UNITED WARRIOR SURVIVOR FOUNDATION

UWSF Calls fo Donations-Prepares to Reach out to Families of Spec Ops Forces Killed in Afghan Chopper Crash

2011-08-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

United Warrior Survivor Foundation Calls for Donations, Prepares to Reach Out to Families of Special Ops Forces Killed in Afghan Chopper Crash
Never before has the nonprofit needed to respond to so much loss at one time, causing an urgent financial need for donations to the only organization dedicated to specifically serving the wives of fallen Special Operations heroes. The news has sent a heartbreaking shockwave through the close-knit special operations community
Fort Bragg, NC (PRWEB) August 06, 2011

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, more than 360 Special Operations personnel have died in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, according to the United States Special Operations Command.

Most recently, Special Operations soldier Capt. Waid C. Ramsey was killed Aug. 4, when his unit was attacked with small-arms fire in Paktika Province, Afghanistan.

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation reaches out to the wives of these fallen heroes, and their families – usually one at a time.

But the Aug. 6 news reports that as many as 31 special operations forces were killed when a chopper went down in Afghanistan was almost unbelievable. The incident marks the largest single loss of life for US forces in Afghanistan and sent a heartbreaking shockwave through the close-knit special operations community. Elizabeth Brown – executive director of the United Warrior Survivor Foundation and the wife of a Special Operations soldier herself – knew this would be the challenge of her life.

“I was having my Saturday morning coffee, waiting for my husband to wake up when I heard the news” says Brown. “My heart broke even before the reports began indicating that it was Special Ops personnel. Now, we, like everyone else, are waiting to hear the names of who died because we know that with this small of a community, we are likely to know at least some of them or know people who do. I can tell you that the news is reverberating through our community today and we are all deeply saddened by this enormous loss.”

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation works to empower surviving families of Special Operations personnel who have died since Sept. 11, 2001, to have a future that their fallen heroes would have wanted for them. The nonprofit organization provides surviving spouses with peer-based emotional support, financial assistance and life-skills resources. The nonprofit was featured this past May on the CBS Evening News in the wake of the successful Bin Laden raid.

“As an organization that supports the families of fallen Special Operations personnel, UWSF is preparing to provide support on a level that we have previously not been called to do for a single incident,” says Brown. “Right now, we have an urgent financial need to help us purchase additional materials for grief kits which is why I am calling on the public to make donations.”

The kits – called “comfort bags” – include a book for military widows, a grief journal and comforting gifts such as candles, bath salts and teas. A personal note is also included from a fellow surviving spouse. The goal is to let them know they are not alone, explains Brown. The organization provides additional support to the widows of the fallen, in different ways for the different women and their children.

“For some, they want someone there right away to hold their hand and we try to meet that need by sending out one or more of our current survivors to assist the new widow,” says Brown.

“Others want someone to speak with on the phone, and we provide that support as well. Some are not ready to reach out for help beyond their Casualty Assistance Officers and command elements for some time. When they are ready, we are there to provide support in whatever way we can even months or years down the road.”

The organization provides an important outlet for the current widows that reach out to the new ones and bring them into the fold, adds Brown.

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation also hosts an annual event for the women to get together to share their stories, take part in bonding activities and meet with counselors. This year’s event will take place next month and will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The event costs $1,400 per participant, but here is no cost to the women who choose to take part – highlighting the need for donations.

“Our organization is so important to our survivors because it is the only one of its kind,” says Brown. “We give these spouses the opportunity to connect with others who have something in common.”

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation is a small operation that relies on generous donations from the public. To make a donation, go to http://www.uwsf.org/.

WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation (UWSF) is the only organization exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of the surviving spouses of Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations personnel killed in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.

UWSF is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt corporation

(EIN# 81-0567790, CA Corporation #C2290910, CT#127366). MORE

“WE WILL NEVER FORGET!”

As a nation, we are justly gracious in the honors we bestow upon the warriors who have bravely given their lives in our defense. But after the flag has been folded and “Taps” has been played, we unintentionally neglect the life altering and persistent loss borne by those warriors’ most beloved.

Since September 11, 2001 more than 240 Special Operations personnel have lost their lives while in the service of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and in the Global War on Terrorism around the world. The majority of those lost were married, and many of them had one or more children.

It is the goal of UWSF to ensure that these heroes’ ultimate sacrifice never be forgotten and that the enduring and daily sacrifices of the loved ones they left behind never be neglected. MORE

ARE YOU A SURVIVING SPOUSE?

UWSF’s unique Annual Survivors Conferences were established with the unique needs of Special Operations widows in mind, affording an unrivaled healing experience, sense of camaraderie and support.

The Survivor Conferences (affectionately called “Survivor Reunions”) bring together Special Operations widows at various stages of bereavement with the express intent of addressing the practical and emotional aspects of their loss. Each conference includes an array of guest speakers and experts in the fields of military widowhood, bereavement, financial planning, benefits and entitlements, as well as practical classes in self defense and coping with their children’s grieving process.

The Conferences provide a safe and fun setting for the women to share stories and challenges and to forge bonds with other women who have suffered similar tragedies.MORE

"The outpouring of support and kindness is overwhelming, and I find it difficult to find the words to describe how deeply I have been touched. I may have lost the most important person in my little world, but through that I have gained an entire extended family through you and the Foundation. You have all continually reminded me that the little people are not overlooked, and that the memories of our fallen are not forgotten. For that I thank you."

-An Army Special Forces surviving spouse

© 2007 United Warrior Survivors Foundation Ph: 619-437-1137.

COSTCO Flag

2011-06-10T13:13:00.001-07:00

COSTCO Flag (70), originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

The abandoned COSTCO flag is making the tour of the US, stay tuned for updates on our flag's progress across the nation!

USMC Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo

2011-05-30T23:48:00.001-07:00

USMC Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo, a set on Flickr.

USMC Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo

2010-07-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Marine ‘just wanted to serve’

The military hasn’t yet released details about ex-Springfield man’s death in Afghanistan.

Marine who had local family ties killed in Afghanistan Jul 27

By Samantha Sommer, Staff Writer
10:01 PM Tuesday, July 27, 2010
SPRINGFIELD — Lt. Col. Mario Carazo’s former brother-in-law described the veteran Marine as intelligent, funny and a family man.

He also always wanted to serve in the military, said Carl Parrett, whose ex-wife is Carazo’s sister.

“He loved his country and he wanted to keep it safe,” said Parrett of Springfield. “That was his goal.”

A California native, he lived briefly with his sister and Parrett in Springfield in the late 1980s before Carazo entered the U.S. Naval Academy. Carazo’s parents also lived with Parrett for a while.

