Jesse Medina (right) poses with his wife Megan and son, Aiden, in front of their new debt-free home.

Marine Corporal Jesse Medina and his family were officially presented the keys to a crisply remodeled, debt-free home in Spring, TX on Friday, May 17, by the Texas Sentinels Foundation and a number of community partners.

Cpl. Medina was severely wounded in Afghanistan when he was blown up by an IED on Christmas Day, 2011.

Texas Sentinels Foundation Executive Officer Susie Barlow began the presentation by thanking the many neighbors, vendors and community members for their contributions. Following the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance led by a quartet of Marines in dress uniform, she then introduced the Foundation’s co-founders, Richard & Jeanne Filip.

“About seven years ago Jeanne and I began hearing all the stories of soldiers returning from combat and not getting as much help as they deserved and that inspiration has grown into what we’re seeing today.” Richard said, “We are just the catalyst; the real work is done by the people surrounding you in this audience and others like them in your community who have picked up this idea and have caused it to snowball.”

Filip noted the essential contributions of great community partners, sponsors, and introduced the project team leaders for the Medina home project, Jacci Kilgore and Carol Knott, both from RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring. The top producing Realtors each thanked a number of local building service and materials providers who participated in the Medina home refurbishment.

This marks the 2^nd effort partnering with community businesses that Ms. Kilgore and Ms. Knott have successfully undertaken. At the conclusion of their remarks, Knott quipped, “Now we’re ready for #3.”

The Medinas were originally surprised with the news of a new home when Bank of America’s Community Revitalization Program provided the deed to a previously foreclosed house in partnership with the Texas Sentinels’ contributors.

Among those critical players in refurbishing the home was Centerpoint Energy, who installed the first of three $20,000 automatic natural gas whole-house generators on the Medina’s home, insuring they are never without power as the result of an electrical outage.

The Texas Sentinels Foundation’s administrative cost from raising and donating over $1.2 million dollars in 2011 was only 3%. This means that an impressive 97% of every dollar contributed directly supports soldiers rehabilitation, education, residence or other critical component of life.

To make a donation, or for more information, visit www.texassentinels.org.

Builds Homes, Provides Life Scholarships for Wounded Warriors

They came and they shot (see list of winners here- for full results, visit iclays.com); and while doing, raised $40,000 (preliminary figure) for the Texas Sentinels Foundation’s mission to unite local communities in providing adequate housing, counseling, financial stewardship, and lasting mentorship to injured veterans.

“Contributions are still rolling in, and these funds will provide enormous assistance towards helping as many Wounded Warriors as we can reach,” noted Texas Sentinels Foundation Executive Officer Susie Barlow. “Our program is gaining a terrific momentum, and the eagerness to help these deserving men and women is contagious; more and more community members are climbing aboard and joining our effort every day.”

If the frequent bursts of sporting gunfire wasn’t enough to get one’s heart pumping, the tournament backdrop featured fabulously restored heavy military vehicles from Mr. Foshee, many mounted with .50 caliber anti-aircraft cannon machine guns, which fired a deafening barrage of dummy rounds at W.W.II-era craft. These beautiful aircraft flew over the Preserve’s Pavilion from the nearby West Houston Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force.

A picture-perfect setting and venue, the incomparable Rio Brazos Hunting Preserve near Simonton (west of Houston) is a gorgeously maintained 1,600-acre forest catering largely to outdoor, corporate fundraisers.

On Friday May 3 & Saturday May 4, Operation Lock-n-Load held it’s 2^nd annual sporting clays tournament benefiting the Texas Sentinels Foundation, with lead sponsor Tactical Firearms heading up a great group of civic-minded businesses in conducting this essential grass-roots effort for deserving members of our Military.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this event an unqualified success,” exclaimed Barlow, a retired career Army Intelligence Officer. “The news just kept getting better all weekend, first with Tactical Firearms committing to sponsor all future Lock-n-Load events, and on Saturday the Katy Masonic Lodge announced donations totaling an additional $7,000. Our tournament director Corby Callaway coordinated so many volunteers who worked tirelessly towards this effort, and it’s a testament to the appreciation our community feels towards our men and women in uniform.”

Texas Sentinels Foundation co-founders Richard & Jeanne Filip shared their gratitude to the volunteers, corporate underwriters, donors and enthusiastic competitors for their parts in making the event possible.  And speaking for everyone, gave thanks for the service of men, women and families who bear the sacrifice of service in battle while protecting the freedoms so commonly taken for granted.

Three skydivers dropped in: one trailing a barn-sized Texas flag, another sported the Stars & Stripes the same dimension and finally a lone-ranger with red, white, and blue streamers. They all landed adjacent to the tournament pavilion just as the National Anthem was concluding.

The legendary RE/MAX Skydiving Team presented the Texas and American flags prior to Saturday’s 2^nd flight shoot as Sergeant First Class Richard Rudd, U.S. Army, crooned the National Anthem. In a thrilling 120 mph freefall above the grounds before deploying their chutes at 1,500 feet, the parachutes with the giant RE/MAX logo provide the most thrilling and visually stimulating beginning to any large-gathering outdoor event.

Between flights throughout Friday and Saturday, shooters bid on exotic firearms via the purchase of squares on a 100-count grid.  Winners took home a Glock 17 G4, 25^th anniversary 9mm; a Walther PK380;  a Beretta Ultralight DLX 12/28;  a Benelli M3 Tactical 12/19, a Daniel Defense M4, and many other exotic sporting and tactical firearms.

Everyone’s favorite marksman Travis Mears, shooting for Beretta, conducted one of his world-famous shooting demonstrations that left the crowd jaw-slacked. He made “salsa” from various vegetables and left vapor remnants from his various whole fruits. He shot from between his legs, from-the-hip and even hanging upside down.

Through April of 2013, the Texas Sentinels Foundation has already distributed grants and services totaling over $360,000.

In 2012, the nonprofit foundation disbursed over $1.6 million dollars to deserving Military recipients, with merely three percent funding operational/administrative expenses.

The Texas Sentinels Foundation will be conducting the formal presentation of a newly furnished ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant home to Marine Corporal Jessie Medina and his family in Spring, Texas on Friday, May 17 at 11:00am. This home was donated in conjunction with Bank of America’s Community Redevelopment Program.

Texas Sentinels Foundation co-founders Richard & Jeanne Filip expressed their thanks to members of the 1st Calvary who were present, for their sacrifice of service in battle while protecting the freedoms so often taken for granted.

The Texas Sentinels Foundation, founded by former longtime RE/MAX of Texas Regional Owners Richard & Jeanne Filip, has built mortgage-free homes across the state for Wounded Warriors of post 911 overseas conflicts. Spearheaded by a RE/MAX agent or office that galvanizes their community and industry sphere of influence to generate a grass-roots effort, these initiatives have successfully helped military families establish roots and a path to a bright future with the foundation’s several levels of life scholarship.

Visit or donate at texassentinels.org.

# # #

The Texas Sentinels Foundation’s Mission is to: 1) Provide adequate housing to injured veterans. 2) Unite local community to serve veterans’ needs. 3) Provide counseling and financial stewardship and 4) Provide lasting mentorship.

The Texas Sentinels Foundation is led by its Executive Officer, Susan Barlow, who reports to the Texas Sentinels Foundation Board of Directors consisting of Richard Filip, Jeanne Filip, Charles El-Moussa and Brian Parker.

Barlow is a Gulf War combat veteran who has also served in Iraq, Southwest Asia, Europe and various stateside assignments. Before accepting the position of Executive Officer for the Texas Sentinels Foundation, Barlow served as an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Army for more than 25 years and is a retired and highly decorated Lieutenant Colonel.

Participating dealers in the CenterPoint Energy 2013 Standby Generator Program are joining forces with the Texas Sentinels Foundation to show their appreciation for the sacrifices of these veterans and you can lend a helping hand by Powering Heroes during this storm season. When you purchase a qualifying program generator, participating dealers will donate a portion of the sales proceeds to fund three generator installations for Houston-area disabled veterans through the Texas Sentinels Foundation.

