VA to
make sure my application
was approved. Thanks to the AWP, I am
pursuing my life-long
dream of a college education. ” Sue A.
Read Dwayne's Story
We make sure warriors
take full advantage of G.I. Bill benefits they
have earned. Our
Veterans Education Coordinator offers guidance
and advice to warriors
who desire a higher education.
œThis was a great first
experience with the Augusta Warrior Project.
This is what Dwane A.
had to say about his experience with an
AWP advocate: œAn Elite
professional who knows all the ins and
outs about her craft.
Her enthusiastic and motivating support is
unsurpassed. She has
shown her passion through her cornerstone
support to veterans and
many others. Im looking forward to attending
my next Warrior Project
event. Thank you again. ” Dwane A.
Read Sue's Story
Post navigation
Older posts
Why a telethon? Why now?
04/21/13
Reply
WJBF and WAGT, the ABC and NBC affiliates in Augusta are holding an all-day
telethon for Augusta/Aiken Warrior Project (AWP) on Tuesday, April 23. We
acknowledge that you might want to know why, and why now.
AWP operated for its
first few years in a planning mode, establishing collaborations, making
connections, putting the pieces together. It developed a model for a community
organization that is in use in several other communities in North Carolina,
Texas and Alabama. In 2011 it began to offer direct services to both serving
and veteran military and their families. Those services encompass a case
coordination approach that looks at clients as people, not problems. A
vast array of needs present themselves on a daily basis. AWP has put
together a crack team of advocates who serve those who have served us all.
Those planning years
required fewer resources than the current service years. Support from a
few could sustain us. Adding services required the addition of staff.
AWP has been extremely frugal, obtaining office space for both services
and administration at no cost to the organization. Our board picks up the
tab for our overhead. Until last month we did no fundraising, depending
solely on those who felt moved to give without asking.
Frankly, it is not
enough. If AWP is to continue to provide one-on-one services to Warriors, which
include housing, education, employment, and benefits, we need community
support. We understand that many in the community donate to other
organizations who may serve veterans but we need everyone to understand that
not all of those organizations serve veterans here. Also, some serve narrow
subsets of veterans and few provide assistance to serving military. If
there is need here, and there is, we need people here to support us.
So, the telethon is to
focus local attention on the very local problems, services and results we deal
with daily. AWP has been incredibly fortunate to have attracted such
great support without even asking for it. However, the wars in
Afghanistan and Iraq are drawing down and the military is discharging more men
and women back into our communities than it has for years. These heroes come
home to a changed country. Jobs are still scarce. Tuition payments are
higher. Housing funds are tight. Every one of these veterans could
have stayed home, gone to school, gotten jobs, purchased homes and not put
themselves in harms way for us. Every single one. Dont we owe them
something?
AWP believes we do.
We dont want them to come home and just fade into the background.
Some have disabilities and need help. Others have scars no one can
see. All face reintegration into civilian society. We can help but
only if you stand with us.
During our telethon we
will be asking for money but we want more than that. We want supporters.
We want individuals. We want businesses. We want people who
are willing to be our partners in service. We know money is tight.
We know there is no shortage of causes to which you can give. But when
our country is attacked we rely on volunteers to stand up, leave the comforts
of home and be prepared to fight and even die. As recent events have
underscored, we are vulnerable to attack at any time. How we treat our Warriors
upon their return home speaks volumes about our values.
We hope you call in and
stand with us.
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Catch us on TV, radio and on the web
03/22/13
Reply
You may notice that AWP is on your TV and radio now with short spots featuring
some of the veterans we have helped. Were doing this for two reasons: 1)
We need everyone to understand that we are not part of any other national group
with a similar name. We are an independent nonprofit local to the
Aiken/Augusta area. 2) We need your help to continue serving Warriors.
So watch and listen and give us a call. We have done no fund
raising until now but we cannot go on without YOUR help. Give once or
monthly. $240 over the course of a year allows us to serve one Warrior
and family. More Warriors are due home this year than last so there
is continued need for our services. Help us help them. Donate today.
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AWP welcomes VetCorps Volunteers
03/01/13
Reply
Most people are familiar with the Peace Corps, that national program that sends
American volunteers to other countries for a year or two to help with
everything from developing safe water to teaching. A lesser known program
is similar but keeps the volunteers at home to help nonprofits.
AmeriCorps has two programs AWP uses: Volunteers In Service To America
(VISTA) and VetCorps.