Carazo, 41, served as a Cobra helicopter pilot. He joined the military in 1987 and served in Iraq in 2006 and 2008, then deployed to Afghanistan this year. He received several decorations, including a Bronze Star and Meritorious Service medals.

The military didn’t release details on how he died Thursday, July 22, in Helmand Province, but a helicopter crash was reported there on the same day.

Parrett recalled Carazo as bright and caring, with an interest in pursuing politics after he retired from the Marines. He is survived by his wife and two children.

The family also has a strong military tradition. Parrett served in the Navy and his two sons — Carazo’s nephews — are Marines. Cpl. Jacob Parrett was injured recently in Afghanistan and is home on medical leave. Lance Cpl. David Parrett will deploy this fall to Somalia.

Both of them are in California for Carazo’s funeral, their father said.

“They’re taking it kind of tough,” Carl Parrett said.

Carazo’s desire to join the military was clear even in high school when he wanted to go to the Naval academy, Carl Parrett said.

“He just wanted to serve,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0363

http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/springfield-news/marine-just-wanted-to-serve-832621.html

Marines from San Diego killed in Afghanistan

2010-07-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

Soldier from San Diego Killed in Afghanistan

Reported by: San Diego 6 News Team

WASHINGTON - The Defense Department says four soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord were killed Saturday by a roadside bomb attack on their vehicle in Afghanistan.

They are identified as 24-year-old Staff Sgt. Conrad A. Mora of San Diego, Calif.; 23-year-old Sgt. Daniel Lim of Cypress, Calif.; 27-year-old Spc. Joseph A. Bauer, 27, of Cincinnati, Ohio; and 25-year-old Pfc. Andrew L. Hand of Enterprise, Ala.

The four were assigned to 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade at the Army base near Tacoma, Wash.

Two high-ranking Marines from Camp Pendleton who died in Afghanistan last Thursday have been identified.

The are Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo, 41 of Springfield, Ohio and Maj. James M. Weis, 37, of Toms River, N.J.

The Department of Defense says they died July 22 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Carazo and Weis were assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton.

http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/story/Soldier-from-San-Diego-Killed-in-Afghanistan/wlAs_FJFfEWm5FpP0TD84Q.cspx

2005 Article written by Amy P. Mack

2010-07-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

United Warrior Survivor Foundation

By Amy P. Mack

With tragedy comes compassion, and the effects of September 11 left many Americans wondering what they could do to help their countrymen through those terrible events and the wars to come.

“At the time, we all dealt with 9/11 in our own ways. I was serving with the Navy SEALs at the time, and kept trying to go to the front,” says Nicholas Rocha, CEO and founder of the United Warrior Survivor Foundation (UWSF). “At the time, I was an enlisted officer. I kept requesting to be sent up front. While I was trying to get into Afghanistan, a buddy of mine was killed over there in action. This really hit me hard, made me think. So … I set out to create an organization that gave direct assistance to spouses of special operators killed in action.”

The UWSF provides counseling and legal services – and generally just a helping hand – to spouses of Special Operations personnel killed in the line of duty.

With that single but noble intention, the UWSF was created in 2002, and it has expanded its services and donor base over the past few years. The UWSF’s mission dictates that spouses of those killed in the line of duty are free to come to the UWSF with any problem they might have. If the UWSF can help, it will.

“These spouses are assigned by the military to a CAO [Casualties Assistance Officer] for a year. These are pretty much normal guys, sometimes men who have finished tours of duty themselves, … and oftentimes the reality of what happens is the CAO is reassigned or redeployed after three or six months, and the surviving spouse reassigned to someone else. … We really want to complement what the military is doing and help share the burden that [the CAOs] have to bear.

A gathering of UWSF members, Gold Star Wives, and Tragedy Assistance Program (TAPS) members. Photo courtesy of UWSF.

“The foundation will often approach grieving family members before the family is even aware that the foundation exists,” Rocha says. “I asked a widow, Lisa, if she had been to a bereavement counselor. She said ‘no,’ and I asked to set her up with one. She seemed pretty skeptical of our intentions. I later found out the Army had started her out in several programs, but that, for some reason, most of the stuff didn’t get any timely follow up. After doing a good deal of research trying to find a good counselor at a reasonable cost, we contacted Lisa and told her we had someone in her area. She was still hesitant – until I gave her the number. She said, ‘Wait, this is a local area code. My husband’s name has been in newspapers all over the country on casualty lists, and you guys take the time to find someone in my own town?’

She was just blown away by that, by the idea that the foundation would go that extra mile to help her.”

The “Lisa” that Rocha speaks of is Lisa Vance, whose husband, Sgt. Gene Arden Vance Jr., died in Operation Enduring Freedom while on duty with the 19th Special Forces Group. She is now the chair of the UWSF’s board of advisors and helps coordinate the connections to other surviving spouses.

UWSF founder Nick Rocha speaks at a UWSF golf tournament fund-raiser. Photo courtesy of UWSF.

As it has grown, the UWSF has found that many women need more than a year of counseling to overcome the shock and grief of their losses. Sometimes three or more years are necessary. As Rocha relates, “These women seem so strong, but they are really just hanging onto everything by a thread. We are finding our way through this process, and we are finding out what it is they need and what they don’t need. It is not a handout but a ‘hand up.’ Initial thoughts were that college scholarship grants to go back to school was something they would jump on. But as it turns out, only a few of the women need that type of support. What we have found the most useful is what we call ‘the Survivors Reunion,’ survivors helping survivors.”

Held in San Diego at least once a year, the Survivors Reunion brings women together who are going through the same thing at the same time. The trip is all-expenses-paid by the UWSF, and the event is filled with bereavement conferences and special tours and events. “What we found is, because it is Special Operations, the women are taught to be very independent,” Rocha says. But once you hear their story, you realize there are all kinds of needs. And several women said that this one event has changed their life.

“One of the other women that the UWSF had the opportunity to help decided, after receiving help from the UWSF, to testify before Congress,” Rocha says. “She often tells senators straight to their faces that, ‘No sir, this is how it needs to be done.’ Those that the UWSF has assisted have found the counseling so helpful that they themselves offer their services to the UWSF.

“Yeah, she will probably become our next executive director,” smiles Rocha, but speaking sincerely adds, “she’s just such an awesome leader.”

Today, the UWSF relies entirely on private donors for support. In addition to personal donations from troops, the foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, conducting fund-raising drives.

Rocha is optimistic about the future of the UWSF program, and expects to expand services in the coming years. As he states on the foundation’s Web site, “We strongly believe that if a woman chooses to stay home and raise her children as her husband goes off to war, if he dies in the defense of his country, the wife should not be forced to suffer any more than she has in her grieving.”

For further information, visit the United Warrior Survivor Foundation at www.frogfriends.com.

