Here at Wishes For Warriors, we pride ourselves on honesty and integrity.
In today's world, that can be hard to find, especially when looking for the "right" organizations to donate to.
Being transparent is not only important to the cause financially, but it is crucial when building a relationship with donors, supporters, sponsors and most of all...veterans in need. So for that, Wishes For Warriors is proud to introduce our "Open Heart Policy".
What is "Open Heart Policy"?
It's simple. Our staff has made a record of every question asked to date and we have provided you an answer to it. We not only want your support, but your continued trust and lifetime support as well. Our donors, sponsors and supporters are extremely important, as you all are the reason we are able to help, heal and empower these combat wounded heroes...and for that, we thank you.
In today's world, that can be hard to find, especially when looking for the "right" organizations to donate to.
Being transparent is not only important to the cause financially, but it is crucial when building a relationship with donors, supporters, sponsors and most of all...veterans in need. So for that, Wishes For Warriors is proud to introduce our "Open Heart Policy".
What is "Open Heart Policy"?
It's simple. Our staff has made a record of every question asked to date and we have provided you an answer to it. We not only want your support, but your continued trust and lifetime support as well. Our donors, sponsors and supporters are extremely important, as you all are the reason we are able to help, heal and empower these combat wounded heroes...and for that, we thank you.
How old is Wishes For Warriors?
Wishes For Warriors Corp. was incorporated January 17th 2014 in the State of California. We are proud to say that thanks to our supporters, donors and sponsors, we have come so far in such a short period of time...and it is only getting brighter from here!
Wishes For Warriors Corp. was incorporated January 17th 2014 in the State of California. We are proud to say that thanks to our supporters, donors and sponsors, we have come so far in such a short period of time...and it is only getting brighter from here!
Who started it & why?
Bryan Marshall, retired US Marine, started Wishes For Warriors off of a dream. A dream that began back in 2005, at 18 yrs old, after he lost his best friend, Luis Perez, US Army, during his first deployment. As the years past, Bryan began to notice how many of his fellow brothers returned wounded of body or mind, secluding themselves from their passions, hobbies and family. In 2014, Bryan decided it was time to make a change and get these men and women, up and out of the house. Thus, Wishes For Warriors was born.
Bryan Marshall, retired US Marine, started Wishes For Warriors off of a dream. A dream that began back in 2005, at 18 yrs old, after he lost his best friend, Luis Perez, US Army, during his first deployment. As the years past, Bryan began to notice how many of his fellow brothers returned wounded of body or mind, secluding themselves from their passions, hobbies and family. In 2014, Bryan decided it was time to make a change and get these men and women, up and out of the house. Thus, Wishes For Warriors was born.
Why outdoor adventures?
There is so much to nature and the outdoors that us as humans, forget about. We get wrapped up in our feed's, profiles, and cellphones...that we forget the connection that we all were born with..an indigenous bond. That bond was developed thousands of years ago and considered a right of passage in most cultures throughout history. That very bond and connection, is what brings these struggling men and women peace, solace and increase in positive attitude towards life. Nature has its way of healing and it's the most natural form of medicine for these men and women that struggle with that very thing.
There is so much to nature and the outdoors that us as humans, forget about. We get wrapped up in our feed's, profiles, and cellphones...that we forget the connection that we all were born with..an indigenous bond. That bond was developed thousands of years ago and considered a right of passage in most cultures throughout history. That very bond and connection, is what brings these struggling men and women peace, solace and increase in positive attitude towards life. Nature has its way of healing and it's the most natural form of medicine for these men and women that struggle with that very thing.
What programs do you offer?
Our mission is to help combat wounded vets engage in therapeutic outdoor adventures after experiencing a life altering injury. With that, we offer and encourage all types of therapeutic activity. Whether it is hunting, skydiving, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking...basically anything that gets these men and women, out and back to enjoying what they loved to do before injury or never thought they could do after injury. As we like to say, we are here to prove that there is life after war.
Our mission is to help combat wounded vets engage in therapeutic outdoor adventures after experiencing a life altering injury. With that, we offer and encourage all types of therapeutic activity. Whether it is hunting, skydiving, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking...basically anything that gets these men and women, out and back to enjoying what they loved to do before injury or never thought they could do after injury. As we like to say, we are here to prove that there is life after war.
I want to support, but don't support hunting.
We have received this statement multiple times and answer the same way every time. We understand that everyone has their beliefs and opinions towards the subject, and we never judge anyone for it. That's what makes this country (still) so beautiful! We simply like to say that, we will never turn away a combat injured vet for what brings hope and passion back into their lives. If it is something that makes them, smile, hopeful or even motivates them to get out of bed that day..we support it! One has to remember, they have been through hell. A hell that no-one can relate to under they are standing in it. As a society, our only job is to welcome them home and support them in their transition and recovery...regardless of our opinions toward politics and government. We have to remember, these are people too and they need the reassurance that they can still do the things they love or never thought was possible.
We have received this statement multiple times and answer the same way every time. We understand that everyone has their beliefs and opinions towards the subject, and we never judge anyone for it. That's what makes this country (still) so beautiful! We simply like to say that, we will never turn away a combat injured vet for what brings hope and passion back into their lives. If it is something that makes them, smile, hopeful or even motivates them to get out of bed that day..we support it! One has to remember, they have been through hell. A hell that no-one can relate to under they are standing in it. As a society, our only job is to welcome them home and support them in their transition and recovery...regardless of our opinions toward politics and government. We have to remember, these are people too and they need the reassurance that they can still do the things they love or never thought was possible.
Are you truly a 100% non-profit?
