Wounded Warriors - Tommy Middaugh

As Jeanette mentioned in her previous post Giving Back ~ Jeanette Bunn all of us at Travel To Go believe in giving back to the community. That’s why I’m a strong supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that addresses the needs of injured service members through unique programs and services. I have seen the devastating effects of war on our soldiers over the years, and I find it important to recognize their dedication, their courage and the sacrifices they make to defend our nation.

 

As a young adult, I wanted to join the army and go fight the war in Vietnam but my parents talked me out of it. My brother had already gone there and earned a Purple Heart for his courageous efforts, and my parents were concerned about sending their only other child away. I saw my former classmates come back from Vietnam hurt physically and/or emotionally and face a very hostile nation. Like many other Vietnam War veterans, they were traumatized by the brutality of the war and later on were treated like dirt or even rejected by their own society. I knew back then I would make a lifetime commitment of giving back to our soldiers and veterans.

 

I’m very proud of my son Richard, who came back from his deployment in Afghanistan earlier this year and just completed his military service with the U.S. Army. Caring about our soldiers has been an even more personal cause because of him, the stories he’s told me, and the many sacrifices our soldiers still have to make today.

 

The Wounded Warrior Project gives our veterans opportunities they may not have access to otherwise. I also ride with the Patriot Guard Riders, a non-profit organization whose mission is to show respect for our fallen heroes and their families, as well as shield them from potential interruptions from protestors at funerals. In late September, I’ll be attending the Kern River Rock & Bluesfest in Kernville, CA. This 3-day event is a fundraiser to help with the construction of the Bakersfield National Cemetery Memorial Walkway and honor our soldiers who didn’t make it home alive.