This article was first published in The Year in Special Operations: 2005 Edition.
Top photo:

• When special operations personnel die in the service of their country, UWSF supports their widows and families. This charity surf contest for UWSF featured the Elite Frogs Parachute Demonstration Team and raised more than $10,000 for the organization. Photo courtesy of UWSF.

Restore St. Mary's Cemetery - Restore Honor to our Military Veterans buried here

2010-07-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

RESTORE ST. MARY'S

What is restore St Mary's?
Is a project to restore the desecrated cemeteries of the
historic town of San Buenaventura (now Ventura) which include the: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery (est. 1862), Ventura (aka Protestant) Cemetery (est. 1889), and
Hebrew Cemetery (est. 1895). 80 Military War Veterans including a MoH (Medal of Honor) recipient are buried here in desecrated graves.

Join the Honor Guard and help restore the graves of our pioneers and patriots.

Join their facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=127281390633742

Restore St. Mary's Homepage
http://restorestmarys.org

Army Ranger dies as a result of injuries sustained during combat

2010-07-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

RELEASE NUMBER: 100720-05A
DATE POSTED: JULY 20, 2010

PRESS RELEASE: Army Ranger dies as a result of injuries sustained during combat
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

Sgt. Anibal Santiago
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, July 20, 2010) — An Army Ranger died July 18th, 2010, from injuries received during combat operations July 17 in Afghanistan while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment based at Fort Benning, Ga.

Sgt. Anibal Santiago, 37 of Belvidere, Ill., died from injuries sustained as a result of a high-altitude fall while conducting combat operations over mountainous terrain in Khowst Province, Afghanistan. Treated immediately by unit medical personnel, he was quickly evacuated to the nearest medical treatment facility where he died July 18.

He was on his third deployment with one deployment to Iraq and one to Afghanistan.

“I wish the American public had an opportunity to know Sgt. Santiago. He embodied the Ranger Ethos – an American Patriot, incredibly lethal sniper, and was always at his best when conditions were the worst,” said Col. Michael E. Kurilla, commander, 75th Ranger Regiment. “He is a hero to our Nation, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and his Family.”

Santiago enlisted for duty as a Sailor in the U.S. Navy in 1991 and served until 1995. Following his service in the Navy, he served on the Rockford, Ill., police department from 1999 to 2005. Santiago then continued his military service by enlisting in the U.S. Army in October 2007.

Following completion of One Station Unit Training, he was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment, where he served as a sniper and sniper team leader.

“Sgt. Santiago was a rock of a man that everyone – his fellow Rangers and his Family – relied on in the toughest of times," said Col. Dan Walrath, commander, 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment. " He was an incredible servant to the Nation as a policeman, Navy Sailor and Army Ranger. We are eternally grateful for what he gave us all in life.”

Santiago is survived by his wife, Mandy Santiago of Fort Benning, Ga.,, son Hannibal of Belvidere, Ill., stepsons Desmond and Darian, from Fort Benning, and his parents Anibal and Maria Santiago of Belvidere, Ill.

Click here for Santiago's bio.

--usasoc--

UWSF Survivor Conference 2006 VA

2010-07-26T00:56:00.001-07:00

UWSF Survivor Conference 2006 VA, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

UWSF Annual Survivors Conference in Virginia Beach, VA 2006.

Joanne Steen discusses the topic of being a Military Widow while explaining the process she has laid out in her book by the same name.

SO2 Marc Lee

2010-07-26T00:54:00.001-07:00

SO2 Marc Lee, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

www.UWSF.org

The memorial ceremony for SO2 Marc Lee, the first Navy SEAL to die in combat in Iraq 2006

UWSF Comfort Package

2010-07-26T00:51:00.001-07:00

UWSF Comfort Package, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

www.UWSF.org

One of the many Comfort Packages that UWSF sends out to newly widowed spouses. UWSF doesn't want to be a phone number in a CACO handout, but a friendly face to call during those dark hours, days and months.

This package represents a response to faith, hope for a better tomorrow and genuine love in a practial way for someone who recent experienced a traumatic loss.

2010-07-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

In Memory of SSgt Christopher J. Antonik
Died: July 11, 2010

CL Marine killed in Afghanistan
Northwest Herald
Wednesday, July 14 2010
By SARAH SUTSCHEK

CRYSTAL LAKE – The Antoniks had come home from church Sunday and were getting ready to go out to eat when the doorbell rang.

Three men were there to tell them that their son had been killed while serving in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Antonik, 29, died while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, long considered a Taliban stronghold. He was part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.davenportfamily.com

For more information please go to: http://www.forcerecon.com/SSgt-Christopher-J-Antonik.htm

UWSF 'Causes' Page on Facebook

2010-07-25T20:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.causes.com/causes/508859?recruiter_id=143026111

Join our Facebook Causes page for the UWSF!

Thank you for your support, please share with your friends.

The SEAL Heritage Community Center (SHCC)

2010-07-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

To honor and serve this community of heroes and their families, the SEAL Heritage Community Center (SHCC) is being constructed on land provided by the U.S. Navy on the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk, VA. This NSW community center will comprise 18,000 square feet and will house a library and archive with historical information and educational materials; a memorial roll call to fallen teammates; an auditorium; conference room; and Heritage Hall. The SHCC will be a facility where families will receive support services, hold recreational and social events for children of deployed personnel, and host Naval Special Warfare community functions and memorials.

Read More:

http://www.nswfoundation.org/shcc.htm

Upcoming UWSF 2010 Events

2010-07-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

UPCOMING EVENTS

5th Annual Veterans Charity Golf Tournament
Del Mar Country Club
Del Mar, CA
November 15, 2010

Annual Survivors Conference
Manchester Grand Hyatt
San Diego, CA
September 9 – 12, 2010

http://uwsf.org/news.html

UWSF Bi-Annual Survivor Conferences

2010-07-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

UWSF BI –ANNUAL SURVIVOR CONFERENCES

Each four day Survivor Conference is designed to be a practical learning experience providing measurable, real life coping mechanisms; but it is the bonding and connections forged amongst the survivors that are of truly priceless value!

The women relish the opportunity to spend time and form bonds with other women who, were it not for these events, they would likely never have the good fortune to meet.

"The survivor reunions bring all of us together and we form this amazing bond. Before my first reunion, I would wake up in the mornings and wonder how I was going to make it through another day, feeling all alone in what I was facing.

I left that reunion renewed and with a new group of friends that are walking this path along with me.

UWSF gives us the chance to come together, share experiences, and help one another through the grieving process. That is priceless and has truly changed my life."
--Army Special Forces surviving spouse

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation relies upon the generosity of private donors and corporate sponsors to defray the costs of the conferences and the travel, lodging, meals and participation costs for the surviving spouses and their children.

