Welcome 2012

 Afflicted War Heroes would like send a special thanks to everyone who has provided support to those who serve and sacrifice to protect this great nation.  We continue to spread awareness and provide support and service to America’s injured war heroes and their families.  Afflicted War Heroes seeks to reach as many Afflicted Heroes as possible and assist these virtuous individuals during their recovery and transition as well as to boost their morale.  

2011 has been a very significant year.  From marking the 10 year anniversary of the notorious attacks on American soil on September 11, 2001, where nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, to the end of U.S. military commitment in Iraq where 30,000 Americans were wounded and approximately 4,500 paid the ultimate sacrifice; Afflicted War Heroes would like to say THANK YOU, AMERICA! We are committed to continue  spreading awareness for our Heroes and their families.  With your continued support, Afflicted War Heroes will serve America’s Heroes in every capacity possible. 

We are very excited to visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda this spring where we will deliver 50 care packages bedside and meet many men and women who have been recently injured.  We hope to build relationships with some of the caregivers and families as well as provide travel accommodations to those who need it most.  To apply for travel assistance, please visit our website at www.afflictedwarheroes.org and click “application for assistance.”

Please remember the sacrifices of yesterday, pray for our Heroes today and for our country tomorrow as we move forward to 2012 with courage. Never forget our past and the honor for which our military is built on.   Countless brave men and women have sacrificed and given their lives to build this Great Nation.

To stay abreast of all Afflicted War Heroes happenings, follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/afflictedwarheroes or via twitter @afflictedheroes.

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All about Care Packages

Afflicted War Heroes is in the process of creating Care Packages for injured troops.  They will be delivered to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda in Spring 2012.  However, we are still in need of several items.  If you are able to donate any of the following items in a quantity of 50 please let us know.

-  toothbrush

-  toothpaste

-  shampoo

-  body wash

-  deodorant

-  razors

- treats/snacks

-  socks (new, in package)

-  underwear (new, in package)

-  books/magazines

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Extreme Makeover Seeks Military Families

The producers of the highly successful ABC show “Extreme Makeover” are looking for military families, caregivers, or parents, with homes that need major alterations or repair.

If interested please read email below for complete details on how to apply.

‘Extreme Makeover’ Seeks Military Families by Elaine Sanchez, Family Matters Blog, American Forces Press Service, U.S. Department of Defense.

Several months ago, the producers of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” asked me to spread the news about their search for people involved in the military to feature on the show’s upcoming season. They got a huge response and selected an exceptional Navy veteran for a home makeover. A few months ago, I traveled to Fayetteville, N.C., to watch hundreds of volunteers build Barbara Marshall a new 5,000-square-foot home. The three-story home, dubbed the Jubilee House, serves as a shelter and resource center for homeless female veterans. This episode — which also features a special visit by First Lady Michelle Obama -– will kick off the show’s ninth season Sept. 25. With that episode ready to air, the show’s producers once again are seeking people involved with the military to feature in upcoming episodes. The producers are looking for people with “amazing strength of character and who put their own needs aside to help others,” they said in a news release. “Whether it’s a soldier, a mom, a teacher or a fireman, we think deserving families are families who inspire those around them.” Additionally, the show’s producers are seeking families whose houses need major alterations or repair – “homes that present serious problems for the family and affect the family’s quality of life.” To be eligible, families must own their single-family home and be able to demonstrate how a makeover will make a difference in their lives. Rather than apply through the normal channels, interested military families or people who wish to nominate a military family can email a short description of the family’s story directly to Jackie Topacio, casting producer, at jax@emhe.tv. Jackie told me she wants to make sure she personally reads every story submitted.

Please don’t wait to apply; the deadline for nominations is Sept. 29.

The email should include the names and ages of household members, a description of the family’s challenges, an explanation of why the family is deserving of a makeover or is a positive role model in the community, photos of the family and their home, and contact numbers. For more information on the application process, visit ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” website.

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Golf Fundraiser: Monday, September 12th

Sunday will mark the 10 year anniversary of the notorious attacks on American soil September 11, 2001 and the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives. Many valiant people emerged during these infamous hours, heroically giving their lives trying to save others. This dark tragedy changed America forever. September 11th is now recognized throughout America as Patriot Day.      