With the added protection of a natural gas standby generator, these deserving individuals will have the peace of mind of knowing that they won’t have to experience the inconvenience, uncertainty and discomfort of a power outage.

Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/generators for more details.

• RE/MAX of Texas
• Jeremy Pawlak
• Entrust Energy
• NRT
• Jack Hopkins
• Kirk Hopkins
• Ryan Hopkins
• EZ Flooring
• Ron Austin Blinds Company
• Easy-Aire
• Houston Furniture Bank
• Hal Lynde
• Coventry homes
• Gallery Furniture
• SFC Richard Rudd
• Texas Rolling Thunder
• Pat Thompson
• Gary Robinson
• Michael Jabar
• SGT Adam Berry
• Alex Amin

For more information or to donate, visit TexasSentinels.org.          

Media Coverage

CBS Channel 11 KHOU:

ABC Channel 13 KTRK: Wounded war veteran given house in Richmond

FOX Channel 26 KRIV: Injured soldier rewarded for service with home for him and his son

Something else many Americans value is the day they can own their own home, and on Saturday, Feb. 9, that dream came true for the 29-year-old veteran.

Bank of America and The Texas Sentinels Foundation surprised SSG Maust with the keys to a debt-free 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in the Keegan’s Bayou subdivision in unincorporated Fort Bend County. SSG Maust was surprised on-stage with the keys to the home by Texas Sentinels Foundation founder Richard Filip and its Executive Officer Susie Barlow during the 36^th Annual RE/MAX of Texas Statewide Convention. Richard and Jeanne Filip are the former owners of the regional office that serves and supports hundreds of RE/MAX real estate offices in Texas and thousands of its affiliated Realtors.

SSG Maust thought he was attending the convention in San Marcos to receive a real estate scholarship which will pay for his training leading up to his real estate license as part of his Lifetime Scholarship from the Texas Sentinels Foundation. He didn’t know the organization would throw in a debt-free home as part of its ongoing partnership with Bank of America.

As part of Bank of America’s efforts to help revitalize communities and support the housing needs of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation and communities, the company has pledged to make up to 1,000 homes available nationwide through property donations to military veteran-support charities and other non-profit, community-based organizations. This donation is made possible through a partnership with Texas Sentinels Foundation, created to give back to the military men and women of our Armed Forces who have served our country.

SSG Maust has served 12 years in the U.S. Army and was deployed five times, including three combat tours in Iraq where he worked as a Cavalry Scout (19D) with a military occupational specialty of Light and Mechanized. He began his tours of Iraq in 2004 and was in Baghdad in 2005 when the first democratic elections were held.

In 2006, while assigned as a Bradley commander in the 6^th Squadron, 9^th Cavalry regiment, he was injured by multiple blasts from improvised explosive devices. Today, SSG Maust continues to deal with the results of traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and knee and shoulder injuries. A neck and vertebrae combat injury recently resulted in surgery in December last year.

He earned the Bronze Star Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, a National Defense Service Ribbon, three Good Conduct Medals, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, three Iraqi Campaign Medals with Campaign Stars, three Overseas Service Ribbons, an Army Service Ribbon and two Non-Commissioned Officer Education Ribbons. SSG Maust was recently granted medical discharge from the Army.

Military service runs in the family for this Sealy native, as two of his brothers are Marines and an uncle was in the National Guard. SSG Maust requested to be stationed at Fort Hood with the 1^st Cavalry regiment because “it is such a storied unit with an incredible combat record,” he said.

SSG Maust, a 2001 graduate of Brazos High School in Wallis, said he felt especially compelled to join the military after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But there is one more important reason he chose to serve.

“My son Dylan is seven years old and is the reason I chose to make the Army my career,” he said. “I wanted to provide a great role model for him and could think of nothing better than being a soldier and father at the same time.”

SSG Maust his exploring his post-military career options, and would like to earn a college degree and work as a professional Realtor, he said, and intends to affiliate with Robert Ricketts’ independently owned and operated RE/MAX Grand in Katy where he will work with The Corby Callaway Team.

SSG Maust, who says he enjoys sports “more than most,” now combines his love of football with his passion for helping other soldiers. He likes to spend weekends in the fall taking veterans to Houston Texans games.

“It is extremely rewarding to help my fellow soldiers get to experience that, thanks to the Texas Sentinels Foundation,” he said.

The Texas Sentinels Foundation would like to thank the following businesses for their support in this project: National Restoration Technologies helped refurbish the home for the Maust family; EZ Floors installed new floors throughout the home; The Original Blind Man provided and installed custom window treatments; The Furniture Bank of Houston donated furniture; Coventry Homes donated furnishings and home accessories and Corby Callaway from RE/MAX Grand served as the Texas Sentinels Foundation Team Leader for this project, and he coordinated volunteers and sponsors to ensure all deadlines were met.

Update, Feb. 24, 2013

Please join us as the Texas Sentinels Foundation and Bank of America present a debt-free home to our latest Texas Sentinel recipient, SSG Chris Maust, U.S. Army.

March 1, 2013 at 10:30 a.m.

RSVP to Susie Barlow, Texas Sentinels Foundation Executive Officer at:

susie@texassentinels.org

Click here for more information and to register.

Celebrate our Armed Forces and honor their sacrifices at The 2nd Annual Operation Lock-n-Load Sporting Clay Tournament supporting our troops, Friday & Saturday, May 3rd & 4th, to raise funds to build debt-free homes and create life-changing opportunities for severely wounded veterans.

See the 2nd Annual Operation Lock-N-Load website to register and read more.

Marine Lance Corporal Jesse Medina and his family were surprised today by Bank of America and the Texas Sentinels Foundation with the keys to a debt-free, mortgage-free home in the Northcrest Village subdivision in Spring, Texas.

They thought they were going to a Texas Sentinels Foundation Christmas luncheon. They were — lunch was served — but they didn’t know friends, family and local media would be there to congratulate them on their new home.

The Marine and his wife, Megan, and son, Aidan, received the keys to their new 2,348-square foot, 3-bedroom, 2-1/2-bath home and saw it for the first time after a brief key presentation ceremony. 

And employees from Hercules Offshore, Inc. made the season even brighter by adopting the Medina family for Christmas; representatives from the offshore drilling services provider surrounded the family’s new Christmas tree with donated wrapped presents.

As part of Bank of America’s efforts to help revitalize communities and support the housing needs of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation and communities, the company has pledged to make up to 1,000 homes available nationwide through property donations to military veteran-support charities and other non-profit, community-based organizations. This donation is made possible through a partnership with Texas Sentinels Foundation, created to give back to the military men and women of our Armed Forces who have served our country.

Local media outlets Fox 26 (see online story), Univision 45 (w/video) and Houston Community Newspaper’s The Woodlands Villager covered the event, and we have linked to their stories above.

Here are more photos from the event:

Houston weather, traffic, news | FOX 26 | MyFoxHouston

Fox 26 also published a story about Medina receiving a debt-free home from Bank of America and Texas Sentinels Foundation.

Jesse and Megan Medina

Jesse Medina

Jesse and Aidan Medina

Aidan and Jesse Medina

Jesse and Aidan Medina

Marine Lance Corporal Jesse Medina was blown up in the Helmand Province in Afghanistan on Christmas Day in 2011 when an IED (improvised explosive device) detonated while conducting a dismounted patrol and ground combat operations.

The now 21-year-old Texas Sentinels Foundation recipient uses those words “blown up” when he tells his story – he doesn’t mince his words, and he uses humor when he speaks about his combat experience.

“The first thing that went through my mind when it happened was, dammit, I’m not getting any Christmas dinner,” LCPL Medina said. “I was the first one to see that I had lost my leg. I looked down at my right leg and it wasn’t there, so I tried to reach for my tourniquet and that’s when I noticed my left hand was missing my middle finger. I must have been running on adrenaline – I didn’t realize how severe it was until after I woke up a day later, after surgery.”

