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 the 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 those 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 warrior 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 the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff’s special assistant focused on wounded warrior and military 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 wonderful. 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
Aiken, Augusta Tech and Aiken 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, Martinez, 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 children’s
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. Can’t 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.
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