Special Operations Warrior Foundation

'MY DAD WAS MY HERO.' 🙏 The leadership story featured in our bi-monthly SOWFocus newsletter put a spotlight on #SOWF Ambassador Roger Desroches' story—speaking about the loss of his father, CW3 Pierre R.E. Desroches, when he was 10 years old and how SOWF came into his life before he eventually became an Ambassador for the Foundation.   “I now get to come alongside an organization that was with me through the worst time in my life and share with others the amazing things they do for the families and loved ones going through the worst times of their lives.” he wrote. To read his story featured in the newsletter, click here: https://lnkd.in/eBxsAViN • • • #specialoperationswarriorfoundation #ambassador #EnduringPromise #leadership #newsletter #CradleToCareer

SO PROUD 👏 The #SOWF team is celebrating Aiden Ramirez, the surviving son of Navy Commander Robert Ramirez III, for graduating from the University of California – Berkeley in December with a degree in Data Science with a concentration in organizations and the economy. Following graduation, he will pursue career opportunities in the areas of data science, data engineering and business analytics. We can't wait to see what the future holds for you, Aiden! Navy Commander Robert Ramirez III lost his life in 2022 while serving with SEAL Team 1. Today, we honor his memory and celebrate Aiden as he embarks on this new chapter. • • • #specialoperationswarriorfoundation #universityofcalifornia #graduation #college #datascience #EnduringPromise #CradleToCareer

'...HE WAS MY LOVING DAD' 🙏 In our most recent SOWFocus newsletter, where we like to highlight student stories, we shined a light on #SOWF Graduate Peyton Walker's story. Peyton wrote a strong narrative about life after the loss of her father, Major Jonathan "J.D." Walker, and how Special Operations Warrior Foundation played a key part in her educational career. Peyton's story reminds the #SOWF team of why we are passionate about our #EnduringPromise. Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/dSnb9hAh • • • #specialoperationswarriorfoundation #education #newsletter #CradleToCareer #studentstory

GRADUATE #40 OF 2024 👏 While we are busy settling into the new year, the #SOWF family is still celebrating some of last year's graduates! We are so proud of Kayla Harrington, the daughter of Army Staff Sergeant Ricardo Barraza, for graduating from the University of South Florida with a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences! Army Staff Sergeant Ricardo Barraza lost his life in 2006 while serving with the 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. Today, we honor his memory and celebrate Kayla as she embarks on this new chapter of life. • • • #specialoperationswarriorfoundation #education #graduation #college #healthscience #universityofsouthflorida #usf #EnduringPromise #CradleToCareer

THANK YOU 👏🥃 #SOWF wants to give a huge shoutout to Hand Barrel Bourbon for its donation of a portion of proceeds from a limited-time offer collaboration! Supporters had a chance to get their hands on a 9,000-bottle blended release of two KSBWs – bottled at 105 proof.   We appreciate the team's amazing, continuous support of our #EnduringPromise! • • • #specialoperationswarriorfoundation #thankyou #donation #HandBarrelBourbon #bourbon #CradleToCareer #nonprofit

WAY TO GO 👏 Join the #SOWF team in congratulating Morghan Allen, the surviving stepdaughter of Army Sergeant First Class Keith Martel, for graduating from Strayer University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Health Services Administration. She also minored in Criminal Justice – we couldn't be more proud!   Army Sergeant First Class Keith Martel lost his life in 2017 while serving with the 10th Special Forces Group. Today, we honor his memory and celebrate Morghan as she embarks on this next chapter with her beautiful family. • • • #specialoperationswarriorfoundation #education #graduation #college #EnduringPromise #CradleToCareer #nonprofit

STARTING OFF 2025 🤝 Based on loyal and generous support, #SOWF has been offering a variety of programs and services since 1980. We remain committed to our #EnduringPromise of providing full education opportunities, #CradleToCareer (preschool to college), to the surviving children of fallen Special Operations Personnel, children of deceased SOF spouses, and children of all Medal of Honor Recipients, as well as financial assistance to the severely wounded – today and in the future. To learn about the stories behind these numbers, visit www.specialops.org • • • #specialoperationswarriorfoundation #nonprofit #NewYear #education #militaryfamilies #support

Day 4️⃣ of SOWF's Top FOUR 2024 – Thankful beyond compare for this year! 🙌❤️ The #SOWF family wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our incredible supporters! 2024 was an amazing year of growth and success! 🤩 Here's to another year of resilience, courage, and triumphs! ✨ Wishing every one of you a very Happy New Year! 🎉 • • • #specialoperationswarriorfoundation #EnduringPromise #CradletoCareer #HappyNewYear #NewYear #2025 #nonprofit

Day 3️⃣ of SOWF's Top FOUR 2024 – Black Rifle Coffee Company + UFC® join forces to support SOWF 🫡 Black Rifle Coffee Company teamed up with UFC® to salute military service this Veterans Day by raising funds for Special Operations Warrior Foundation. ✨ Fans and collectors had the opportunity to own a piece of UFC history and support some of America’s most dedicated warriors and their families through an online auction. 🙌 • • • #specialoperationswarriorfoundation #EnduringPromise #CradletoCareer #BruceBuffer #UFC #BRCC #auction #suit #nonprofit

Day 2️⃣ of SOWF's Top FOUR 2024 – 10 years of "Operation EPIC" 👏🎉 Back in June, Special Operations Warrior Foundation hosted its 10th Operation EPIC (Educational Planning and Information Conference)! 📚🏫 This gathering has become a cornerstone of our mission. 🙏 This year’s conference brought together SOWF staff, students, mentors, and key speakers from across the country for a week of empowerment, learning, and connection. ✨ • • • #specialoperationswarriorfoundation #highschool #college #education #tampa #conference #nonprofit