Our VISTA is Jasmine
Moore, an Aiken Technical Student who is working in our community relations
department to help get the word out about AWP. Shes been with us for a
few months. Newer are Robert Murphy and Cassandra RosaRosa, both VetCorps
members. VetCorps members are veterans who continue to serve their
country in this civilian capacity. Robert is a former Marine and is our
liaison on the campuses of Aiken Technical College and the University of South
Carolina, Aiken. Cassandra served in the Air Force and is Roberts counterpart
on the Georgia side of the river with the colleges in and around Augusta.
Both also are available off-campus as needed to serve Warriors.
So join us in welcoming
all three AmeriCorps volunteers!
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Workplace Programs for Veterans
02/07/13
Reply
As 2013 begins, more and more service members are coming home from Iraq and
Afghanistan. Many of those men and women are making their move out of the
military and into the civilian workforce. There are many reasons veterans make
excellent assets to any company or organization roster.
They are highly
disciplined. Military training requires service members to follow direction and
follow it well.
They are accountability
oriented. Military branches emphasize personal management of ones own career,
including additional training and certificates.
They tend to be
well-trained and often well-educated.Veterans are process-oriented, just like
their training and military education taught them to be.
They approach problem
solving in unique ways. If they have had combat duty, past military members
have likely worked in high-pressure situations with minimal resources.
Hiring a veteran is more
than patriotism; its about recruiting high caliber, high quality people to join
your team. Making the transition from military to civilian life isnt easy. As
an employer, there are a few things you can do to ease the transition, the most
important of which is acknowledging it.
Understanding the
transition
Despite their talent,
unemployment among military veterans is still higher than the national average.
One reason may be because of the stark switch from military to civilian life.
After all, leaving a highly regimented way of life to begin a far less
regulated lifestyle takes some getting used to.
Identifying veterans may
be the first step, but identifying with veterans throughout their civilian
career is the second, more trying task for agencies, businesses and companies
alike.
Workplace programs to
ease the transition
Luckily, there are many
ways to ease the transition for veterans. From employee assistance programs to
workplace flexibility and support groups, heres what you need to know about
adapting to veterans afteryouve recruited them.
If youre going to hire
one, hire two. Working together is a fundamental part of military training.
Having two or more people on your team able to connect based on their military
past is a tremendous help, even if only as sounding boards for one another
because they have things in common, things like multiple tours of duty and
combat experience.
Employee assistance
programs work. Create a veteran-specific employee assistance program so that veterans
in your organization have a group of people theyre able to contact and connect
with if theyd like to. You may want to distribute executive notepads to members
of the group, a place where theyll be able to track meeting minutes and
conversations. Spread the word about the initiative with the help of customized
posters around the workplace.
Start an awareness or
support group. Combine both veterans and civilian employees so as to help one
group better understand the other. This may be especially helpful in terms of
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other lasting effects of combat duty.
Take the case of Sgt. Daniel Ware for example: His employer put a mirror
in Wares cubicle œso he could see coworkers walk up behind him. It was a huge
help after Daniels tumultuous tour of duty in helping him feel safe.
Facilitate flexibility.
Give veterans just a little more flexibility. Booz Allen Hamilton®, a strategic
policy and research organization, allows their employees the opportunity to
job-share, work as their schedule allows and offers childcare services for
those just returning from deployment. You could implement a phase-in program
where veterans begin part-time and work their way to full-time hours. Equip
them with a wall calendar or daily planners to help them schedule their time.
Veterans are valuable.
They can contribute a great deal to your workplace. Look for ways to make their
transition from military to civilian life just a little bit easier when they
join yours.
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From The Augusta Chronicle, January 27, 2013
01/28/13
Reply
Five years in, Augusta
Warrior Project shows impressive action
By Perry Smith
Columnist
A program to help
wounded warriors that was started by Jim Hull and Laurie Ott just five years
ago has blossomed into something very special indeed. The following is an
update on the leadership of this project and some important actions that have
been undertaken recently. This will be followed by how you can help support and
extend tl1e mission of the Augusta Warrior Project.
Formerly called the CSRA
Wounded Warrior Care Project, the AWP has broadened its mission to assist both
wounded warriors and other veterans needing assistance. The executive director
is Jim Lorraine. When he was chosen for his position in 2011, it was clear that
there was no person in America better qualified to replace Laurie Ott. A
retired Air Force officer, Jim had extensive experience caring for fuose
wounded warriors with the greatest amount of close combat experience
– the special operators in the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.
Prior to moving to the
CSRA, Jim served as the founding director of the United States Special
Operations Command Care Coalition, a wounded wanior advocacy organization that
supports more than 5,000 special operators who are
wounded, ill or injured.
An important part of that mission is to provide care for their families. During
this time Jim also served under Adm. Mike Mullen as tl1e chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staffs special assistant focused on wounded warrior and militaty
family issues.