Participants need only accept the invitation to take part – and UWSF foots the entire bill. It is our belief that they have already paid the ultimate price!

UWSF is committed to ensuring that the surviving widows and children have a future that their fallen husbands would have wanted for them. You can help provide this invaluable experience for our ever-growing community of Special Operations Forces surviving spouses and their children. DONATE

http://uwsf.org/support.html

The Power of Prayer

2010-07-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Power of Prayer

The UWSF always includes the surviving families in our daily prayers.

Daily Benefits Summary for Life
UWSF ensures that all spouses have a clear understanding of their benefits, that they are indeed receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled, and that they are aware of their current status under those benefits both for themselves and for their children, in order to ensure that benefits do not lapse without warning.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR UWSF SERVICES AND PROGRAMS?

UWSF programs and services are available to all surviving spouses of U.S. Special Operations personnel who have died in the line of duty since September 11, 2001 and to surviving spouse of those who were on volunteer support or re-supply missions to Special Operations teams.

If you are unsure if your husband was supporting a Special Operations mission, please call us. UWSF has well established relationships with other casualty assistance organizations, and we will gladly help you find the services you need and deserve.

Please call us at (800)804-UWSF, or contact us today!

Because NO ONE should have to go it alone!

http://uwsf.org/support.html

United Warrior Survivor Foundation Scholarships

2010-07-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

UWSF SCHOLARSHIPS

Are you a college bound Special Operations Surviving Spouse? From now through June 1, 2010, we will be accepting applications for our UWSF Scholarship Awards. The deadline for these applications is June 1, 2010 with awards disbursed on August 1, 2010.

Click below for application and guidelines.

APPLICATION

http://uwsf.org/UWSF_SCHOLARSHIP_APP_10_11.pdf

GUIDELINES

http://uwsf.org/Scholarship_GUIDELINES_10_11.pdf

What setts UWSF apart from other non-profits?

2010-07-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

WHAT SETS UWSF APART FROM OTHER NON-PROFITS?

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation (UWSF) is the only organization exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of the surviving spouses of Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations personnel killed in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.

We strive to serve the spouses’ needs through:Annual Survivor Conferences
Initial Comfort Packages
Peer-to-Peer Mentorship
Survivor Transition Assistance
College Scholarship Grants
Emergency Financial Aid
Financial Counseling Referral
Medical Insurance Assistance
Quarterly Forget-me-Not Outreaches
Bereavement Counseling
TLC: Faith, Hope and Love

We have learned that, barring personal experience, the unique circumstances and grieving process that ensue following a military death are virtually incomprehensible.

This notion that “only someone who has survived the experience can understand” led to the development and implementation of our unrivaled Peer-to-Peer mentorship program which pairs newly widowed Special Operations wives with trained Survivor Liaison Leaders who have themselves lost a spouse under similar circumstances.

Annual Survivor Conferences
Each year UWSF hosts Survivors from around the United States for a three day workshop with a variety of guest speakers, covering a myriad of topics in an effort to provide the environment and educational material to help empower the Survivors to find healing and begin the road towards happiness again. The foundation pays for airfare, meals and lodging while the ladies are our guests and relies on the generosity and compassion of our donors and volunteers to ensure the Survivors are treated with honor and respect their fallen loved ones would have surely wanted. While the conference covers important discussion on tough issues like traumatic loss and bereavement, the conference also offers the lighter and yet important informative talks on financial planning and ensuring that Survivors are getting all their benefits and entitlements. Finally, it is the planned free time in between sessions and during fun athletic and outdoor activities that provide the Survivors a chance to bond and connect with other Survivors that while not a tangible “metric of success”, our past attendees report as “priceless”.

Initial Comfort Packages
Upon notification of a deceased service member a new widow is assigned a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) or Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) or Family Liaison Officer (FLO) depending on branch of service who has been trained to assist the families of the fallen with the traumatic loss. While the CACO is deeply concerned for the loss of life, he is war fighter and not a social worker or professional counselor. He represents the command in helping the family through the mortuary affairs process and ensure they receive all their benefits and entitlements. He will at some point hand the newly widowed spouse a folder with a barrage of information about different government and Private Volunteer Organizations that she can call when things get to tough.

The problem is, which number do you call first and how do you tell what group offers what? That’s why UWSF wants to ensure the words “taken care of” have more practical value in those initial dark hours, days, and months by providing her with a Comfort Package full of useful tools like the book Military Widow, as well as bath salts and chocolates and positive encouragement. The Comfort Package will be followed up with a call and an invitation to begin healing by a Survivor Liaison because at UWSF we don’t want to be just a phone number in a CACO folder, we want to be a friendly face a widow turns to so that she can become a Survivor!

Peer-to-peer Mentorship
UWSF offers the grieving spouse a safe and truly understanding ear while, at the same time, helping the counselor progress in her own healing process. All counselors undergo training and must have a minimum of two years to grieve their own husbands’ deaths prior to becoming a Mentor. Two years is not a mandatory rule as some may be ready to become a mentor earlier, while others may not yet be ready. Usually a lady knows when she has transitioned from a widow to a Survivor when the loss of her hero is a chapter in her life’s story, but not what she uses to define her only identity.

Survivor Transition Assistance
The United Warrior Survivor Foundation defines Survivor Transition Assistance as programs and services that directly impact the survivors’ ability to rediscover peace, security and happiness. Everyone heals differently and there is no set timeline or destination to arrive at. While some heal in 2-5 years, others turn to flight, fight, food or bury themselves in work for 10-15 years before they are ready to face their pain. Normal is a setting on a washing machine, not a metric to define homeostasis. Traumatic Loss impacts our life at the deepest levels and disrupts the safety and security of a world we thought we had some control over. UWSF seeks to come along side the newly widowed spouse and provide a safe and secure environment in which she can begin her journey on the road to restoring a healthy, happy life. UWSF is here to empower, not enable; to give a hand up, not a hand out. UWSF believes a survivor can be given the tools but must have the intestinal fortitude and courage to start the journey for self preservation and invest in their own healing process through an emotional commitment to healing. It will be hard, at times, but like anything worth having, the reward is great for those who pursue it.

College Scholarship Grants
Once a year, UWSF offers four college scholarship grants for $2,500 each to those who are interested and ready to commit to higher education. Each applicant must fill out a College Scholarship application and the top four applicants will be awarded a grant, not a loan.

Emergency Financial Aid
UWSF recognizes that life does not fit within a nice little box and that emergency situations arise that can disrupt even the most well planned budgets. UWSF sets aside an unspecified amount of money each year for Emergency Financial Aid and offers these resources on a case by case basis to those who can demonstrate true emergency need. While a blown hot water heater in the middle of winter is a good example of such as need, replacing an unsightly scratch on the wall (cosmetic) or planning a trip across country to see a friend (savings) would not meet the required criteria.