In honor and remembrance of the remarkable heroes that day and the remarkable heroes who have and are currently serving this great nation, Afflicted War Heroes would like to invite all to our Patriot Day Golf event on Monday, September 12, 2011.  We will observe a moment of silence at 8:46a.m. –the time of the first plane crash into one of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. 

The event will be held at the flag lined Sleepy Ridge Golf Course in Orem, Utah.  Play 9 holes with a cart for $13.20.  There will be a driving range contest, a putting green contest, a par 3 challenge and prizes.  All proceeds will benefit Afflicted War Heroes.  Call 801-434-GOLF to reserve your tee time. 
 
Location:  Sleepy Ridge Golf Course:  730 Sleepy Ridge Drive, Orem, Utah

Date: September 12, 2011

Time:  All Day

Cost:  $13.20 includes 9 holes and a cart

Details: There will be a driving range contest, a putting green contest, and a par 3 challenge. All donations will go to Afflicted War Heroes.

Call (801)434-GOLF for a tee time.

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Assistance with Travel Accomodations now Availabe to Injured Troops and Their Families

Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) has generously donated $4000 to Afflicted War Heroes for use with travel accomodations for injured heroes and their families.  If you are in need of travel assistance to visit your hero during recovery, please email admin@afflictedwarheroes.org for an application.   

Please Read this article for more.  Thank you DVNF! 

Invisible Fence of Salt Lake is looking for a local injured veteran to donate an invisible fence to (Min $1300 value) in order to make their life easier.  If you are a veteran living in the Salt Lake area that was injured and are in need of an invisible fence to contain your dog(s), please email your contact information, a brief bio of yourself and the reasons an invisible fence will make your life easier to admin@afflictedwarheroes.org.

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Got Ragnar???

Afflicted War Heroes has not one, but two teams running in the Wasatch Back this year.  Our goal is to raise awareness for our cause while running 188 miles over night!  Stay tuned on our facebook page for live updates on all Ragnar happenings!  All 24 runners will be at the finish line around 2:30 on Saturday with our Afflicted War Heroes Gear!

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Second Annual 5k/10k This Saturday, June 4th

Register today for  the 5k or 10k coming up this Saturday at the River Park Pavilion in South Jordan!

10967 S. Riverfront Parkway (900 W.) South Jordan, Utah

Race starts at 8:00am, packet pickup 7:00-7:45am.  Register HERE

Every participant will receive a raffle ticket for the following prizes:

  • 32″ Flat Screen LCD TV
  • Handmade Quilt with the Afflicted War Heroes Logo
  • Avon products
  • Teeth Bleach
  • Afflicted War Heroes Car Stickers
  • T-shirts
  • Hats
  • Gift Cards

We would like to thank the following sponosors for their support:  Small Wonders Preschool, Forest Products, Complete Nutrition, Timberline Building and Development, Harmons, Afflordable Printing, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, and Road ID.

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Memorial Day Run of Remembrance

26.2 Running company and Run That Race are proud to announce the Memorial Day 10k, 5k, and 1 mile run to Honor and Remember our Nation’s Heroes!  This is a FREE race however, donations are encouraged at the event. 

All donations/proceeds collected at the event will be presented to Afflicted War Heroes to assist Injured troops and their families.

Click HERE to register.

Race starts at 8:00am at Robinson Park in American Fork. 

100 East Main street American Fork

Preregistration will begin at 6:00 am and we recommend arriving early.

Strollers and dogs are welcome!

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Mother’s Day ReCap

Leanne Stevens had a great time visiting her son, Zac Blaisdel, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC for Mother’s Day 2011.  Zac is recovering from injuries sustained in Afghanistan on September 1, 2010, exactly one month after he turned 20 years old.  Zacery was stationed in Wardak Providence in Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne. He was returning to the COP when his MRAP was hit by an RPG.  Zac lost an artery in his left leg below the knee, suffered nerve damage, and broke his knee cap in the same leg. He is blind in his right eye, his right hand had shrapnel embedded in his left pinky limiting use. Doctors are currently trying limb salvage on his left forearm. He lost his main artery, nerves and tendon and the radius bone was blown apart. They did experimental surgery and took his left ab muscle and did a revascularization of the muscle, viens, tissue. He can walk now, and use his right hand. Zac is still blind in his right eye, and has limited use of his left hand. 