Here a number of
important programs that the AWP has recently undertaken:
¢ Homeless veterans.
This is an acute problem in many American cities – an ongoing
tragedy. The story in our area is wonderlul. Two years ago, there were 183
homeless veterans in Richmond and Columbia counties. Today there are almost
none. The AWP, working with community partners, has found permanent housing for
these veterans. The AWP also has assisted many of these formerly homeless
veterans in enrolling in school, finding employment and obtaining the full
benefits they have earned as veterans. In addition, the AWP constantly is in
search of homeless veterans
throughout the CSRA.
¢ Finding jobs. In just
the past 90 days, the AWP, with the assistance of many businesses in the local
area, has placed 83 veterans into full-time, well-paying jobs.
¢ Educational opportunities.
Many veterans need help in dealing with various bureaucracies to take full
advantage of the benefits provide by the G.I. Bill. In 2012, with the
assistance of Georgia Regents University, Paine College, the
University of South
Carolina Aileen, Augusta Tech and Aileen Tech, the AWP has placed 152 veterans
into college or training programs.
¢ The Aiken Warrior
Project. To fully support veterans in the CSRA counties of South Carolina, the
Augusta Warrior Project created the Aiken Warrior Project in 2012.
¢ Entertainment
initiatives. The AWP arranged for Gary Sinise and the Lieutenant Dan Band to
perform at Fort Gordon. In addition, the AWP works closely with Donnie Thompson
to ensure that the annual Thunder Over Augusta extravaganza is a success. This
year, it is scheduled for May 18. Again, it will be at the Evans Towne Center
Pavilion.
If this program is to
continue doing its great work, it will need your financial support. What can
you do? Here are some suggestions:
¢ Donate to the AWP. It
is very easy. Electronically donate through its website
(www.augustawarriorproject.org); send a check to the Augusta Warrior Project,
4115 Columbia Road, Suite 5-333, Ma1tinez, GA 30907-0410; or call (706) 434-
1707 to arrange a
payment method.
¢ Support the five-kilometer
Reid on the Run,; which takes place on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 2,
starting at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church at 2261 Walton Way. Seventy-five
percent of the proceeds go to the AWP and 25 percent to the church for its
childrens ministries. Registration begins at 8 a.m. on race day, or you may
register in advance by downloading a registration form from
www.reidchurchaugusta.org. All ages are welcome to participate in this family
friendly event. The one-mile Fun Run is a great way to support this event on a
low-impact level.
After the runs, join
fellow runners for a light breakfast on the lawn of the church. The Fun Run
starts at 9 a.m., and the 5K run/walk at 9:30 a.m. Cant make it Saturday but
still want to support this fine cause? Send a check made out to Reid Memorial
Presbyterian Church and send it to 2261 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904.
I will be there and will
participate in the one-mile event. I would love to have company.
(The writer- a retired
U.S. Air Force major general- is the president of the board of trustees of the
Augusta Museum of History. His email address is genpsmith@aol.com.)
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What does it mean to address problems holistically?
01/18/13
Reply
Next Tuesday, January 22nd, AWP will be participating in a major hiring event
for veterans. Hiring Our Heroes is a national job fair that is always
brought to communities through a local Chamber of Commerce. This allows
veterans to see what is available nationally as well as locally. We hope
to help a number of veterans find good jobs during this event but this is a
problem we address daily.
Many of the veterans we
help are homeless or about to become homeless. Others are stuck in life,
unmotivated and unsure what to do with their lives as civilians. Some are
wounded, some are otherwise injured and some are just fine. There is no
one-size-fits-all treatment that will work for every individual who needs our
help. So we assess each person holistically. If one is homeless we
see that not only as a problem but also as a symptom. Often, that person
is homeless because of a lack of income. So we ask why there is no
income. Is it because one could not find a job? Or perhaps one has
a disability and cannot work but was turned down for benefits. Whatever
the problem, our advocates find solutions. It may entail enrolling in
school or working with us to find employment. We create partnerships with
employers in the community to enhance the opportunities for veterans every day.
In short, we see the
person, not just the problem. We dont just help the wounded. We dont just
help the homeless. We dont just help one branch of the armed forces.
We help the Army vet with the infected tooth and the widow of the WWII
sailor. We help the 26-year-old airman who is having a hard time
transitioning back to civilian life and his Vietnam era uncle. We see beyond
the problem and try to give each Warrior we serve a better life.
If you want to have a
part of this, click on the yellow seal above. We need and welcome your
support!
Hiring Our Heroes
– Tuesday, January 22 – 9 a.m. – 12 noon
at the Savannah Rapids
Pavilion.
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Dance the Night Away! Its Shamrock For Soldiers!