LCPL Medina was looking forward to that Christmas dinner in Afghanistan, as the other Marines serving with him in the 2nd Platoon 7th Marine Regiment Lima Company 3rd Battalion were to feast on the best of what they could find – locally-sourced meat, canned goods, rice, maybe some Ramen. Instead, he awoke in the hospital the day after Christmas, his life forever changed but happy to be alive.

This was LCPL Medina’s second combat tour in Afghanistan – he had been wounded a few months earlier, but wanted to return to combat.

LCPL Medina lost his right leg and as a result of a severely mangled right arm, he experienced nerve and muscle loss of his right elbow and hand. His left middle finger was amputated and he lost range of motion in two other fingers on his left hand. LCPL Medina continues his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and is currently assigned to the Marine Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, where he continues his rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center.

On Friday, Dec. 7, LCPL Medina underwent his eleventh surgery, aimed at continuing the repair of tendons in his left arm.
LCPL Medina is married to his high school sweetheart, Megan, and the couple has one child, Aidan. LCPL Medina expects to be medically retired from the Marine Corps soon and then begin to use his educational benefits to begin working toward a career in law enforcement. Megan is pursuing a career as a teacher. He’s proud to serve his country, he said, and he joined the U.S. Marine Corps because “it is the best” branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“I enlisted to be a Marine, was honored to serve my country, took pride in my job and would give anything to be back with the guys in my unit,” LCPL Medina said.

LCPL Medina received the following military service medals and commendations: Purple Heart (2), Navy Unit Commendation, NATO-ISAF Afghanistan Combat medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Marine Corps Combat Action ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism (GWAT) Service Medal and the Marine Corps Good Conduct medal.

In October, the Medina family visited the Texas Sentinels Foundation. Pictured are Charles El-Moussa, Susan Barlow, Jeanne Filip, Jesse and Aidan Medina, Richard Filip and Megan Medina.

The Texas Sentinel Foundation founders Jeanne and Richard Filip get a chance to feel the weight of a Marine’s combat equipment.

Your tax-deductible donation will help us create life-changing opportunities for our wounded veterans right here in Texas.

WAYS TO GIVE

• Make a donation online!  Every single dollar makes a difference.
• Donate on behalf of someone on your holiday shopping list!  Skip the lines and crowded parking lots and give them a truly unique gift.
• Encourage your office to participate in the TSF Christmas Drive!  Collect loose change in a donation jar, have a cube- or office-decorating contest, a holiday sweater contest, a 50/50 raffle at your office’s holiday party…the possibilities are endless!

Thank you for your consideration!  Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!

CPL Daniel Peterson, USMC, recently received a specialized all-terrain tracked wheelchair with help from the Texas Sentinels Foundation Life Scholarship fund, in partnership with major donors Northwest Dodge and Rolling Thunder TX2.

Peterson suffered the amputation of both legs after being severely wounded by a bomb while on patrol in the Southern Helmand Province of Afghanistan.  He was medically retired from the Marines, where he was trained as a sniper.  Undeterred by his injuries, Peterson continues to participate in sniper courses and competitions on a regular basis.

It was Peterson’s passion for shooting and outdoor activities that spurred his interest in an all-terrain wheelchair.

“Getting from Point A to Point B in a wheelchair can be difficult even in regular circumstances,” said Peterson.  “But at these sniper courses, not only do I have to carry things around with me, but I also need to be able to navigate on grass and different types of terrain.”

Since receiving the Action Trackchair in November, Peterson has experienced a rekindled enthusiasm for the outdoors.

“The Trackchair lets me go places where a regular wheelchair would sink,” said Peterson, who now has unlimited access to the sniping and hunting activities he has always enjoyed.  “Using the chair is kind of like getting my legs back, in a sense.”

Susan Barlow, Executive Officer of Texas Sentinels Foundation, said she is excited about the new opportunities the tracked chair has opened up for Peterson.

“Now Dan can travel on grass, gravel, sand, you name it,” said Barlow.  “This is why TSF’s Life Scholarship program is so important – it creates amazing opportunities for our Wounded Warriors and fills in the gaps that other programs are unable to fulfill.  For Dan, this means he can now go and do what he used to before his injuries.”

Peterson said he is deeply appreciative of the support he has received from TSF.  “It’s a great group of people who I can turn to for help and good company,” said Peterson.

Recently, Tactical Firearms owner Jeremy Alcede hired Peterson as a Range Officer.  The two were introduced through TSF, who assisted Peterson with his professional resume.  Peterson enjoys being able to utilize his firearms expertise in his new position.

“Just because something like this has happened, doesn’t mean you have to stop living your life and doing the things you enjoy.”

Houston’s beloved Holiday spectacular, the 63^rd Annual Holiday Parade presented by H-E-B, will return to the city on Thanksgiving Day from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m to celebrate the start of the Holiday season.

Texas Sentinels Foundation has been graciously invited to participate in the “America’s Pride” float sponsored by Jack in the Box.

“We are excited to participate and wish to express a heartfelt thank-you to Atour Eyvazian, his family and Jack in the Box for extending this invitation,” said Susan Barlow, Executive Officer of Texas Sentinels Foundation.  “We’re grateful for the opportunity to honor our Wounded Warriors and to give thanks for their sacrifice on this special holiday.”

The 2012 Holiday Parade will begin its march on Crawford St., turning onto Congress St., then will travel down Congress St. and turn once again into San Jacinto to come to an end on Walker St.  The best viewing areas are along Congress and San Jacinto Street.  Be sure to wave hello to the Texas Sentinels Foundation’s honored guests as they pass by on the “America’s Pride” float!

Read more about the Houston Holiday Parade.

Update, Nov. 27

Texas Sentinels Foundation Executive Officer Susie Barlow and Staff SGT Chris Maust appeared on Fox 26 News during its pre-parade coverage. Video embedded below:

Houston weather, traffic, news | FOX 26 | MyFoxHouston

Update, Nov. 28

Texas Sentinels Foundation Executive Officer Susie Barlow and volunteer Laura Cook took the following photos during the parade:

Wounded Warriors and U.S. veterans were paired with Texas Sentinels Foundation supporters and sponsors during the team shooting event, and awards for performance were announced once the results were tabulated.

Tournament Winners

Operation Lock-N-Load Fall Invitational coordinator Corby Callaway, Highest Overall Award tournament winner Rick Storey and Texas Sentinels Foundation co-founder Richard Filip

Rick Storey, who participated on the Hercules Offshore Inc. team, shot a perfect 100, winning the tournament’s top individual Highest Overall Award.

Callaway, U.S. Coast Guard veteran Todd McKenna who won the Highest Overall Award for military participant and Filip

Todd McKenna, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who participated on the Loma Linda Ranch team, scored 76 and won the tournament’s individual Military Highest Overall Award.

Shannon Fish won the Highest Overall Award for female participant at the Fall Invitational tournament.

Shannon Fish, who participated on the Operations Excellence Group LLC team, scored 77 and won the tournament’s individual Female Highest Overall Award. Her score was higher than most of the men who participated.

Tactical Firearms team

Tactical Firearms won first place for a combined team score of 399, topping the best of the Class AA. Second place in the Class AA went to Hercules Offshore Inc. who had a combined team score of 389 and third place in the Class AA went to the H.L. Flake Security Hardware company team.

Boots & Coots team

Boots and Coots won first place for Class A with a combined team score of 339. Second place in Class A went to MW Cox Consultants with a combined teams score of 320 and Loma Linda Ranch Team 2 won third place in the Class A with a score of 312.

Heineken USA team

Heineken USA won first place for Class B with a combined team score of 237. Second place in Class B went to Wings Over Houston who scored 232 and third place went to the Rice Owls football team who scored 230.

Sponsors

Supporters of the Texas Sentinels Foundation made this tournament a success.