 Zac’s sister, Torie, and grandmother were also in Washington DC, and they were all able to spend some time together before Torie leaves for her deployment later this month.  Below are some of the pictures of their trip.

 Thank you to everyone.  Most of the pictures I took were of my kids, proud mom syndrome.  I truly enjoyed our time together before Zac’s sister is deployed.  I am a little nervous of her leaving. I have tons and tons of pride but a mind that has worry due to the past and a heart filled with faith.
THANK YOU ALL, for making it possible for me to be with him for Mother’s Day.

Forever grateful to all of you!!

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Happy Mothers Day, Leanne!

Afflicted War Heroes would like to introduce our Mother’s Day Trip recipient, Leanne Stevens.

This photo was taken by “Picture A Hero” for Tori’s upcoming Deployment to Kuwait.

Left to right: Cpl Zacery Baisdell, Spc Tori Blaisdell holding her son, James, Step Dad, Jason Stevens, and Mom, Leanne Stevens.

Leanne will receive air travel and hotel accommodations near Walter Reed Army Medical Center on April 29 – May 1, 2011, to visit her son, Zacery Blaisdell, who was injured in Afghanistan in September 2010. 

Leanne is the mother of 5 Children, 4 girls and one boy.  Leanne has 3 children currently serving in the military, two biological and one step son.  Her only son, Zac Blaisdell, is the youngest child who loves to hunt, fish, and play sports.  He was born in Washington State and lived there until he was 10 years old.  Zac moved to Minnesota with his mom and 3 sisters where he remained until he joined the military in August, 2008 when he completed his basic training at Ft. Benning along with Airborne school.  He is the Airborne Infantry Man of the family.  Zac was extremely fortunate to be stationed in Vicenza, Italy. When Zac received his deployment orders he called his mom from his duty station to tell her; “Mom I am being deployed to Afghanistan, don’t worry I will be fine”.  Leanne did not get to see him before he left for his deployment in December  2009.  Zac was injured in Afghanistan on September 1, 2010, exactly one month after turning 20 years old.  Zacery was stationed in Wardak Providence in Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne. He was returning to the COP when his MRAP was hit by an RPG.  Zac lost an artery in his left leg below the knee, suffered nerve damage, and broke his knee cap in the same leg. He is blind in his right eye, his right hand had shrapnel embedded in his left pinky limiting use. Doctors are currently trying limb salvage on his left forearm. He lost his main artery, nerves and tendon and the radius bone was blown apart. They did experimental surgery and took his left ab muscle and did a revascularization of the muscle, viens, tissue. He can walk now, and use his right hand. Zac is still blind in his right eye, and has limited use of his left hand.

Leanne’s Middle child, Tori, joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in 2005 and completed her basic training at Fort Lenordwood.  In May of 2010, Tori informed her mother that she was being deployed as well. Her original destination was Afghanistan which has since changed to Kuwait.  She leaves May 26, 2011 to begin training for her deployment.  Leanne, Jason, Jason’s mother, and siblings will care for Tori’s son while she is deployed. 

Leanne Married Jason Stevens in June 2010.  Leanne’s son, Zac, gave his mother away at the ceremony while he was on R&R leave.   Jason’s oldest son, Casey, joined the Minnesota Army National Guard and completed his basic training at Fort Sill.  He is the artillery man in the family.  Casey was deployed in May 2009 and was in Kuwait for one year.  He was lucky enough to be home on R&R when his daughter, Isabella, was born. 

We would like to thank the Stevens and Blaisdell family for their service as a military family.  Leanne’s father served in the military stateside during the Korean War and her brother was stationed in Germany in the early 1980’s.  Jason was born on a military base in Texas and his late father served in Vietnam and passed away from cancer related to Agent Orange.  Jason’s late brother served in the Minnesota reserves and passed away during a training session.  

This photo was taken June 2010 just 10 weeks before Zac was injured.

Left to Right:  Jasmine Stevens, Trina Blaisdell, Isabella Stevens (baby), Tara Blaisdell, Spc Tori Blaisdell, Spc Zacery Blaisdell, Leanne Stevens, Jadan Stevens, Jason Stevens, Friend of Family, Dave Boone (Brother is a wounded warrior),  James Wiberg (baby), Spc Casey Stevens, Cody Stevens.

*Not pictured are Jason’s daughter, Jenny, Leanne’s Daughter, Erica, and Grandson, Lukas.

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