Hope For The Warriors® - wounded warrior projects to support soldiers wounded in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars

. . . . . . . . . . A WARRIOR'S WISH®
Recognized as a Newman's Own Award Winning Innovative Program for 2007

Past Wishes

A Warrior's Wish® supports the long-term goal of hope beyond recovery. These Wishes fulfill a desire for a better quality of life or support a quest for life-gratifying endeavors. Knowing that wishes can come true directly affects service members' spirits in addition to the families and communities that support them. Whether realizing a dream to sail, ride a bike again, or own a home adapted to specialized needs, Hope For The Warriors® honors the goals and desires of wounded service members and their families.

Below are just some of the Wishes that have been granted by Hope For The Warriors® since 2006.

Spc Joseph Paulk, Jr., USA

Army Specialist Joseph Paulk, Jr. was injured in Afghanistan on July 5, 2007 when his tactical vehicle was hit by 3 anti-tank mines, flipping it over and igniting the fuel tank. Although Joey suffered significant injuries during the attack, tragically, his team leader lost his life. On July 8, after being transported from Germany to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, Joey remained in a coma until several days after his first lifesaving surgery.

Cpl Ronnie Porta, USMC

On May 5, 2007, the world changed for Ronnie when his humvee hit a roadside IED--a blast that killed two Marines instantly and severely burned Ronnie. Though his family was rushed to his bedside in Germany to say goodbye, Ronnie beat the odds. His prognosis was devastating: 3rd, 4th and 5th degree burns over 35% of his total body surface area and subsequent right arm amputation, facial disfigurement with the loss of his nose, damage to ears and eye sockets, and loss of fingers on his left hand.

Sgt Ashley Craft, USMC

Marine Corps Sergeant suffered multiple physical injuries (shattered elbow, fractured hip, head injury, eye injuries) and suffers from severe PTSD. In his Doctor's words he is a 65 yr old in a 24 yr olds body and is most likely unable to work a traditional job again. Wish is for short haired, full bred German Sheppard puppies to provide companionship and to breed. Breeding the dogs will help him feel as if his life has a purpose again.

SGT Terry Saffron, USA

We are the Saffron family. On May 5, 2004 an IED blast ripped through my husband vehicle killing his two young soldiers and wounding him severely. He was not reunited with his family until May 15, 2004. Since that time the long range scope of his injuries are that he had his lower right mandible removed and he lost most of the muscle tissue in his upper right arm which includes the bicep, triceps and his deltoid had to be tacked down. He has an 8” bar held with screws permanently in his arm since there is no muscle to strengthen it and he had over 4 inches of bone shattered and removed then new bone grafted in.

SSG Justin Lynn, USA

On March 11, 2007 my life was changed forever. I was hit by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq which resulted in the amputation of my right leg below the knee. I have spent the past 8 months learning how how to walk and the complete the day to day activities which I face. Prior to my injury golf was a big part of my life.

On the night Justin came home with the news of your organization granting his "golf wish", his eyes had hope again. It seemed as if his soul was coming back to life. Your gift has given our son his father back again! From a wife and mothers heart, I will personally be forever grateful to your generosity! Thank you for granting him this wish. It goes deeper than just golf clubs!

SPC Peter Richert, USA

The IED blast caused me to have an above the knee amputation. I also sustained shrapnel to my left leg, left hand, and face. The severity of the shrapnel wounds to my left leg left me needing a fasciotomy. While being cared for in Iraq, the medical staff punctured my lung by attempting to put in a central IV line by my left collar bone.

SGT John Botts, USA

My name is SGT John A. Botts, and I am a wounded soldier from Operaion Iraqi Freedom. I am a left above knee amputee, and an avid golfer. I heard about your organization from a fellow amputee, and would like to apply for a new set of golf clubs. Golf to me has been a good rehabilitation activity; I played a lot before my injury and am continuing to play. I think it is important for wounded soldiers to stay active in sports because it lets us feel that we are still normal and can still participate in the activities that we have always been a part of, so I would benefit and greatly appreciate a new set of clubs. Thank you!

PFC Adam Putt, USA

Thank you for considering me for the A Warrior's Wish, it means a lot to me that there are so many people and organizations willing to help out all of wounded solders.

Paula Zwillinger - A Mother's Wish

Topping Paula Zwillinger’s Christmas list this year isn’t something neither friends nor family can buy at the local department store. You won’t find it displayed among the pages of holiday catalogues crammed in neighborhood mailboxes. It won’t be packaged in a neat box with a shiny red ribbon. Paula’s gift this holiday will be arriving special delivery, tied up with heartstrings.

This Christmas, Paula Zwillinger is asking to meet with the staff of a Combat Support Hospital unit (CSH) and thank them for the courageous work they do day in and day out. You see Paula’s son, Lcpl Robert Mininger, 21, was deployed to Iraq and served there 6 months when he was killed by an IED. Her son spent his final minutes in a Baghdad CSH. By making this trip she hopes to not only thank those at the Combat Support Hospital but also spend time with the wounded who are in those hospitals and far from home during the holidays.

2ndLt Andrew Kinard, USMC

An Oct. 29 bomb blast in Iraq cost Andrew, a second lieutenant, the use of his legs and caused him several other internal and external injuries -- including the loss of 100 percent of his hearing in his right ear and 45 percent of his hearing in his left.

On Sunday, April 1, 2007, 2ndLt. Andrew Kinard returned to Camp Lejeune. His stay is a story worth reading, please read more to hear how Andrew Kinard got his wish.

Cpl Chris Santiago, USMC

Chris Santiago is a 22 year-old from West Virginia and a proud Marine. On Sept. 16, Cpl Chris Santiago stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). Since that day he has endured more than 15 surgeries, including the amputation of both of his legs below the knees. He lost two fingers on his left hand, and he's anticipating more surgeries to help repair other injuries to his left arm.

Sgt Shurvon J. Phillip, USMC

On May 7, 2005, while on maneuvers and patrol in Al Anbar Iraq, the humvee that Sgt Phillip was riding in was struck by an improvised explosive device. SGT Phillip suffered a multitude of critical injuries in the explosion, including traumatic brain injury. He now zealously fights the daily challenges of complete paralysis and the inability to control bodily functions.

Presently the Phillips are residing in a small apartment, completely inadequate for the care that is needed. Hope For The WarriorsT, in partnership with other nonprofit organizations, has pledged to raise $100,000 as a down payment for a house that will sufficiently meet the space requirements for the equipment needed to sustain his life as well as provide a sanctuary for a Marine who refuses to give up.

Sgt Eddie Ryan, USMC

Sgt Eddie Ryan, USMC was shot twice in his head while serving in Iraq. It has been a long 2 1/2 years but with thousands of prayers and the strength befitting a Marine and his family, Sgt Ryan is now at home with his family. A request was made to Hope For The Warriors™ to find a specialized wheelchair for Eddie. An opportunity for him to spend more time outside and even in the woods, maybe go hunting again.