Financial Counseling & Referral
UWSF does not want to become a brokerage for newly widowed spouse nor do we want to endorse or give implied endorsement to any one firm for obvious legal and ethical reasons. However, knowing what to do with the Supplemental Group Life Insurance and other financial entitlements a military widow receives is just as important as knowing what to watch out for and what not to invest in. Our Annual conferences often have at least one guest speaker discussing the broad range of financial options as a way of “teaching a person to fish for life”.

Medical Insurance Assistance
Upon the third anniversary of her heroe’s death a widow will lose her medical and dental insurance coverage. They typically receive no prior warning, no letter in the mail informing the insured that their coverage is about to lapse. While they can buy back into the military medical insurance program (similar to the Cobra system for civilians) it is often upon the following visit to their primary provider that they must face the embarrassing and maddening news that they are not only not covered anymore, but that this is how “taken care of” is defined. Ironically, had their hero retired after 20years of military service, then they would all be covered for life, yet somehow the “ultimate sacrifice” has only a three year shelf life. UWSF feels this is an outrage and keeps close tabs on our new widows. Within months of the third anniversary, UWSF will pay for their fourth year of coverage to allow the widow another year to plan for the new expense, and as a way of honoring our fallen brother’s sacrifice. UWSF will never forget and this is one more simple yet powerful way to re-define what “taken care of” means to those of us who know that freedom is not free.

Quarterly Forget-Me-Not Outreaches
Those who have experienced a traumatic loss have a shared passion to remember the fallen and honor their sacrifice. Military widows are no different. Our community reinforces the concept of honoring the fallen from the day you enter service to the day you retire or breathe your last breath. Yet too often, even well intentioned family and fellow service members seem to fade from the daily lives of those who are suffering and still processing their pain very soon after the flag has been presented and the funeral is over. Our culture and television replay images of family togetherness and loved ones during certain seasons and holidays which only adds fuel to the fire of a wounded heart dealing with traumatic loss. UWSF knows that while the service members will never forget, they may not always remember to send a letter or a card, so we do so for them and our compassionate benefactors. Four times a year UWSF sends out a Forget-Me-Not outreach as a gentle reminder that we have not forgotten and to offer encouragement through a difficult season.

UWSF Outreaches include:
Valentine’s Day gift card to Starbuck’s
Memorial Day tribute
September 11th Outreach
Thanksgiving/Christmas Goodies

Bereavement Counseling
UWSF ensures that survivors have access to trained, professional counselors and social workers. Counseling sessions and services can be arranged in the survivor’s home town or within reasonable geographic proximity to her home and UWSF will either cover fully or assist in the payment of securing a vetted counselor for a pre-determined period of time. At which time a survivor can continue the sessions on her own or discontinue these services depending on where she is at in her road to healing. This program is matched with a Peer-to-Peer mentor who continues to check in and follow up with the survivor in transition.
Tender Loving Care: Faith, Hope and Love
“Greater love has no one than this, that they lay down their life for their friends.” John 15:13

“Now these three things remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of all these is love.” 1 COR 13:13

UWSF uses a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of our constituents and ensure they have the tools and the resources to find healing through faith, restore their hope for the future and find happiness and love again through the love of real people, who genuinely care. You can never underestimate the power of genuine agape and philo love. Additionally your fingerprints don’t fade from the lives you touch. So what are you waiting for? Only God knows the date of the next military casualty.

Help UWSF help those who have sworn their lives to protect and defend yours.

http://www.UWSF.org

Follow the UWSF on Twitter!

2010-07-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

http://twitter.com/UWSF

Join us on Twitter!

Join the UWSF on Facebook!

2010-07-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=137917982905142&ref=ts

Click onto the link to join our UWSF Facebook Group page.

UWSF Photo Album

2010-07-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

Visit the UWSF photo album

http://www.flickr.com/photos/k38shawn/sets/72157617889517788/with/4825178962/

UWSF 2010 Facebook Group Page

2010-07-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

The United Warrior Survivors Foundation has a Facebook 'Group' Page you can follow.

Here is the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/shawn.alladio#!/group.php?gid=137917982905142&ref=mf

K38 DC (11)

2009-11-14T21:14:00.001-08:00

K38 DC (11), originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

K38 DC (21)

2009-11-14T21:13:00.003-08:00

K38 DC (21), originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

K38 DC (7)

2009-11-14T21:13:00.001-08:00

K38 DC (7), originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

Generation Kill Charity Auction to Benefit United Warrior Survivor Foundation

2009-09-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Generation Kill Charity Auction to benefit United Warrior Survivor Foundation

Ebay Item # 220483994484

Dear UWSF friends,

On 9/11/2001 our country was attacked by a group of terrorists. We must never forget. Since then, our military has been engaged in warfare to maintain our freedoms and keep our families out of harm's way. We have lost great Americans while waging this war against terror. We must never forget......... We stand in awe and with the greatest respect of these great Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.

Brad Colbert generously offered to support the UWSF because of the respect within the Special Operations community, of which he and his fellow Marines are also serving in that capacity. Please join us is support of this worthy charity auction on behalf of the UWSF.

Shawn Alladio
K38 Water Safety

Generation Kill fan collectible package

All proceeds to benefit United Warrior Survivor Foundation

Collectable Book
Trade paperback copy (new) of Generation Kill inscribed by 'The Iceman', Brad Colbert

RIDE magazine - American Watercraft Association member magazine

Cover photo of Brad Colbert by renown action fashion photographer David Pu'u

Apparel and merchandise package
Liquid Militia logo wear - t shirt and 2 hats (winning bidder can select t shirt size)

Liquid Militia logo lanyard and sticker kit

K38 Rescue logo wear t shirt (winning bidder can select t shirt size)

For more information about United Warrior Survivors Foundation or to make an additional donation, visit www.uwsf.org
or contact Kelly Chott, UWSF Executive Director (619) 437-1137

Bidding ends on October 1st, 2009

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220483994484&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%3A80%2F%3F_from%3DR4 0%26_trksid%3Dp231.m38.l1313%26_nkw%3D220483994484 %26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

Military emblems

2009-09-16T22:29:00.001-07:00

emblems, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

UWSF flag

2009-09-16T22:27:00.001-07:00

UWSF flag, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

UWSF - The Ride

2009-09-15T23:21:00.001-07:00

United Warrior Survivor Foundation
2009 PWC Freedom Ride

The ride is now over, the body still in pain. But the hardest task for me still lies ahead. Trying to formulate my thoughts and feelings into words. This has never been a strong suit of mine.

