Photo By Master Sgt. David Johnson | Mike Greenwell, founder of Warrior Empowerment Foundation, (left-center wearing black...... read more read more
PROSPECT, Ky. - After a grueling day at Fort Knox conducting marksmanship training, Soldiers of the 412th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) of Columbus, Ohio, were happy to get out of the hot sun, drink some cool water and decompress before conducting some evening training Oct. 10.
However, Lt. Col. Paul Sanders, commander of the 412, had other ideas for his paratroopers that included big wheels and even a bigger tribute to injured veterans. Sanders had coordinated for his Soldiers to participate in an evening event, buoying the Warrior Empowerment Foundation.
Mike Greenwell is the founder of the Warrior Empowerment Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports injured Soldiers and their families.
“The Warrior Empowerment Foundation donated $104,000 to Wounded Warriors Project in 2013,” said Greenwell.
They were the guests of honor at the third annual Warrior Empowerment Foundation event. A 150-member motorcycle entourage, the Kentucky Patriot Guard Riders, along with the local police, escorted the Soldiers on two buses into the Titan Marine company location to a heroes’ welcome.
Greenwell, who owns the Kentucky firm Titan Marine Ltd., closes his company for three weeks to prepare for the annual extravaganza, which raises significant funds for charitable organizations that directly support the troops.
“Tonight, USA Cares organization gets one half of 2015 donations,” said Greenwell. “The other half will go to other organizations that help Soldiers and their families.”
HEROES' WELCOME
More than 1,000 enthusiastic, patriotic attendees cheered the Soldiers as they entered the marina.
“Wow,” said Staff Sgt. Ronald Janetzke. “This was just phenomenal for our unit.”
All the Soldiers of the 412th were visibly captivated and overwhelmed by the support for them and the foundation.
“Impressive,” said Sgt. 1st Class Alexis Feliciano. “I was not expecting this.”
“This was really a worthwhile reward for our unit,” added Capt. David Floyd, operations officer for the 412th.
The Warrior Empowerment Foundation event consisted of great food, live entertainment from the band, Rumors, many military displays and a silent auction of military memorabilia, which was part of the fundraising. More money was raised through ticket sales, food sales and personal donations.
WARRIOR EMPOWERMENT
Several members of the 16-member board of directors for Warrior Empowerment are local food vendors, and they set up an impressive layout of tasty cuisine for the troops and guests.
“This beats the hell out of an MRE,” said Sgt. 1st Class Vincent Johnson Jr., a training noncommissioned officer with the 412th.
Greenwell, Titan Marine employees and its board members organize such an event every year. The Warrior Empowerment Foundation emerged because Greenwell wanted to help military families.
“People want to help,” said Greenwell. “I help put people in action. I coordinate their meeting Wounded Warriors and other military families.”
“We provide the path,” Greenwell added. “The people of our community provide the rest. They want to help.”
GOING HOME
After a long evening of food and entertainment, Soldiers of the 412th boarded the buses back to Fort Knox.
The next morning, it was back to business as usual for the 412th: Up early, clean the barracks, inventory equipment, conduct safety briefings and prepare their Humvees to make the trip back to Columbus.
It was another successful battle assembly. The Soldiers were tired – but empowered after the long training weekend. They were elated from their marksmanship results on the range and the satisfaction they still felt from their involvement with the Warrior Empowerment Foundation.
| Date Taken: | 10.10.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.29.2015 12:31 |
| Story ID: | 180333 |
| Location: | PROSPECT, KY, US |
| Web Views: | 584 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, 412th Civil Affairs Battalion (A) Soldiers enjoy Warrior Empowerment, by MSG David Johnson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT