Testimonials

"I cannot thank the Warrior Foundation enough. They gave me an opportunity that I know my father wanted me to have. They simply are the best."

Stephanie Matos

"Bless you for giving me a once in a lifetime opportunity. Thank you for remembering my father and his children. Your organization and this gift you have given me makes me feel like my father, who died 22 years ago, is reaching down from heaven and giving me a hug. Thank you." Meagan Powell, daughter of Col. William Powell, U.S. Army Ranger

From Other Children of Fallen Warriors

"I knew the people from the Special Operations Warrior Foundation were always in my corner ready to help." Dr. Jim Lewis, the son of Captain Hal Lewis who was killed in Operation Desert One in Iran.

"I would not be where I am today without SOWF. I truly believe SOWF goes beyond the call of duty." Benjamin Barnard, the son of Staff Sergeant Larry Barnard who was killed in Operation Just Cause in Panama.

"I was struggling financially, so the Foundation has been a life saver. I am very thankful that I have secured assistance not just financially, but personally." Jill Jenson Robinson, the daughter of Captain Randy Jensen who died in an aircraft accident in 1981.

"I want to thank all the people associated with the Warrior Foundation. All of your sincere encouragement and letters have made me feel like part of a family. My most sincere thanks to you for helping me with the financial obligations while attending the University of East Carolina." Heather Hurley, the daughter of Sergeant Major Patrick R. Hurley who was killed in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

"The Special Operations Warrior Foundation has been helpful by being there as a friend in a time of need." Keith O. Reinhard, the son of Major Kenneth Reinhard who died in an aircraft accident in 1987.

From the Widowed Spouses

"The outreach of the Warrior Foundation to my children has been fantastic. I think it's reassuring for them to know they are not alone - that there are other children with similar circumstances, and there are caring adults who are willing to do so much on their behalf. They're very proud of their father, and the Warrior Foundation makes them realize that they have not been forgotten." Anita Goetz, the widow of Captain Randi Horstman who died during a training mission.

"In October 1993, my life and my family's future dreams were shattered with notification that my husband was killed in Mogadishu, Somalia. In 1996 I was contacted by the Warrior Foundation with a generous offer for counseling and scholarship assistance for my two sons. I thought it was too good to be true. Your generous contributions will allow for my sons to fulfill the educational dreams that Matt and I had planned for them." Trish Rierson, the widow of Sergeant First Class Matthew Rierson who was killed in Somalia, October 1993.

"If it wasn't for this organization, the dream of college for my son might not have been realized. My husband lost his life for his country, but thanks to the Warrior Foundation, a dream is fulfilled. A good education was the primary goal of my husband for his children. Thanks, Warrior Foundation." Terry Buege, the widow of Senior Master Sergeant Paul Buege who was killed during the Battle of Khafi, January 1991.

From the Troops

"In the process of coordinating benefits for the family [as the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer] ...I told [the widow] about the SOWF college scholarship program for her three children. It is hard to describe the play of emotion that crossed her face. Doubt and questioning grew to gratitude as she realized that her children's education would be fully funded. Obviously, this does not replace the loss of her husband, but it was very comforting for her to know that a huge financial burden was lifted from her. I know that I will be contributing to your worthy institution." Commander B.J. Keepers, Special Operations Command South

"Please keep up the terrific work on the SOF Warrior Foundation. It helps us all to do our job better to know our families are taken care of." Captain William McRaven, Naval Special Warfare Group One