01/17/13
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Our partners at MedEx are hosting the second annual Shamrocks For Soldiers, a
black-tie event in support of AWP. There will be heavy hors doeuvre, beer and
wine, dessert and live music from the Tams. Attendees will receive $2,500 in
casino cash. There will be dancing, a silent auction, and a raffle. Support AWP
and have a great time! $70 for Individual tickets, $135 for Couples.
Get out those dancing shoes, polish off that lucky charm and come out in
support of local Warriors and their families. All proceeds stay local.
March 9th, 7-9 pm at
Sacred Heart Cultural Center. Be there!
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Who will stand with us?
01/11/13
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The Augusta Warrior Project (AWP) is a sterling example of a nonprofit: low
overhead costs, an involved board of directors, astute leadership, quantifiable
results, efficient delivery of services and dedicated staff. It has
become a model for community-based organizations that serve veterans across the
country and has been recognized as such by high-level military leaders and
singled out in the Well After Service report published last year by the
respected Center for a New American Security. Yet, AWPs future is uncertain due
to a lack of financial support by the very community it serves.
At AWPs inception, the
decision was made not to fundraise. It was believed then that the focus of the
organization should be on doing the work and not on fundraising. We still
believe this. Other groups, even some well-known national groups, spend a third
or more of their money raising funds. Some walk a dicey legal line and
some are outright frauds “ all in the name of helping our military and
veterans. AWP has a broad but local focus: all Warriors, all local.
Augusta is a military
town. It is the home of Fort Gordon and boasts a two-division Veterans
Administration Medical Center as well as Eisenhower Hospital. It is the second
largest town in Georgia and the service area targeted by AWP includes 13
counties across both Georgia and South Carolina. That is why it is shocking
that an organization that successfully addresses critical life areas such as
housing, employment, benefits, education and more should find itself with just
22 regular, committed supporters.
AWP estimates that 1,500
supporters (individuals, small businesses or other entities) giving at a rate
of $20 a month or $240 a year would provide secure funding for its programs for
years to come. Who are among the 22 who have put their wallets behind their
claims of support? A small businesswoman in Aiken whose son is serving,
an elementary school and a high school in Augusta, another school in Aiken
County, a hot dog vendor from Waynesboro, and several other individuals who
give consistently for the cause they believe in. The question is not so
much who gives but why more are not joining them? Perhaps it is the perception
that AWP is synonymous with that other Warrior group that operates out of
another state and focuses only on the seriously wounded from the current wars.
That group rakes in the money but it is a totally separate group from
AWP.
If AWP is not supported
by the Augusta community where nearly everyone has a family member who has
served, or knows someone who is serving, or at least purports to support
veterans, who will support it? What will it take to make folks commit?
AWP is doing the work, getting excellent results, and yet may fail to
survive. So were asking: If you want to support Warriors and you want
your money to stay in the local area, wont you consider just $20 a month?
AWP works here.
Where does your money work?
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Hiring Our Heroes
01/07/13
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Join us January 22, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, for a job fair for veteran
job seekers, active duty military members, Guard and Reserve members, and
military spouse in the Savannah Rapids Pavilion, 3300 Evans to Locks Road
Martinez, GA. This event will be a one-of-a-kind FREE hiring fair for both
employers and job seekers.
For registration
questions, please contact hiringourheroes@uschamber.com.
EMPLOYERS
Must register for FREE
at HOH.Greatjob.net
JOB SEEKERS
Register for FREE at
HOH.Greatjob.net
to guarantee admission.
Walk-ins welcome but space not guaranteed.
2013 Hiring Our Heroes “
Augusta GA
Savannah Rapids Pavilion
3300 Evans to Locks Road
Martinez, Georgia 30907
Tuesday, January 22,
2013
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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The Month Ahead
01/03/13
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This month, Jan. 25th, is AWPs first-ever X-box Tournament for Veterans.
Were teaming up with Level Up, a gaming business in Martinez. There will
be snacks and prizes (no alcohol!) and a great deal of fun as participants
enjoy the newest Call of Duty game. Registration is ongoing. Use
the form, available on Friday, on this website under Forms; or call
706-951-7506 or send an email to jmoore.awp@gmail.com expressing interest.
Also, Reid Memorial
Presbyterian Church will hold Reid on the Run on Feb. 2nd. This 5K (or
one mile Fun Run) is a fundraiser for AWP so we ask you to put on your running
shoes! You can contact Jasmine at the above number/email for more information.
One more quick thing.
Our advocates have noticed a need among veterans for bus passes.
Our men and women in uniform served us and we have resources available
for them but they have to be able to get around town to secure them. If
you have bus passes youd like to donate, call Krystal at 706-421-2291.