Official tournament sponsors were: RE/MAX of Texas, Spirit of Texas Bank, Hercules Offshore, Boots & Coots, Apache, H.L. Flake Security Hardware, Wings Over Houston Airshow, Northwest Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Loma Linda Ranch, Tactical Firearms, The Operations Excellence Group, RE/MAX Real Estate Associates, Crown Trophy, MW Cox Consultants, Finance Home America, Dr. Pepper, Monster Energy, Dos Equis, Heineken, Texas Roadhouse, Pitt’s and Spitt’s, Rebecca Creek, Enchanted Rock, Steel Horse Cookers Sterling McCall Toyota and NBD Graphics Inc.

Sterling McCall Toyota was the Cowboy Breakfast sponsor.

Volunteers

Many individuals from sponsorship organizations and the general public came out to the event to help support Wounded Warriors.

Texas Rolling Thunder, an organization that escorts the bodies of fallen soldiers in Texas, was there with a motorcycle display and American flags. Gary Peterson and Pat Thompson served as the organization’s key leaders during the event.

Carson George brought the Texas Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall Scholarship Fund display to the Texas Sentinels Foundation event. The Texas Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall, supported by the Texas Rolling Thunder organization, is a mobile tribute to the men and women from Texas who have died in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001.

Volunteers at the event included:

Photos

Photos taken by Brandon Vos and Philip Leung, volunteers with RE/MAX of Texas.

Texas Rolling Thunder will present a motorcycle parade and the Texas Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall, a mobile memorial including the names of the Texas service members who lost their lives in the line of duty, which will be on display at Texas Roadhouse-Pearland from 11 am to 2 pm.

Texas Roadhouse-Pearland is located at 2526 Smith Ranch Rd., Pearland, TX 77584.  Call-ahead seating is available by calling 713-436-8444.

See photos from the event below:

The event, held at the Omni Houston Westside, included keynote speaker Dr. Robert Ivany, Retired Major General of the United States Army and President of the University of St. Thomas, and a flyover by the Commemorative Air Force – Houston Wing.  This is the second year TSF has been a proud sponsor of the event.

Update: Nov. 8, 2012

The event was covered by reporter Rusty Graham for The Memorial Examiner newspaper and appeared on its website with the headline: Humility underscores pride at Salute to Veterans.

See more photos from the event:

The RE/MAX hot air balloon leads the balloon launch at the 2012 Apache Operation Lock-N-Load sporting clays tournament benefiting TSF

RE/MAX Realtors, Brokers, Owners and Employees: To submit your photo, email it to marketing@remaxtexas.com.  We’ll publish your photo and your story below leading up to Veteran’s Day in an effort to increase awareness about the role of veterans in the real estate industry.

As veterans of the U.S. military and as real estate industry leaders, these individuals have played and continue to play a vital role in preserving the American Dream, which for many includes home ownership.

Photos will be shared below, and beginning November 1, each veteran will be featured on the Texas Sentinels Foundation Facebook page.  Be sure to “Like” the TSF page on Facebook for the latest news, photos, and activities of the Foundation!

Established by community-minded businessmen and championed by one of the world’s best-known real estate companies, the Texas Sentinels Foundation was founded in 2007 by Richard and Jeanne Filip.  The Filips own RE/MAX of Texas, and since the founding of TSF, many RE/MAX associates and offices in Texas have contributed time, energy and funding to help ensure the success of the Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of Wounded Warriors in Texas.

Steve Edmonson (RE/MAX Bastrop Area) in 1983 while stationed at RAF Bentwaters, United Kingdom. In this photo, Edmonson is seen in a charcoal chemical warfare suit as he prepares for war games.

John Harris (RE/MAX North-San Antonio), United States Air Force

Mike Kruse (RE/MAX North-San Antonio), United States Air Force Intelligence Officer (Retired in 1995)

Tonya Osgood (RE/MAX Hometown), United States Navy Air Traffic Controller (1984-2006)

Joseph Skye (RE/MAX Associates), United States Navy (1958-1962). Served aboard the USS Waccamaw AO-109 touring with the 2nd & 6th Fleets.

John Byers (RE/MAX Select), United States Air Force Contracting Officer (1988-1992)

Susan Quinones (RE/MAX Platinum), United States Army, 75 Bravo – Fort Hood Texas (1996-2000)

Thomas Sandifer (RE/MAX Platinum Real Estate), United States Army, Battalion Motor Officer (1970-1992)

Raul Giorgi (RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring), United States Air Force (1973-1977)

James Rodgers (RE/MAX North-San Antonio), United States Navy, Retired in 2007 after 21 years of Active Duty

Cindy Schmidt (RE/MAX Associates of Mansfield), United States Air Force (1977-1982)

George Huntoon (RE/MAX Westside), United States Marine Corps (1990-1996), AAV (Amphibious Assault Vehicle) Crewman

USMC veteran George Huntoon (see previous photo) submitted this photo of himself on an Amphibious Assault Vehicle during his service

Don Baker (RE/MAX Best), United States Air Force (1974-1977). “I enlisted at the end of the Vietnam era and I was fortunate that I did not see any action. But I saw the results from the war over the years and still to this day. I believe we should fly the American Flag either at our homes or on our vehicles, not only to show our support to our country, but for those men and women who fought for our country. I believe you should thank a Veteran when you meet them. I try to support the organizations that help our soldiers when I can.”

Joe Callahan (RE/MAX Top Realty), United States Air Force. “I am approaching my 12th year in the USAF, and currently serve in the Texas Air National Guard in Houston.”

Rick Wells (RE/MAX Southwest), Texas Air Guard (1968-1974), 272nd EIS Squadron, La Porte, TX

Melvin Long (RE/MAX Hometown), United States Navy. “I served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1959. My ship, the USS NEW DDE 818, was deployed to the Mediterranean during the Lebanon Crisis of 1958. We were there to provide protection while our Marines went ashore to insure the safety of our American folks living there. I appreciate what our men and women who have served or are now serving in every branch of the Military, are doing for our Country.”

Zachary Taylor (RE/MAX 360), United States Air Force. Served 12 years on Active Duty.

Stu Burge (RE/MAX Masters), United States Army. Served as a Transportation Officer at Seventh Army Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany, from 1968-1969 and in DaNang, Vietnam, from 1970-1971.

Mike Shield (RE/MAX North Associates III), United States Army. Served with the First Aviation Brigade in the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam from 1970 to 1971.

James Brown (RE/MAX Westside, REALTORS), United States Navy. Retired Chief Petty Officer after 22 years of service.

Harold Hodapp, Jr. (RE/MAX Heritage), United States Navy (1966-1971).

Dennis O’Hagan (RE/MAX DFW Associates), United States Marine Corps. Vietnam-era veteran.

Bob Jacobs (RE/MAX Associates), United States Naval
Academy (1976-1978).

Dick Myers (RE/MAX Coastal Bend Properties), United States Army. Retired as Colonel after 29 years of service. Served in Korea and Vietnam.

Lynn Taylor (RE/MAX 1), United States Army. “I served in the U.S. Army from 1966 – 1968 as a Combat Medic during the Viet Nam Era and am Proud to have served this great Nation. I was a Platoon Sargeant over 100 Combat Medics at Ft Sam Houston then later graduated from Neuro-Psychiatric then Clinical Psychology. Last 6 months at Ft Campbell, KY with the 101st Airborne.”

Paul Fuhr (RE/MAX DFW Associates IV), United States Navy Pilot (1982 – 1991). Based at NAS North Island, San Diego, CA. Deployed aboard CV-64, USS Constellation.

Patrick Ireland (RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring), United States Army. Army Security Agency 1965; US Army Special Forces training from 1966 -1967 and received Green Beret; US Army 5th Special Forces Group Mobile Strike Force (MIKE FORCE) in Viet Nam from 1967 – 1968; Instructor at the John F Kennedy Center for Special Warfare (Ft. Bragg, N.C.) from 1968 – 1969.

