America’s Heroes First Foundation’s very first grant ($20,000) was presented to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in support of their Combat Casualty Assistance Visiting Nurse Program. This grant was made possible through thoughtful employees at MOGAS Industries and ACE Hardware stores in Kingwood and The Woodlands, Texas who were the very first companies to embrace our payroll deduction donation program. We value, appreciate and thank you for sharing our vision.
Admiral Steve Abbot, USN (Retired), President and CEO, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, with Ruthi Moore, Director of the Society’s Visiting Nurses Program, accept a Grant from Vice Admiral Daniel Cooper, USN (Retired), Chairman of the Grant Committee and Member of the Board of Directors, America’s Heroes First Foundation.
America’s Heroes First Foundation’s generous grant made a difference to more than 56 Sailors, Marines, their families and caregivers. Our CCA Visiting Nurses continue to work closely with caseworkers to identify unmet needs where the Society may be the only organization unencumbered by government regulations to provide direct and immediate financial assistance. We are grateful to you and your donors for your generous support – you have made a difference! I am pleased to provide highlights of how the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society put your thoughtful $20,000 grant to use in support of our Combat Casualty Nurse Program:
- Daily taxi fare ($215) for an injured Sailor receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (RNMMC). Assigned off-base commercial lodging, he is not medically cleared to drive and the hotel is not within a reasonable walking distance.
- Nutritional supplement ($1,296) for an injured Marine trying to gain enough weight to undergo gastric-tube reconstruction. TRICARE does not cover the cost of the supplement. The supplement is ordered by the Society from the manufacturer and delivered monthly to his parent’s home where he is recuperating.
- Money for basic living expenses, gas and uniforms ($500) for an Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) who was recalled to Active Duty to complete his rehabilitation at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) - not within commuting distance from his family and support network. The Society stepped up immediately to cover costs while various agencies disputed entitlements.
- Vehicle repairs ($1,983) for an injured Marine to attend rehabilitation multiple times per week at a nearby MTF. A single parent, he could not rely on the MTF shuttle to meet the opening/closing times of the base child development center. The repairs to his car ensure he does not incur excessive over-time day care charges. Because of his medical status he lost all special pays related to his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). His unit was instrumental in seeking the Society’s assistance.
- Conversion of a loan to a grant ($5,280) for a Marine who had received an interest-free loan for car repairs in the fall of 2011. He was injured in 2012 immediately after arriving in theatre. His injuries, and the subsequent loss of special pays related to his MOS, made his loan repayment a serious hardship for his family.
- Health and Comfort grants ($10,778) to 51 wounded Marines and Sailors arriving stateside from their theatre of operation. Rescued by a Medic in the field and flown to the nearest field hospital, these combat casualties arrived without personal items (soap, deodorant, shaving gear, underwear, and phone cards), uniforms and family photos. The Society’s Health and Comfort grants allow these warriors to purchase personal items at their discretion and give them autonomy and independence in an otherwise complex and intimidating situation.