July4Article

Photo by Prixel Creative

The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And there is one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission. -John F. Kennedy

Happy fourth of July! While we are enjoying time with our families, fireworks, or just looking forward to a long weekend, we can do so while reflecting on our freedom and thanking those who paid for it. Here are a few organizations we can celebrate as we thank those who served America to keep that freedom!

01 | HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS
Hope for the Warriors believes those touched by military service can succeed at home by restoring their sense of self, family, and hope. Nationally, Hope For The Warriors® provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, and military families that are focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources.

02 | USO (UNITED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS)
Millions of times each year at hundreds of locations around the world, the USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families.  A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities. The USO is not part of the U.S. government, but is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and President of the United States, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the USO.

03 | HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS
Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization building specially adapted, mortgage-free homes nationwide for the most severely injured Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar donated to Homes for Our Troops has gone to directly to the services for Veterans program. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives.

04 | THANKS USA
Thanks USA provides college, technical and vocational school need-based scholarships for the children and spouses of US military personnel.  Since 2006, ThanksUSA has awarded nearly 3,400 scholarships with a total value of over $10 million.

FROM THE EDITOR
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