A sea odyssey depicting our journey would be much easier to write, given the conditions we were faced with. But this was never about us. It was never about the ride. It was the reason for the ride that brought us together, bonded us, and allowed the team to give so freely of themselves.

Rewind back to early May of this year. When approached by Ms. Alladio regarding a charity ride for United Warrior Survivor Foundation, I was deeply touched to have this honor extended to me. Like those that I rode with, there is no greater calling than to help another. Those families that have given everything to the service of this country, and may sometimes feel as if forgotten. And so the wheels were set in motion, that very same day...

So with a sunrise prayer on the morning of September 12th, 2009, the six of us set out for San Diego. Five by water, one by land. I honestly don't remember much of the ride, but these are the things I do recall:

- The esprit de corps shared by all members.

- The smiles, the sun, the water beneath us and the wind in our face.

- Sharing our mission with any and all who would listen.

- The words of encouragement from family and friends as we made this long trek.

It was a long day, filled with laughter, brotherhood, pain, and thoughts of the families we were trying to serve. It wasn't until sunset that the last of our craft was placed upon the trailer bunks, signaling the end of the day. Beaten and tired, we gathered together one last time to share a meal and prayer together. And so the ride was over, but it is my belief that this story has only just begun.

Our mission was a simple one, to ensure that these families know that they have not been forgotten; not by us, not ever, and hopefully not by you.

Please support us in our goal of reaching $25,000 on behalf of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Sponsor a charitable donation on behalf of the PWC Freedom Riders by making a financial contribution to the non-profit UWSF. Follow this link to their hompage: www.UWSF.org

Make a Contribution to the UWSF:
https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=11226

Semper Fidelis
Former US Marine

Country Singrs Salute Soldiers Widows on behalf of the UWSF

2009-09-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

Country Singers Salute Soldiers' Widows

| By: Alison Bonaguro
All it takes is $10. For that, you will hear three of country's finest voices and make a difference for the widows of Special Forces soldiers.

It's happening on Saturday (Aug. 29) at the Nashville Palace. And you'll get to see one of my favorites, Jamie O'Neal. She'll probably do her big hits like "There Is No Arizona," "When I Think About Angels" and "Somebody's Hero." And I'm sure her newest (and saddest) one "Soldier Comin' Home."

Then there's Ty Herndon, who was huge in the mid-90s and remains one of the best vocalists in country still today. And then there's newbie Southern country-rocker Keni Thomas, who is a decorated combat veteran and former Army Ranger himself, and has a new single and album out called "Gunslinger."

But he says, "I'm not so much a gunslinger in the Wild West sort of way, but rather I've come to town to do something good. Instead of an M-4 rifle, I get to carry a Gibson now. Music is a powerful weapon." Proceeds from Saturday's show will benefit the United Warrior Survivor Foundation.

http://blog.cmt.com/2009-08-27/country-singers-salute-soldiers-widows/

UWSF Extravaganza

2009-08-31T23:04:00.001-07:00

UWSF Extravaganza, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

World Famous Nashville Palace is hosting a fundraiser for UWSF.

Special Performances by Keni Thomas, Ty Herndon, and Jamie O'Neal.

All proceeds benefit UWSF who serves widows of our fallen Special Operations HEROES.

www.nashvillepalace.net

UWSF 8th Annual Survivors Conference

2009-08-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation

Eighth Annual Survivors Conference

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation (UWSF) is dedicated to serving the needs of surviving spouses of Special Operations personnel killed in the line of duty or during training exercises since September 11, 2001.

Now in its seventh year of service, the continuing goal is to ensure that the ultimate sacrifice made by Special Operations Warriors is never forgotten and that the enduring and daily sacrifices of the loved ones the hero left behind never be neglected.

UWSF provides a variety of programs and services but its most significant event is the Survivors Conferences. This year, UWSF will host its eighth Annual Survivors Conference August 27-30 in Nashville, TN.

The conference is designed to be a practical learning experience providing measurable, real-life coping mechanisms; however, it is the bonding and connections forged among the survivors that are of a truly priceless value.

UWSF facilitates these weekends by bringing together widows at various stages of bereavement and providing them an array of guest speakers and experts in such fields as military widowhood, bereavement, financial planning, as well as practical classes in nutrition and self-defense.

This year’s conference will include a fundraiser at the legendary Nashville Palacelace on Saturday August 29 with special performances by Ty Herndon, Keni Thomas, and Jamie O’Neal.

“These conferences have evolved and changed over the years, but our objective remains the same, and that is to provide these ladies a safe and comfortable environment to share experiences, develop friendships, and heal,” Kelly Chott, UWSF Executive Director, said.

“There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but there are healthy ways to cope. The most important factor in healing from a tragic loss is having the support of other people. UWSF facilitates these conferences and it is inspirational to see the emotional support the women generously give one another,” Chott explained.

"The ‘survivor reunions’ bring all of us together, and we form this amazing bond,” said Jackie Syverson, surviving spouse of Army Maj. Paul Syverson of the 5th Special Forces Group.

“Before my first reunion, I would wake up in the morning and wonder how I was going to make it through another day, feeling all alone in what I was facing. I left the reunion renewed and with a new group of friends that are walking this path along with me. United Warrior Survivor Foundation gives us the chance to come together, share experiences and help one another through the grieving process. That is priceless, and has truly changed my life."

“These reunions are lifelines for all surviving spouses,” said Emily Munoz, surviving spouse of Army Capt. Gil Munoz of the 7th Special Forces Group.

“I think one of the most valuable things organizations like UWSF gives anyone is the hope that you're going to be okay someday," said Courtney Retzer, surviving spouse of Petty Officer Tom Retzer U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Group.

United Warrior Survivor Foundation, a home-front group of the Defense Department’s America Supports You program, was founded in 2002 in direct response to the loss of life in the global war on terror.

More information can be found at www.UWSF.org

Hypnotic Films

2009-08-22T21:31:00.001-07:00

Hypnotic Films, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

Mark Gerner from PWCoffshore.com is a former Marine Corps Infantry Officer and one of the Freedom Riders for the 2009 UWSF PWC Freedom Ride, being held on September 11-12

UWSF2 001

2009-08-22T21:30:00.003-07:00

UWSF2 001, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

United Warrior Survivor Foundation

2009-08-22T21:30:00.001-07:00

UWSF1 001, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

Last Respects

2009-07-28T18:32:00.001-07:00

Last Respects, originally uploaded by Jonathan Hoff.