Patrick Ireland during his service (see previous photo and caption above)

Scott Greenberg (RE/MAX DFW Associates III), United States Air Force (1985-1992). Honorably discharged as a Captain.

Thomas Branch (RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs), SMSgt United States Air Force (Retired). First Gulf War Veteran.

Thomas Branch during his service (see previous photo and caption)

David Roth (RE/MAX Heritage), United States Navy (1987-1994). Served on board the aircraft carriers USS Dwight D Eisenhower and USS George Washington.

Sal Russo (RE/MAX North Associates), United States Air Force (1952-1956). “My first assignment was at Sampson Air Force Base in upstate New York. It was so cold there that we went to bed with our clothes on including a hat and overcoat. From there I was assigned to Scott Air Base in Bellville, IL. This was during the Korean War. When I finished school at Scott, I went to Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. I remained there for 36 months. I was a radio and radar technician. My commander needed a Morning Report Clerk so I did that until my discharge in March 1956. In December of 1955 I married my beautiful wife in Chapel One at Lackland Air Force Base.”

Bob Mulligan (RE/MAX Pinnacle), United States Army. “I served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 as a Spec. 5 and I was stationed in Saigon Vietnam which is now Ho Chi Minh City. It was a very different country back then. When I came home from Viet Nam Veterans were spat upon and totally disrespected. We have come a long way from that time and hope and pray that the returning veterans of today get a better reception when they come home regardless of your feelings on the wars we have been fighting in.”

Jim Howard (RE/MAX Real Estate Group), United States Navy. Vietnam Veteran.

Alfred Esparza (RE/MAX DFW Associates), United States Marine Corps. Veteran of Operation Desert Storm.

Jackie Smith, RE/MAX of Abilene

Richard Filip (RE/MAX of Texas), United States Army Airborne/Texas National Guard

Thank you, Bank of America Homes Donation Program, for selecting the Texas Sentinels Foundation to be the recipients of Texas-based homes for our Texas Sentinels Foundation Wounded Warriors. Your generosity allows us to be a major player in building new lives for our Sentinels home recipients. Stay tuned for more information.

Rodgers is a retired Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, who suffered severe injuries while serving in the Special Forces as a Green Beret in Afghanistan.   He was injured by an IED which killed several other soldiers riding in his vehicle and he spent months recuperating at the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio.  Rodgers is a proud supporter of the wounded warrior community and immediately expressed his support for TSF upon starting his career at RE/MAX.

“Since my affiliation with RE/MAX of Texas, I have been amazed at the generosity, genuine support, and care for our wounded military members and their families throughout the entire organization, from the bottom up to the top,” said Rodgers.

CONTACT

Levi Rodgers
BuyVet@Gmail.com
210-784-6585

Susan Barlow
Texas Sentinels Executive Officer
281-727-6997
susie@texassentinels.org
www.texassentinels.org

Torrey Kramer is the latest Texas Sentinels Foundation lifetime scholarship recipient.

SGT. Torrey Kramer, a 38-year-old self-employed artisan and Iraq war veteran who lives in Katy, is the newest recipient of the Texas Sentinels Foundation life scholarship award.

The award is given to Wounded Warriors in Texas by the non-profit Texas Sentinels Foundation, based in Houston. Recipients of the award benefit from continual financial support, life mentorship and career planning.

“This is an amazing opportunity,” SGT. Kramer said. “What I like about it – it’s not a hand out. It’s a hand up. I want to get back on my feet and going in a forward direction and not be in a position where I’m constantly relying on other people or outside sources. It’s giving me an opportunity to start a business and supporting that. The Texas Sentinels Foundation is helping me logistically and financially pursue that goal. It’s not a Band-Aid they can put on me now to make me feel better, but rather they’re setting up something that will be with me for the long haul.”

SGT. Kramer’s new carpentry business specializes in the construction of custom cabinetry and furniture, and he’s beginning to branch out into manufacturing knives for collectors, something he said allows him to use more of his creative talents.

SGT. Kramer received a Purple Heart medal after being injured in the Spring of 2009 while on mounted patrol in Iraq when his vehicle was hit by an IED. Kramer served as an infantry sniper assigned to the U.S. Army 56^th Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

SGT. Kramer received the Purple Heart medal during an August 2009 ceremony at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he began his recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury.

“My biggest problem has been organization and focus, being able to maintain focus and get organized,” Kramer said. “It’s the simple things like going to do a load of laundry and leaving the lid open and then it runs through the whole cycle and it doesn’t actually wash the laundry. It’s such a nuisance. Or going to the store to buy something and forgetting what to buy. I used to be pretty spot on about that stuff, but now I can tell I’m not where I used to be.”

Earlier this year, SGT. Kramer was featured in a documentary titled Along Recovery which premiered at the GI Film Festival at the Naval Heritage Center. The film, directed by Army veteran Justin Springer, follows the lives of four American soldiers who return to civilian life while suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury.

Springer told BrainLineMilitary.org  that he made the film to increase awareness of brain injuries received during military service.

“Once stateside, I kept noticing how brain injury had changed these guys,” Springer told BrainLineMilitary.org. “Many of them were in denial. They insisted they were fine, when it was clear that cognitively and behaviorally they were not. Many soldiers with brain injury didn’t know where to get help, or didn’t want it. Most didn’t even know what they’d ask for even if they did seek care. Some became suicidal.”

The story definitely needs to be told, SGT. Kramer said. Springer approached SGT. Kramer about being in the film two or three days after he began treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

“I was still a fuzz … which is probably why I agreed to do it,” Kramer said. “It’s different knowing that everything good, bad and indifferent will be on the big screen. Everything about you will be put out there. The more time I spent with him, the more respect I had for him and for what he was doing with the movie. I saw the movie for the first time a couple of weekends ago. I have to say I was very impressed, he did a really good job. I think it really hit on my story, pretty much spot on how he told it. A good depiction of what was going on. I was very pleased with the movie.”

The film is currently being shown on the film festival circuit and Springer is raising money in an attempt to release the documentary on DVD. More information about Along Recovery can be found on its Facebook page.

Moving forward through life with Traumatic Brain Injury continues to be a challenge for SGT. Kramer.  His wounds are both physical and emotional; he struggles with the guilt that he is back stateside while others are not.  But he’s not alone; he has a 15-year-old son who plays bass guitar when he’s not in school and plays the trumpet in his high school’s band.  With continual support and mentorship from the Texas Sentinels Foundation, SGT. Kramer’s goal of owning a successful business is beginning to develop into a reality, and he has begun to build a new life for him and his son.

Contact

Susan Barlow
Texas Sentinels Executive Officer
281-727-6997
susie@texassentinels.org
www.texassentinels.org

Downloads

Download this press release in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) or Microsoft Word (DOC) formats.

Download Torrey Kramer’s high-resolution photo (JPG).

Jeremy Alcede, owner of Tactical Firearms in Katy, presents Texas Sentinels Foundation founders Jeanne and Richard Filip with a cardboard replica of a check for $25,000 during the Apache Operation Lock-N-Load Shooting Clays Tournament VIP dinner on May 18. Also pictured is Major General Wells, Commander 75th Division, US Army.

U.S. Army veteran and business owner, Jeremy Alcede, had a difficult time obtaining financing to build his dream of Tactical Firearms, now a two-year-old firearm retailer and shooting range in Katy, TX.  The Desert Storm veteran and father of three was laughed at, and even his own wife advised against the notion, well – her actual words were, “Hell. No.“

However, Alcede, who lives in Cinco Ranch, and is an avid gun collector, doesn’t give up that easy.  He slowly but surely convinced his wife Sarah, and a local bank that there was a market for a store in the suburbs west of Houston, that offers great prices, excellent service, and an overall shopping and shooting experience like none other.

“Everyone told me I was stupid when I started this business,” Alcede said.  ”But I would drive 40 miles into Houston to buy guns from discourteous and unknowledgeable sales people at outlandish prices. And then one morning I had an epiphany-why not do it myself?  That’s how l live my life.  My parents taught me, ‘don’t bitch about it, be about it’.  So I did it.”

