I’m at a loss as to where to begin to express my thoughts after my recent tour of the Wounded Warrior Project offices in Jacksonville, Florida, and having the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people associated with the organization. In my line of work I encounter a wide variety of professionals and companies and, without a doubt, this group made such a great impression and gave me such a comprehensive education on their mission.
The information they shared and stories they told about the evolution of the organization were inspirational and enlightening. I was there presenting a $5,000 donation from the CompTIA Vendor and Telecom Advisory Councils, a token of their support to help get our veterans back on their feet and hopefully into a career in IT. Philanthropy is one of CompTIA’s founding pillars and the association has donated more than $132,000 this year for a variety of well-deserving career and life-altering programs. As a member of the Partner Advisory Council, I was honored to deliver the donation on behalf of the association and our sister groups.
The organization received donations from other CompTIA Councils and Communities as well, including $5,000 from the Managed Services Community and $5,000 from the Security Community. All told, CompTIA donated $15,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project in 2014.
Philanthropy is one of CompTIA’s founding pillars and the association has donated more than $132,000 this year for a variety of well-deserving career and life-altering programs.
The Wounded Warrior Project is one of those worthwhile organizations, having provided a multitude of support services to returning soldiers for more than a decade. The three original founders started out stuffing 50 backpacks with a variety of items that could help veterans transitioning from active duty into civilian life. They continue that tradition today, along with a host of other essential services designed to make our veteran’s return so much easier.
The Wounded Warrior Project is a 501(c) nonprofit, and its primary mission is to assist soldiers who incurred physical or mental injuries and illnesses following the events of September 11, 2001. The founders wanted to do all they could to help the injured service men and women of this generation. Thanks to their dedication, their small operation has grown exponentially. Today, the Wounded Warrior Project has more than a dozen support facilities across the United States with one additional site in Germany. Driven by deeply compassionate individuals, they remain extremely committed to their primary mission.
The Wounded Warrior Project’s vision is to “foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.” While that’s a lofty goal considering all the troops we’ve deployed to warzones over the past 13 years, they continue to forge ahead thanks to the generosity of so many. More than 80 percent of their corporate employees are veterans. Their call center is staffed with highly trained mental health counselors to ensure each service member receives the assistance they need. Each veteran is assigned a dedicated contact to help them with everything from educational referrals to more urgent services, including suicide support and emergency mental health counseling.
The WWP is truly dedicated to a holistic approach: helping injured soldiers and their families not only nurture their bodies and minds, but encouraging economic empowerment and engagement. Financial contributions allow them to provide the unique, direct programs and services that other organizations don’t. Volunteers fill a variety of roles, from peer mentors and hospital buddies to hospital outreach coordinators to benefits liaisons. Other help train and transition our warriors back into the workforce. Their programs are comprehensive and can be individually tailored to meet the unique needs of our exceptional soldiers.
As a member of the Exigo Group executive team, I feel a special bond with our returning soldiers. Christy McGrath, our vice president of public relations and marketing, is engaged to a medically retired 10-year veteran, a Marine sergeant who was shot in Iraq. Both are very active helping returning vets with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other challenging conditions. They truly walk the walk to ensure our soldiers have what they need to make a smooth transition back to civilian life.
The Wounded Warrior Project is a tremendous organization with a team dedicated to doing good things for our returning troops … and for our country. All I can say is “thank you” for all they’ve accomplished and all they intend to do in the future. A million times over, I thank them for their vision and for the effort, time and passion they put into helping others.
I am also truly grateful to CompTIA and CompTIA’s Partner Advisory Council for giving me the opportunity to represent the organization and affording me such eye-opening experience. Thank you for selecting me to walk this walk.
Stephanie Martin is a CompTIA Partner Advisory Council Member and CEO of the Exigo Group.
