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(please put "Chopper of Honor" in the sponsoring section of the donation form)

Purpose:
Over the last five years, the media has exposed the American public to the wounds of the war on terrorism, yet time and distance work to diminish the impact these experiences have on the lives of much of the general population. The reality is that many of the Wounded Warriors and families who have placed a face on traumatic events since 9-11 will face a lifetime of recovery and reintegration within our communities. In an effort to increase awareness across the United States and engage citizens to take an active role in supporting returning service members, the Injured Warriors Campaign will build a custom chopper to honor the sacrifices and spirit of American heroes. The Chopper, an icon of support, will be present in bike shows and showcased in organizations across the nation. While the bike is touring and on display, the Injured Warriors Campaign will accept contributions to help meet the needs of injured service men and women and their families in partnership and collaboration through Hope For The Warriors™ programs.

The Inaugural Project:
The Chopper of Honor will symbolize the resolve of the American people, through customized frame and graphics that honor those who freely gave of themselves to see freedom prosper.

The Injured Warriors Campaign has selected M&M Choppers, a company in Galva, Ks, to build this custom chopper. M&M Choppers was selected based on its history of artistic ability, honesty, practicality, and location. Seven bikes built at this company have been recognized in national magazines and won numerous awards. The initial cost of the bike and administration fees will be approximately $50,000. Excess funds raised prior to the completion of the bike will go directly to Hope For The Warriors™. Bike construction will begin as donations are received. All cash donations received while the bike is on tour or display will also go directly to Hope For The Warriors™. Donations will also be taken online through the Injured Warriors Campaign website. Companies and individuals contributing to the initial investment will be recognized nationally by the Injured Warriors Campaign and on the Hope For The Warriors™ website.

History:
The Injured Warriors Campaign, a Java Johns foundation idea, was inspired by John Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson, a well respected business man from McPherson, KS, served as a Marine from 1987-1994 and was moved by the dedication and undaunted spirit of his past platoon commander, now Lieutenant Colonel Tim Maxwell, wounded in action. Mr. Ferguson, one of the first men to serve under Lieutenant Colonel Tim Maxwell, highly respects the leadership he received while serving with Lt. Col. Maxwell and turned this loyalty into the founding of the Injured Warriors Campaign.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Maxwell, a ‘Super Marine’ who has served for 19 years and deployed overseas six times, was injured in Iraq on October 7, 2004 while on his sixth tour. After being hit with shrapnel in the brain from a mortar round, he was unable to read, remember, and speak clearly. Despite personal challenges, Lt. Col. Maxwell continued to serve, becoming a mentor and advocate for other Wounded Warriors. Through his insight, it became clear that wounded Marines felt isolated, separated from their team, unable to continue their past job duties and attempting to find life in the states with no one to turn to. Realizing this was an issue; Lt. Col. Maxwell conceptualized a centralized barracks for injured Marines, known as the Wounded Warrior Barracks. This concept has now become part of the Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiment.

Lt. Col. Maxwell has been honored by several organizations and received numerous military medals including the Purple Heart. The December 2007 issue of Esquire magazine named Lt. Col. Maxwell one of “America’s Best and Brightest of 2007.” Lt. Col. Maxwell and his family continue to inspire United States citizens. After Lt. Col. Maxwell’s injury, his wife, Shannon Maxwell, co-founded a non-profit organization known as Hope For The Warriors™.

Publicity Campaign:
The Injured Warriors Campaign has many supporters, including Darin Massey a NASA engineer. Other individuals from NASA have also confirmed support. Celebrities have been contacted by the Injured Warriors Campaign and endorsements are underway. These individuals will help the organization by providing national recognition to the cause. The chopper will be featured in magazines all around the United States.