Alcede has built Tactical Firearms, located at 1200 S. Mason Road, into the largest silencer dealer in the United States.  The facility also offers beginners shooting training, the lowest-priced CHL classes in the state, professional gunsmithing services, and a state-of-the-art indoor firing range that is second-to-none in the nation.

To celebrate the Grand Opening in April 2012, of Tactical Firearms new $8.6 million indoor firing range, Alcede invited the community to participate in a series of fundraising events that would benefit four charities which support veterans and Wounded Warriors that fought in the recent Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  Alcede selected Wounded Warriors, Homes for Our Troops, Oilfield Helping Hands, and the Texas Sentinels Foundation to benefit from the charity fundraising events which included, a dinner, raffle, and a celebrity meet and greet with “The Gunny”, R. Lee Ermey.

Tactical Firearms also participated in the clays shooting tournament, taking the opportunity to market themselves with a unique T-shirt design.

On May 18, 2012, Alcede presented a $25,000 check from Tactical Firearms to the Texas Sentinels Foundation at its First Annual Operation Lock-N-Load Sporting Clays Tournament, representing the west-Houston-based nonprofit organization’s share of the money Tactical Firearms raised during its Grand Opening Charity event.

“I selected the Texas Sentinels Foundation because I could tell it was run by people who have these soldiers’ needs true and dear to the heart,” Alcede said.

Tactical Firearms also participated in the tournament, with Alcede and Tactical Firearms employees competing on several shooting teams.

“At Lock-N-Load, I got a chance to meet some of the Texas Sentinels, and they were all humble and deserving,” Alcede said. “It’s horrible that we expect these guys to go out and lose life and limb, and then when they come back, the government tells them, ‘Well, you can go to the VA and see what kind of help they can give you.’ We need to help these guys transition back. I wish we had more money so we could help more people.”

The back of the Tactical Firearms T-shirt.

Alcede does more than just donate money to organizations that benefit Wounded Warriors; he also employs them.

“We make sure we hire the best in the industry,” Alcede said.  ”We have managers that have been with other gun stores for 10 years.  We pay more than the industry standard and recently began offering health benefits.  I feel that if you treat your employees well, they’ll work very hard for you.  Now we’re up to 41 employees, as we recently had a huge hiring surge.  I’d say about 70 percent of the store is former military; for me, that was a simple decision.  They are squared-away, goal-oriented, and understand protocol.  When you give them a task, they get it done.  No complaining; no telling them twice.  They’re very loyal when you treat them with respect.”

With core values such as these, one could expect that Jeremy Alcede and the entire Tactical Firearms family will be a pillar in the community for many years to come.

Contact

Tactical Firearms
1200 S. Mason Raod
Katy, Texas 77450
281-693-GUNS

Seckel had spent years working in the food service industry when, at age 32, he felt a calling to serve his country.  After being stationed in Georgia, he deployed to Iraq in March of 2007.  On July 27, 2007, Seckel decided to re-enlist in the Army for ten years; less than three weeks later, he was involved in an attack that would change his life.

Just after midnight on August 17, 2007, an IED discharged near Seckel’s Humvee in Baghdad, breaking his back and leaving him paralyzed on the left side.  Immediately following the explosion, he was engaged in a fire fight, crawling on his right side due to his paralysis.

CPL Seckel received a spinal fusion to help repair his back, and was diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress.  He is under continued care through the VA hospital in Dallas for therapy.

“Tim has given so very much to this country and we are honored to help Tim and his family in their time of need,” said Susie Barlow, Executive Officer of Texas Sentinels Foundation.  “Through our TSF mentorship program, our wounded warriors receive a myriad of help, guidance, friendship and reassurance that we are there for them in good times and in the bad times.”

When he isn’t undergoing physical therapy, CPL Seckel dedicates his time to volunteer work and community programs.

“Since I have retired, I have had a calling to give back and help other wounded vets as well as the community,” said Seckel.  He spends time working with other injured veterans, helping them return to civilian life and raising funds to support those with disabilities. He rides with the Patriot Guard, and helps organize duck and deer hunts for wounded veterans.

Seckel also supports his community through his children’s interests and activities.  He coaches their church basketball team, his daughter’s softball team, and serves as “Security Dad” for his daughter’s high school dance team.  He coaches his son’s 4H Sporting Clays club and they enjoy spending time together at sporting clays tournaments.  Seckel recently participated in the Apache Operation Lock-N-Load sporting clays tournament benefiting Texas Sentinels Foundation.

“My children are my heart and I enjoy anything I can contribute to their lives,” said Seckel.

CONTACT

Susie Barlow
Executive Officer, Texas Sentinels Foundation
Susie@texassentinels.org

DOWNLOADS

Download this press release in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) or Microsoft Word (DOC) formats.

Download Timothy Seckel’s high-resolution photo (JPG).

Full details of the promotion are below, and customers who sign up during the promotion by using the promo code “referral” will also be given a $50 credit on their bill.

Entrust Energy will also donate $1 to the Texas Sentinels Foundation for every new “like” on its Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/entrustenergy

These offers expire July 9, 2012.

The mission of the Texas Sentinels Foundation is to provide adequate housing to injured veterans, unite local community to serve Veterans’ needs, provide counseling and financial stewardship and provide lasting mentorship to local Wounded Warriors. Read more about the mission of the Texas Sentinels Foundation.

The Texas Sentinels Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that benefits Wounded Warriors in Texas.

View tournament scores

View photos from the event

The Texas Sentinels Foundation, which provides debt-free housing and other support services to post-9/11 wounded warriors, elected to host the fundraiser to coincide with Armed Forces Day (May 19, 2012).

Over 400 shooters participated in the competitive tournament.  Texas Sentinels Foundation sponsored more than 60 wounded warriors and active duty service members.

Guests enjoyed beautiful weather, great food, and day-long activities which included an exciting performance by renowned Beretta exhibition shooter Travis Mears.  Dozens of tournament-quality and exotic firearms were awarded to attendees through fundraising raffles.

During mid-afternoon, the crowd was treated to an aerial assault by three WW II-era fighter planes from the West Houston Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force.   The planes “strafed” the crowd with low-level fly-bys, complete with a truck-mounted anti-aircraft machine gun firing a deafening barrage of blanks as the aircraft flew across the gathering.

Each of the three tournament flights began with the RE/MAX Skydiving Team jumping into the event pavilion area to present the Texas and American flags as Sergeant First Class Cannon, U.S. Army, Houston Recruiting Command sang the National Anthem.

Event coordinator Corby Callaway from RE/MAX Grand, Texas Sentinels Foundation Executive Officer Susie Barlow and Texas Sentinels Foundation founders Richard and Jeanne Filip (RE/MAX of Texas) each expressed their deep gratitude to all the supporters, contestants, volunteers, and in particular, the sponsors who made the event possible through their financial and in-kind donations and contributions.

Title Sponsor Apache Corporation’s Brian Logan said his company was honored to affiliate with an organization that has committed such effort and resources to providing life-changing support, housing and vocational counseling to deserving veterans and wounded warriors of our Armed Forces.

“A lot of people worked very hard on this, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results of this inaugural event,” said Richard Filip.  “Our committee feels that this was a very successful first step, and believe we can grow this into one of the premier tournaments of its kind.”

In a touching moment, Major General Jimmie Jaye Wells bestowed the Honorary Rank and Title of US Army Colonel upon Richard and Jeanne Filip for their work helping wounded warriors through Texas Sentinels Foundation.

Joanne King Herring (portrayed by Julia Roberts in the 2008 hit movie Charlie Wilson’s War) was on hand in a special appearance supporting both active duty and retired Military personnel.  Some Houston Texans cheerleaders also stopped by to visit and take photos with guests.  And attendees were treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how TV programs are constructed, as the film crew for The Bucket List (a top 5 rated show on The Sportsman Channel) were filming activities throughout the weekend.