Gunnery Sergeant. Dixon passes a perfectly folded American Flag to the father of a fallen Marine on July-27th 2009

Flag Folding was done by the Body Bearer Section of Marine Barracks 8th & I. Washington Dc

* This was an amazing chance for me to take part in the service, I have never fully seen a Military funeral from an outside perspective as I'm a ceremonial marcher and not photographing. This is by far the most emotional photo I have ever taken watching this was something that brought tears to my eyes, and brings a feeling that i cant ever begin to explain.

Lcpl. Hoff, Jonathan
Bravo Co. Marine Barracks 8th & I

Brad Colbert to support Charity drive for UWSF.org

2009-06-28T13:45:00.001-07:00

puu.shfn3139, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

Brad Colbert from the story 'Generation Kill' written by Evan Wright has signed copies of the book to be sold at auction with all proceeds going to the United Warrior Survivor Foundation.

www.UWSF.org

2009 United Warrior Personal Watercraft Freedom Ride

2009-06-17T10:22:00.003-07:00

2009 United Warrior Personal Watercraft Freedom Ride

PWC Freedom Riders raise funds on behalf of the United Warrior Survivor Foundation

Dates: September 11-12, 2009

Locations: Los Angeles Port, to San Diego Harbor, California USA

On behalf of United Warrior Survivor Foundation, the United Warrior PWC Freedom Riders will launch from Cabrillo Beach, San Pedro and ride south to the Naval Amphibious base located on Coronado Island, California, and back again. The open ocean ride of 280 miles along the California Coastline will be a memorial fundraiser on behalf of UWSF surviving spouses of our fallen Special Operations Warriors since 9-11.

The United Warrior PWC Freedom Ride commences on September 11, 2009. On the anniversary of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks against our nation. We Will Never Forget.

The United Warrior PWC Freedom Riders on September 11th will complete the final course and safety checks in Los Angeles, CA at Cabrillo Beach. Freedom Riders on personal watercraft (PWC) will make the trek on September 12th at 6:30am departing the safety of the Angel’s Gate from the Los Angles Port heading offshore into the Pacific Ocean. Refueling stops will be tasked at select marinas along the southern coastal route. Support teams will be at select checkpoints. The ride can be tracked online throughout the day.

The United Warrior PWC Freedom Ride will stop at the Glorietta Bay boat launch deep inside the San Diego Harbor in the early afternoon. The group will then refuel and head back to San Pedro California. The turnaround point under the blue steel support beams of the Coronado Bay Bridge will symbolize the memorial ride. The Coronado Bay bridge arched supports is a local landmark off the Naval Amphibious base where Special Forces warriors train. K38 Water Safety first began training USMC Recon Marines here in 1996 and enjoys this honor to date with other divisions.

The United Warrior PWC Freedom Riders are American Watercraft Association (AWA) H2O Responder Members. These UWSF supporters are experienced PWCoffshore Endurance Riders. Each rider and vessel is fitted with safety equipment. They have extensive navigational skills operating in the Southern California coastal waters in all seasonal conditions. Their fundraising efforts begin on June 18th. These riders support their individual expenses and pilot their own Personal Watercraft. The initial fundraiser campaign has launched with a $2,000 charitable contribution to UWSF. Please support us in our goal of reaching $25,000 on behalf of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

How can you support the UWSF PWC Freedom Ride?

Sponsor a charitable donation on behalf of the PWC Freedom Riders by making a financial contribution to the non-profit UWSF. Follow this link: http://www.UWSF.org

About the United Warrior Survivor Foundation (UWSF)

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation is the only organization exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of the surviving spouses of Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations personnel killed in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.

About the United Warrior PWC Freedom Riders

Mike Arnold
United States Marine Corps retired from active duty service after twenty years. A ground pounder by trade, Mike started out as a 0311 Infantryman, worked through the ranks and served as an 8511 Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and a 0369 Infantry Platoon Sergeant. Served: MCRD SD, ITS, Marine BKS Subic Bay,STA 2/7, H Co. MCT, 2/3 Eco. Kaneohe Bay, WFTBN D range, PMI, MCRD SD Drill Instructor/Senior Drill Instructor Hco, 1/1 CAAT PLt Sgt, NCO School Drill Master, 1/1 Bco Wpns PLt. Sgt.(combat tour), and Assistant Marine Officer Instructor at the University of Southern California.

Russell Libby

Former United States Marine Corps LCPL, HMM-268 39th MAG, 3rd MAW. 1986-1990. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to show my support on behalf of the United Warrior Survivor Foundation on our PWC Freedom Ride. ‘You have not been forgotten, and we will never forget.’

Mark Gerner

Mark is founder of the PWCoffshore.com Endurance Champions Race team. A former United States Marine Corps Infantry Officer (0302), Veteran of Operation Desert Shield & Storm and highly skilled endurance champion racer.

Shawn Alladio

Personal Watercraft Boating Instructor for public safety agencies and special waterborne divisions of the US Army, USMC, USAF, US Navy and USCG. Founder of the K38 Way of Training that is represented in 14 countries worldwide. AWA H2O Responder program director, NSBC Instructor and Professional PWC Racer since 1989.

United Warrior PWC Freedom Rider Main Supporters

K38 Water Safety provides boating safety instruction to agencies such as fire rescue, law enforcement, lifesaving and special waterborne divisions of our nation’s military services. www.K38WaterSafety.com

American Watercraft Association (AWA)

National associate body for personal watercraft enthusiasts, members receive the award winning RIDE Magazine. Home of the AWA H2O Responders: www.AWAhq.org

Liquid Militia Clothing action sports apparel for active water sports enthusiasts: www.LiquidMilitia.com

PWCoffshore.com home of the Pro endurance race team and Gunz Racers for PWC offshore racing

CONTACTS:

UWSF Contact: Kelly Chott - UWSF Executive Director

(619) 437-1137 Office

(413) 677-1143 Fax

Kelly@UWSF.org

Homepage: http://www.UWSF.org Twitter: http://twitter.com/UWSF Blogger: http://uwsf.blogspot.com

2009 UWSF PWC Freedom Rider Supporters: PWCoffshore.com, AWA, Kawasaki Motors Corporation USA, Liquid Militia Clothing, OTB Boots, Mustang Survival, Hydro Turf, K38 GEAR, quakeysense, Yamaha Motors Corporation USA, SocalWatercraftclub.com, Watercraft World Magazine, IJSBA, RIDE Magazine, www.K38WaterSafety.com, www.DavidPuu.com , Fly Racing, R&D, Bombardier Sea Doo, Hot Products USA, K38 rescue

USMC Recon Appreciation Day (23)

2009-05-30T18:21:00.001-07:00

USMC Recon Appreciation Day (23), originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

USMC Recon Appreciation day at Camp Pendleton, One of Shinny Shoo's Valentines for the Marines.

UWSF

2009-05-26T16:49:00.001-07:00

IMG_0385, originally uploaded by PWCOFFSHORE.

