It’s the last day of National Military Appreciation Month, but the beginning of an exciting new journey for a group of injured warriors! Freedom Station II officially opened on May 29, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Stan Getchman of Stanley Dean Construction, the man who helmed this massive project to completion. His passion, talent, tirelessness, and care for our warriors brought the ‘home of the brave’ to life, and Stan is forever part of our family. Below, he shares what working with our foundation has meant to him. “I have been so fortunate to work with Warrior Foundation Freedom Station II for the past nine years, helping to turn their dreams into realities. It means everything to be part of something bigger than oneself, and this foundation is so needed and beloved in our proud military town. Having worked on Freedom Station I, I took the lessons learned from that first transitional housing residence and used them to create Freedom Station II. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I feel honored to see it come to fruition for these deserving men and women. We have veterans who put everything on the line and paid a steep price. When those warriors come home, the transition to civilian life is challenging. Add a significant injury, whether visible or invisible, and life can seem overwhelming. This is where Warrior Foundation Freedom Station steps in and assists with getting these warriors on the path to a civilian life that’s productive and meaningful. I’ve seen it firsthand and the transformation is remarkable. It’s not often you find a foundation like this. Everything they do aligns perfectly with their mission. You can donate your hard-earned money and know, without a doubt, that donation will go directly to meet the needs of ill and injured warriors. Everyone at Stanley Dean Construction takes immense pride in our relationship with Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. They are great Americans and epitomize what every foundation should aspire to be. We look forward to supporting them for years to come!"

Our National Military Appreciation Month celebration continues! Meet the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station Task Force, a vital part of our family. This hard-working team has volunteered with us every single week, without fail, for years and always makes magic happen for our warriors! Whether they're assembling care packages to ship to troops in Baghdad, preparing cottages for move-in at Freedom Station II, or managing Christmas gift packing day, we are certain these lovely ladies have superpowers. Below, they share their thoughts on volunteering with the foundation. “The reason I initially joined Warrior Foundation Freedom Station as a volunteer was a very selfish one. I had just recently retired and was looking for something to do. Over the years, this organization has become very near and dear to my heart. Seeing what we all do as volunteers, and the appreciation and joy we receive from the veterans, is amazing. WFFS helps our military in so many ways it makes me proud to be a part of it.” - Jan Brodeur “It is an honor to be part of an organization that focuses on the needs of our veterans who have unselfishly served to protect our basic freedoms. The veterans and their families have sacrificed at great losses, and to see the smiles and gratitude we receive for the various programs of support that WFFS has is rewarding. Thank you to a wonderful organization.” - Irene Beauchamp “Warrior Foundation Freedom Station has become a second family for me. Since I began volunteering in 2013, I have seen the true dedication given to these service members from some of the best individuals I've had the pleasure of knowing. My favorite thing about the organization is the reaction from both veterans and their families - when they hear that there is hope, that people will help them every step of the way, and that they aren't alone. The uptick in their voices, the way their eyes light up, the hope when they might have been at their limits. Seeing the progress these families make together is a special privilege that I will always carry with me.” - Twylla Grace “Our military and their families have sacrificed tremendously for our country, and their sacrifices have ensured our freedom today. I want to do everything I can to show them how thankful my family and I are for them, and how much we appreciate what they have done for our country. I appreciate being a part of the WFFS family and supporting their wonderful programs.” - Donna Hester "I am so honored to be a part of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station because it is a volunteer-driven organization that is there to serve our warriors’ needs. My family and I feel blessed to live in a free country and we know that it’s the many sacrifices of our military members and their families that make that possible. Volunteering with Warrior Foundation Freedom Station is one small way that I can show my appreciation." - Shannon Kelly “I was looking for a local volunteer organization that supported our U.S. military and their families. WFFS was a great fit for me as they provide transitional housing and various programs for veterans and their families. It is extremely rewarding for me to see the direct positive impact that WFFS programs have on the military community. I am fortunate to be a small part of this fantastic organization! Freedom is never free - support those who have bravely served our country.” - Carla Wangerin

We are honored to continue our National Military Appreciation Month celebration with Sergeant Jhoonar Barrera, retired from the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division. After serving for nearly a decade in one of the military's elite fighting forces, this soldier is now a force to be reckoned with on the courts as a member of our championship-winning Wolfpack basketball team! Jhoonar reflects on his military service below. "L - Loyalty D - Duty R - Respect S - Selfless Service H - Honor I - Integrity P - Personal Courage Being a part of the 82nd Airborne transformed me into a different breed. I loved the camaraderie and the relationships I had with all of the guys. It wasn’t all about just taking an oath; it had been a lifestyle chosen by faith to be the very best version of one’s self - trained to implement the core values that every soldier embodies. The Army lit a fire in me that I never had before and taught me to carry it on for a lifetime. I am blessed to be a part of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station and the Wolfpack because they bring that feeling of fighting for something bigger than myself again. I want to thank all of the heroes that continue to serve, past, present and future.”

During National Military Appreciation Month, we continue giving recognition and appreciation to our behind-the-scenes movers and shakers. We are proud to recognize Sandy Moul, Director of Communications and Development for the foundation. As a strong visionary, she is able to illustrate to our volunteers, donors and others the issues that are so intensely important regarding the needs of our ill and injured warriors. Sandy has a clear and positive understanding of our military and the battles they work to overcome after their injuries. Sandy has been a highly valued member of our board for twelve years and always finds time to work one on one with any warrior who walks through her door. She absolutely excels in her professional field as well as excelling as a patriotic, warm, caring and classy lady.

“You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you. Here, in this place where the West held together, let us make a vow to our dead. Let us show them by our actions that we understand what they died for. Let our actions say to them the words for which Matthew Ridgway listened: 'I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.' Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their valor, and borne by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died.” - President Ronald Reagan Excerpted from His Remarks at the 40th Anniversary Ceremony of the Normandy Invasion, D-day U.S. Ranger Monument, Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France June 6, 1984 To the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station holds you forever in our hearts.