WorldWide Drilling Resource

66 JULY 2013 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Giving Thanks to Those Who Secure Our Freedom Adapted from Information by Newsmax While celebrating America’s freedom this Fourth of July, it is important to show appreciation for those who have sacri- ficed to secure that freedom. Making a donation to a military-relat- ed charity is one way to show our coun- try’s defenders gratitude for thier service. These top charities have a proven track record of holding down administrative costs and getting the most out of every dollar given on behalf of our country’s heroes. T h e A r m e d Services YMCA - Pro- vides free, special- ized programs and support to military members and their fami l ies. Fisher House Foundation - Donates comfort homes at military and VAmedical centers to act as a home away from home for families visiting loved ones during hospi- talization and treatment. Homes for Our Troops - Assists severely injured veterans and their families by rais- ing monetary donations, building supplies, and labor to assist in the construc- tion of specialized homes for wounded veterans. Intrepid FallenHeroes Fund (IFHF) - Originally founded as an organization to assist widows and orphans of those lost or killed in ac- tion, the IFHF now pro- vides financial aid (family grants) and scholarships for severely wounded vet- erans and their families. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America - This organization of more than 200,000 veteran members provides healthcare, employ- ment, education, and community services To those who have served and those who continue to serve, Thank You! for Gulf War-era veterans. Mar ine Corps Schol arship Foundation - Founded over 50 years ago, this foundation is the oldest and largest pro- vider of scholarships for children of Marine and Navy Corpsmen, with a special focus on those who have lost a parent in combat, or whose parent has been wounded in action. They have given out over 30,000 scholarships valued at more than $70 million. National Military FamilyAssociation - Provides families with counseling and services to help with deployment, spouse education, separation, mov- ing, and more. Operation Homefront - Provides emergency financial and other assistance to fami l ies of U.S. service members and wounded veterans. Our Military Kids - Provides finan- cial grants for children of deployed National Guard and military reserve per- sonnel, as well as the chil- dren of wounded veterans in all branches of service. Puppies Behind Bars - This program teaches prison inmates to care for, and train, service dogs who are given free of charge to severely disabled U.S. war veterans. Wounded Warrior Project - Dedi- cated to raising awareness of the plight of injured service mem- bers, this organization directs programs and services to meet the needs of injured veterans. This is only a sampling of the many military-based charities that can make a world of difference to a returning war hero. These organizations help veterans and their families in their time of need and require the support of our country’s citizens to continue. The motto for the Wounded Warrior Project says it best, The greatest casual- ty is being forgotten . Let’s not forget our nation’s heroes this Fourth of July.