Liquid Militia Team Camp Out May 2009, Santa Barbara CA

UWSF - Nick Rocha

2009-05-09T10:42:00.001-07:00

UWSF Nick Rocha, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

Executive Director of the United Warrior Survivor Foundation meets with USMC Recon Marines at Camp Pendleton to inagurate the 2009 PWC Charity Ride that will take place on the anniversary of 9-11. Nick is showing the new logo for the UWSF banner.

UWSF Upcoming 2009 PWC Charity Ride

2009-05-09T10:40:00.001-07:00

UWSF, originally uploaded by K38 Rescue.

The United Warrior Survivor Foundation (UWSF) is the only organization exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of the surviving spouses of Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations personnel killed in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.

September 11-12, 2009 PWC Charity Ride on behalf of UWSF in Southern California

UWSF is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt corporation
(EIN# 81-0567790, CA Corporation #C2290910, CT#127366).

www.UWSF.org

2009-05-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

MICHAEL STETZ
No stardom, no glitz, just honor for SEALs
2:00 a.m. April 19, 2009

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I half-expected them to appear on “The Today Show.”

Or maybe toss out the first pitch at that new Yankee Stadium. Or show up in grainy video on TMZ.com, grabbing a latte at Starbucks.

I'm conditioned that way. In this age of instant celebrity, I figured the three Navy SEAL snipers who took out three pirates off the coast of Somalia last week would get the full star treatment.

Lady GaGa gets it. David Beckham gets it. Even a sweet Scottish spinster who can belt out Broadway tunes is getting it.
Not these guys. We won't even learn their names. They remain anonymous because they and the Navy want it that way.

The SEALs are true heroes, of course, but they're the old-fashioned kind. They do the amazing and then slip back into the scenery, leaving us to wonder who they were.
They're different. Way, way different. And that's refreshing.

“It's not about accolades, medals or recognition,” said Nicholas Rocha, a former SEAL and co-founder of the United Warrior Survivor Foundation in Coronado, which helps spouses of special forces operatives lost in duty. “It's about that person to your left, that person to your right.”

SEALs go into it knowing they won't be needing any Hollywood agent, no matter what they pull off.

It's ironic. Many in today's world seek (and get) publicity for the most ridiculous reasons. They go on reality shows to date a fading rock star. They have eight babies. SEALs seek no attention for genuinely valiant deeds.

“What's the purpose?” Rocha said. “How does that help you do your job?”
Who are these people? Who can so easily shrug off the spotlight, which, today, only burns brighter if there's actual heroism involved?

Check out Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the US Airways pilot who made that emergency landing on the Hudson River, sparing all 150 passengers.

He was a media darling for weeks after his incredible landing. He was on “60 Minutes.” He was invited to President Barack Obama's inauguration. He and other crew members received a standing ovation before the Super Bowl.

Who wouldn't want a piece of that?
Well, SEALs wouldn't.

“They're silent warriors,” said Cmdr. Greg Geisen, a spokesman for the Coronado-based Naval Special Warfare Command.

Geisen was swamped with requests from the media wanting to talk to the SEALs who saved the life of the cargo ship captain, Richard Phillips.

Some were surprised no interviews would be given.
SEALs don't do media interviews because they don't like to be singled out. They are members of a team, and their team is first and foremost, Geisen said. Publicity also could endanger them or their families if their identities were revealed.

The SEALs have a creed that says, in part: “I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions.”

They live up to it, even now, when multimillion-dollar athletes can make national news for whining that they don't get the ball enough.

This recent SEAL action was unusual because it took place so publicly. Pirates boarded a cargo ship and took Phillips hostage, drawing international media coverage.

The pirates held Phillips for five days onboard the ship's lifeboat. The Navy destroyer Bainbridge was sent to help. The SEALs parachuted from a helicopter and climbed onboard the Navy ship.

From the back of the ship, they took aim at the pirates in that bobbing lifeboat, only their heads and shoulders exposed. When ordered to shoot, the snipers simultaneously fired. Three shots. Three kills.

The world was riveted.
“Normally, our operations are secret,” Geisen said. And, of course, dangerous.

More than 240 special operations warriors from units across all branches of the military have died since Sept. 11, 2001.

It was the loss of a fellow SEAL in the mountains of Afghanistan that inspired Rocha to start his support group in 2002.

Many widows need more assistance than what the government provides, so the foundation gives college scholarships and other support to those women. Many put their ambitions on hold when following their husbands' military careers.

About the only local spot that publicly honors SEALs is McP's Irish Pub in Coronado. Pictures of Vietnam-era SEALs hang on the walls of the place, which is owned by a former SEAL, Greg McPartlin.

I asked the bartender, who wouldn't give me his name, if SEALs ever boast at the bar about what they do.

No, he said.
Even after a few beers?
No.

If they ever say anything about what they do, he said, it's “only under their breaths, to each other.”

United Warrior Survivor Foundation is on Facebook

2009-05-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

United Warrior Survivor Foundation
Please visit our Facebook Group for UWSF

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=801905413&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=22066153230&ref=mf

UWSF - Are you a Surviving Spouse?

2009-05-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU A SURVIVING SPOUSE?

UWSF’s unique Bi-Annual Survivors Conferences were established with the unique needs of Special Operations widows in mind, affording an unrivaled healing experience, sense of camaraderie and support.

The Survivor Conferences (affectionately called “Survivor Reunions”) bring together Special Operations widows at various stages of bereavement with the express intent of addressing the practical and emotional aspects of their loss. Each conference includes an array of guest speakers and experts in the fields of military widowhood, bereavement, financial planning, benefits and entitlements, as well as practical classes in self defense and coping with their children’s grieving process.

The Conferences provide a safe and fun setting for the women to share stories and challenges and to forge bonds with other women who have suffered similar tragedies. MORE

www.UWSF.org

New UWSF Wikizene!

2009-05-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

Wikizines are interactive magazines that anyone can create or edit - and this one is called "United Warrior Survivors Foundation". Here you can find fresh voices and respond in real time. Some members write articles about recent news and trends related to the wikizine's topic, others recount relevant personal stories or share their favorite pictures and video clips. Got an interesting idea or story to share with other members of this wikizine? Well, then put on your journalist's cap and add your own article!

http://www.zimbio.com/United+Warrior+Survivors+Foundation

Welcome!

2009-05-06T09:56:00.001-07:00

United Warrior Survivors Foundation welcomes you to our new blogspot! Please check back often for news updates on our 2009 programs!

UWSF is now on Twitter!

2009-05-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

Please join our UWSF Twitter updates. You can link up to our site by following the URL:

http://twitter.com/UWSF

Thank you for your support in 2009!