For more information on the Texas Sentinels Foundation, visit www.texassentinels.org, or contact Texas Sentinels Foundation Executive Officer Susan Barlow at Susie@texassentinels.org.

Click here to view the tournament scores.

Click hereto view photos from the event.

CONTACT

Susan Barlow
Susie@texassentinels.org
www.texassentinels.org

Houston, TX – February 23, 2012 – The Texas Sentinels Foundation announces today that SGT. Andrew Miller, US Army, a resident of Houston, is the newest recipient of the Texas Sentinels Foundation Life Scholarship that benefits wounded warriors.

SGT. Miller, an Infantryman, serving with the 4th Infantry Division in Afghanistan, was wounded in an IED explosion while on patrol on Sept. 11, 2010. SGT. Miller suffered many injuries to include the loss of his leg. After recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington D.C. and Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio for almost two years, he was medically retired from the Army in February 2012.

SGT. Miller plans to attend college in Houston to earn a degree in finance. While serving our country, he was the recipient of the Purple Heart, The Army Accommodation Medal, The Army Achievement Medal, NATO Service Medal and the Afghanistan Service Ribbon. In Afghanistan, he was the Infantry Team Leader and the Squad Designated Marksman.

“I loved the team aspect of the military and enjoyed the hard work,” SGT. Miller said. “I’m extremely excited for the next phase of my life and look forward to the challenges of going back to school after being away from it for some time.”

The Texas Sentinels Foundation is helping SGT. Miller by offsetting the cost of relocation and transition to civilian life.

“The Texas Sentinels Foundation is honored to be a part of the transition process for SGT. Miller,” said Texas Sentinels Foundation Executive Officer Susan Barlow. “It is important for all Americans to support our military heroes and wounded warriors as they begin a new and vital chapter in their lives.”

The Texas Sentinels Foundation was founded by Richard and Jeanne Filip in 2007 and its mission is to support wounded warriors transition into civilian life while building awareness in the communities where they live and work. The Filips are owners of RE/MAX of Texas, the regional office that serves all RE/MAX franchise offices in the state.

When employees of the regional RE/MAX office heard about SGT. Miller’s story, they came together to donate money and supplies to the Texas Sentinels Foundation to benefit the wounded warrior’s relocation to Houston.

“After recuperating, he was discharged with basically his clothes and a few personal items,” said RE/MAX of Texas Regional Director Dana Tuggle. “As you can imagine, setting up an apartment and adapting to a new way of life outside of the military can be overwhelming and he has done so with an amazing attitude. SGT. Miller’s story of his combat experiences and successful recovery has led to him be a guest speaker at numerous venues including elementary schools where the children embraced him and learned a valuable lesson about patriotism, American values, courage and determination.”

This week, Alma and Brian Logan – owners of RE/MAX Real Estate Associates in Houston – offered SGT. Miller a job at their office and committed to work around his upcoming college enrollment and school schedule. They are also committed to mentoring our wounded warriors through the Texas Sentinels Foundation.

To make a donation or to get involved with the Texas Sentinels Foundation, visit http://www.texassentinels.org

CONTACT

Susan Barlow
Texas Sentinels Executive Officer
281-727-6997
susie@texassentinels.org
www.texassentinels.org

DOWNLOADS

Download this press release in Microsoft Word (DOC) or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.

Download Andrew Miller’s high-resolution photograph in (JPG) format. Photo by Peter Tran for the Texas Sentinels Foundation.

Houston, TX – February 20, 2012 – Retired Chief Warrant Officer Levi Rodgers, U.S. Army, is a new RE/MAX associate at RE/MAX North-San Antonio IV in Helotes who less than two years ago suffered severe injuries while serving in the Special Forces as a Green Beret.

An improvised explosive device injured Rodgers and killed other soldiers in the vehicle while on patrol during a combat operation in the Nimroz Province in Afghanistan on Sept. 15, 2009, and the resulting injuries found him recuperating at the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio for months afterward.

Rodgers told his story to his fellow RE/MAX associates from across Texas during the general session of the 35th Annual Statewide Convention on Jan. 28. He explained what happened to him and used a PowerPoint slide with images from Afghanistan to help tell his story. One slide listed the names of the soldiers who died in the explosion that injured Rodgers: SFC Brad Bohle, SFC Shawn McCloskey, SSG Joshua Mills and Interpreter Rasool.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t cry or wonder why I made it out alive and they didn’t,” Rodgers said.

In October, Rodgers officially retired from the U.S. Army and chose the RE/MAX North-San Antonio IV office to start his career in real estate, specializing in serving the veteran community. Previously, Rodgers was also a real estate investor.

“Since my affiliation with RE/MAX of Texas, I have been amazed at the generosity, genuine support, and care for our wounded military members and their families throughout the entire organization, from the bottom up to the top,” said Rodgers.

Rodgers has created a website, http://buyvetsa.com/, that he uses to market his new business and he donates a portion of his sales commission to the non-profit organization Homes Fit for Heroes.

Homes Fit for Heroes arranged for housing for his wife and two young boys while Rodgers was recovering during his hospital stay and recovery that included a two-month-long medically-induced coma following his injuries in Afghanistan.

Rodgers is also a proud supporter of Texas Sentinels Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by RE/MAX of Texas CEO Richard Filip to provide assistance to injured veterans. “This foundation is changing lives on a daily basis and I am proud to support the Texas Sentinels and their mission!” said Rodgers.

Rodgers says he supports TSF specifically “because of their displayed fiscal responsibility and adherence to their mission, which is to provide seriously wounded service members and their families a fresh start at life by supporting them with a mortgage free and ADA Capable house.”

Rodgers has a special message for TSF co-founders Richard and Jeanne Filip and TSF Executive Officer Susan Barlow:

“I would like to extend a special thanks on behalf of all of the Wounded Warrior Population to Mr. Richard Fillip, Mrs. Jeanne Filip, Mrs. Susan Barlow, and all of the supporters nationwide, both internally at RE/MAX of Texas and those external supporters as well … you all are truly are making a difference!”

CONTACT

Susan Barlow
Texas Sentinels Executive Officer
281-727-6997
susie@texassentinels.org
www.texassentinels.org

Susan Barlow, Texas Sentinels Foundation Executive Officer

Susan Barlow is the new Executive Officer of the Texas Sentinels Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of injured combat veterans in Texas.

“I am looking forward to the challenges of working with the Texas Sentinels Foundation as we embrace our troops, veterans, and their families as they seek the rewarding and fulfilling lives they so richly deserve,” Barlow said.

Barlow brings 25 years of military experience and 5 years of not-for-profit experience to the organization. Barlow is a Gulf War combat veteran who has also served in Iraq, Southwest Asia, Europe and various stateside assignments that include Washington, D.C., Ft. Huachuca in Arizona and Ft. Hood in Texas.

“We are thrilled to have an experienced veteran and philanthropist leading our foundation in 2012,” Texas Sentinels Foundation Co-Founder Richard Filip said. “Susan has a wealth of knowledge about veterans and their needs and she has a big heart and can take our Foundation even farther so it can benefit even more Wounded Warriors in Texas.”

Before accepting the position of Executive Officer for the Texas Sentinels Foundation, Barlow served as an Intelligence Officer in the US Army for more than 25 years and is a retired and decorated Lieutenant Colonel.

She has worked at all levels of tactical and strategic Intelligence Operations from Platoon Leader to Company Commander to Battalion Task Force Commander within the Department of Defense.

A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Barlow was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, ROTC Scholarship Recipient, Distinguished Military Student and Distinguished Military Graduate and awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and German Literature and Language.  Barlow holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Boston University.

Barlow’s military decorations include a Legion of Merit; Bronze Star, six Meritorious Service Medals; two Joint Service Commendation Medal; four Army Commendation Medals; three Army Achievement Medals; National Defense Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star; Army Service Ribbon; Kuwait Liberation Medal; and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Barlow’s other awards include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Drug Enforcement Agent of the Year Award 1996, the FBI Leadership Award 1995 and numerous awards from the DEA.  Susie has distinguished herself as a soldier who leaves a legacy of service, pride, and accomplishment that truly reflects the finest traditions of military service and duty to one’s country.

Barlow and her husband, Doug Bailey, have four children: Kassidy, Cameron, Jessica and Shelby, all currently in college.

About the Texas Sentinels Foundation

Established by community-minded Realtors and businessmen and championed by one of the world’s best-known real estate companies, the 501 (c) (3) organization Texas Sentinels Foundation was founded in 2007 by Richard and Jeanne Filip. The foundation’s mission is to provide qualified members of the U.S. Armed Forces severely injured in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001 with new homes, debt-free and adapted for their needs. The program’s support helps them readjust to civilian life and prosper in their hometowns or new communities, and has yielded powerful results. Since its inception, five severely-wounded soldiers in Texas have received support from the Texas Sentinels Foundation.

CONTACT

Texas Sentinels Foundation
Susan Barlow, Executive Officer
832-321-0213
Susie@texassentinels.org

Visit the Apache Operation Lock-N-Load website for all the details.

Texas Sentinels Foundation Founders Jeanne and Richard Filip hand U.S. Army veteran Justin Feagin the keys to his new home in Melissa, Texas.

On Jan. 19, the Texas Sentinels Foundation presented the keys to a new home to U.S. Army veteran Justin Feagin and his family during an emotional dedication ceremony attended by Feagin’s family and the local community.

Feagin was injured in Afghanistan and lost half of his left leg, but today he is the proud new owner of a home on Patriot Drive in Melissa, in the Texas county of Collin.

“It took so much stress off my shoulders of worrying about trying to provide for my family and finding a house, just all the bills and a mortgage would have piled up on top of that, this is a relief.” Feagin said to CBS Affiliate KXII-TV Channel 12 during the ceremony.

See more photos from the event:

• Photos by RE/MAX of Texas

The project was made possible by the generous support of the Texas Sentinels Foundation Collin County team which includes its leader, Mal Smith, who serves as the President of the Collin County Association of Realtors and as an associate in the RE/MAX Premier IV office.

Supporters of the project include: Highland Homes, Hillwood Communities and PrimeLending.

Other contributors include: Morgan Development, Flooring Services, Rugby, Premier Windows, Wholesale Roofing, Suncoast, Rock Materials, IBS, Professional Plumbing Group, Overhead Door, Foxworth Galbraith, Kris Perry, Deford’s, Brandom Cabinets, James Hardie, Ace Fence, Fashion Glass, General Brick, Houk Heating and Air, Sound Perfection, Burgess Construction Consultants, Empire Fabricators, Fox Energy and Williams Insulation.

Collin County Texas Sentinels Team Leader Mal Smith listens as Justin Feagin and his wife Kayla address the community during the dedication ceremony.

Texas Sentinels Foundation was established in 2007 to provide debt-free homes and create life-changing opportunities for wounded veterans and their families.

For more information about Texas Sentinels Foundation, including a schedule of upcoming events, please visit www.TexasSentinels.org, or visit us on Facebook.

Press Coverage

• Wounded veteran gets new home by Jalah Gray, First 12 News, CBS KXII-TV Channel 12, Jan. 19, 2012
  
• Army veteran receives new home by Catherine Ross, NBC DFW TV Channel 5, Jan. 20, 2012
• Welcome home soldier: Family receives keys to new house (PDF) and (web version) by Kelley Chambers, McKinney Courier-Gazette, Jan. 22, 2012
• Disc golf tournament garners $1K for wounded veterans by Chris Beattie, McKinney Courier-Gazette, Jan. 16, 2012

Previous Stories

• Wounded Warrior to receive new home in Melissa

Richard and Jeanne Filip give the framed deed to Chris and Christine Sanford

Family, friends, neighbors and general well-wishers lined the streets to watch the parade and to welcome the Sanfords to their new home.  The Patriot Guard, who escorted Chris and his family home from the airport when Chris arrived back in Texas last summer, stood with over 50 flags in front of the home.

Representatives from the Texas Sentinels Foundation spoke at the ceremony, which concluded with TSF co-founders Richard and Jeanne Filip presenting the deed to Chris and his wife Christine.

Chris, who was severely injured by an IED in Iraq, is the fifth soldier in Texas to receive a debt-free home through the nonprofit organization.

“This home is more than we could have ever dreamed of,” said Chris.  “Our cups run over with gratitude for everyone for the things you have done to make this possible.  We know what it means to have a destiny-altering gift.  Christine and I want to make sure that each person involved with making this happen for us know how much we appreciate everything you have done.”

See more photos from the event:

• Photos by Raul Giorgi, RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring
• Photos by RE/MAX of Texas
• Photos by The Woodlands Development Company
• Photos by Dave Bryan, America’s Heroes First Foundation

The project was made possible by the generous support of its team members, RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring, Ryland Homes, Post Custom Homes, The Woodlands Development Company, and the many grateful community members who have participated in fundraising events.

Additionally, TSF would like to thank the many subcontractors and businesses who generously donated their time, materials, labor, etc. to this project, including: 84 Lumber, Action Landscape, Allpoints Builder Surveying, Alpha Environmental Mgmt Corp, Arena Fence Company, Arrow Mirror & Glass, Inc., Austin Windstorm Construction, Best Masonry, Boise Distribution, Boral Bricks Inc., Builders First Source S. TX, Bulldog Security, Burgess Construction Consultants, Inc., Carrier, Cast Fireplaces, Classic Lighting, L.P., Cunningham Gas Company, DataSmart, EIC, Inc dba Comfort Home Corp., Gallery Furniture, General Electric Appliances, Gulf Coast Fan & Light, Heatilator Fireplaces, Hoelscher Weatherstrip Mfg Co, Hometeam Pest Defense, Honeywell, Hou-Tex Glass & Mirror, HTMS, Inc., James Hardie, L & S Plumbing Partnership Ltd., Landmark Electric, Lone Star Air Systems, Louisiana Pacific, Maintenance Builders Supply, Ltd., Masterbrand Cabinets, Moen, Owens Corning, PCM Construction Services, LLC, Perfection Wholesale Supply, Inc., Post Tension Solutions of Texas, PPG Paint, Progress Lighting, Rhino Shield, Rock Materials, Rodriguez Roofing Co., Royal Baths, Schlage Locks, Simpson Strongtie, Slabworks, Solid Rock Masonry Const., Inc, Sprint Sand & Clay, LP, Stewart Door Corporation, Storm Water Solutions LP, Synergy Design & Build, Texan Drywall Inc., Texas Inspection Partners, Therma Tru Doors, Thermoply Sheathing, Total Enclosures, USG, Vellux Skylights, Wayne Dalton Garage Doors, Williams Insulation, Wisenbaker Builder Services, Inc.

What’s next for the couple?  “I hope all of us continue to stay involved in their lives, and see if they need help from time to time, and just be their friends – because you could not ask for a nicer couple to have as friends,” said Jeanne.

Richard Filip also announced plans for a new TSF team in the Spring area, to be led by RE/MAX Realty Center broker/owner Gayla Skates.

Texas Sentinels Foundation was established in 2007 to provide debt-free homes and create life-changing opportunities for Wounded Warriors and their families.

For more information about Texas Sentinels Foundation, including a schedule of upcoming events, please visit www.TexasSentinels.org, or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TexasSentinelsFoundation.

Press Coverage

• The Woodlands Villager: Army veteran, wife celebrate new start with Woodlands home, story by Anna Waugh
• The Woodlands Villager: Home dedication for wounded soldier, photos by Karl Anderson
• NewsFix, Channel 39 KIAH-TV: Injured soldier gets debt free home, story and video by NewsFix
• Community Impact Newspaper: Texas Sentinels Foundation, story by Kimberly Morgan