Sounds crazy right? But it's not as crazy as you may think..To be completely honest, being 100% non-profit is not as easy as it sounds. Not because staff isn't getting compensated, but because every single dollar counts! Everything. That means every donation, fundraiser, sponsor and event contributes to the success of the mission and means more than you know. We try to encourage everyone to never be shy to ask how they can make a difference. Sure, we are a charity and function off of funds and donations...but we also like to consider ourselves one huge family that is fighting the same mission together. Everyone working for Wishes For Warriors has volunteered their time to the cause and the mission at hand. As well as every member of Wishes For Warriors holds a current job! So why pull salaries from the organization? These men and women volunteering for Wishes For Warriors is fueled off of passion towards the cause. We minimize our overhead as much as possible to maximize our return to our vets...and that is worth it!
Sounds crazy right? But it's not as crazy as you may think..To be completely honest, being 100% non-profit is not as easy as it sounds. Not because staff isn't getting compensated, but because every single dollar counts! Everything. That means every donation, fundraiser, sponsor and event contributes to the success of the mission and means more than you know. We try to encourage everyone to never be shy to ask how they can make a difference. Sure, we are a charity and function off of funds and donations...but we also like to consider ourselves one huge family that is fighting the same mission together. Everyone working for Wishes For Warriors has volunteered their time to the cause and the mission at hand. As well as every member of Wishes For Warriors holds a current job! So why pull salaries from the organization? These men and women volunteering for Wishes For Warriors is fueled off of passion towards the cause. We minimize our overhead as much as possible to maximize our return to our vets...and that is worth it!
How do I qualify for the program?
You must be a veteran of the United States Military. You must have been wounded by the enemy in a combat zone. Meaning, as of now, Wishes For Warriors cannot move focus from our combat wounded to assist in personal and/or training injuries while on home front. You must also be rated 50% or more disabled (according to VA determination) to qualify. Wishes For Warriors does not discriminate towards race, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Please know that if you do not qualify under our program, that doesn't mean we won't help direct you in the right direction towards the help you need. When applying, you must complete questionnaire and submit copy of DD-214 (to show proof of service) and copy of VA Rating Determination Letter (to show proof of disability). *Wishes For Warriors WILL NEVER ask for medical records or personal financial information!*
You must be a veteran of the United States Military. You must have been wounded by the enemy in a combat zone. Meaning, as of now, Wishes For Warriors cannot move focus from our combat wounded to assist in personal and/or training injuries while on home front. You must also be rated 50% or more disabled (according to VA determination) to qualify. Wishes For Warriors does not discriminate towards race, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Please know that if you do not qualify under our program, that doesn't mean we won't help direct you in the right direction towards the help you need. When applying, you must complete questionnaire and submit copy of DD-214 (to show proof of service) and copy of VA Rating Determination Letter (to show proof of disability). *Wishes For Warriors WILL NEVER ask for medical records or personal financial information!*
Where are your 990 Financials?
We are proud to announce that we have completed and filed our 2014 990-PF Tax Return. To see more financial documents and verification, click here.
We are proud to announce that we have completed and filed our 2014 990-PF Tax Return. To see more financial documents and verification, click here.
Why is the President & Founder always on the events with vets?
We always wondered why this was considered a bad thing...Well, our answer is simple. What is more comforting than having a fellow combat veteran with you to help support and encourage you during your new found passion? Bryan serves a very important purpose. Not only is he your support during the event, but he also serves as a tool during your event. Meaning, most events are individual vet focused, while others are groups. Some vets want and need personal one-on-one time with another fellow brother. While other are just fine in crowds and groups of people. Would you rather have a assistance with someone with zero combat experience helping a combat wounded vet?
We always wondered why this was considered a bad thing...Well, our answer is simple. What is more comforting than having a fellow combat veteran with you to help support and encourage you during your new found passion? Bryan serves a very important purpose. Not only is he your support during the event, but he also serves as a tool during your event. Meaning, most events are individual vet focused, while others are groups. Some vets want and need personal one-on-one time with another fellow brother. While other are just fine in crowds and groups of people. Would you rather have a assistance with someone with zero combat experience helping a combat wounded vet?
What makes Wishes For Warriors different from other charities?
We always look forward to this question, because it deserves an honest explanation. First, we admire all charities and philanthropists who take time out of their lives to help and impact others. Philanthropy isn't easy by no means. It takes a selfless heart to put the needs of a total stranger over the needs of themselves. So we will never bash or undermine a charity for sticking to a particular mission. Here at Wishes For Warriors, we take pride in empowering others. Acknowledging their disability as just an new obstacle for that individual to overcome. We don't underestimate or subvert their injury and recovery, but empower them that change can never restrain them from living out their dreams and passions. We focus, acknowledge and honor each hero as their own person. They are never an "applicant", "submission" or another "number" in the system. They are a father, son, brother...mother, daughter, sister.....they are a person. A person with a soul and passion. Whether wounded of body and mind, they are every capable of achieving that purpose and passion. With the help of donations, we are able to give these men and women therapeutic events of a lifetime.
We always look forward to this question, because it deserves an honest explanation. First, we admire all charities and philanthropists who take time out of their lives to help and impact others. Philanthropy isn't easy by no means. It takes a selfless heart to put the needs of a total stranger over the needs of themselves. So we will never bash or undermine a charity for sticking to a particular mission. Here at Wishes For Warriors, we take pride in empowering others. Acknowledging their disability as just an new obstacle for that individual to overcome. We don't underestimate or subvert their injury and recovery, but empower them that change can never restrain them from living out their dreams and passions. We focus, acknowledge and honor each hero as their own person. They are never an "applicant", "submission" or another "number" in the system. They are a father, son, brother...mother, daughter, sister.....they are a person. A person with a soul and passion. Whether wounded of body and mind, they are every capable of achieving that purpose and passion. With the help of donations, we are able to give these men and women therapeutic events of a lifetime.
How can I help?
There are so many ways to help! We will never discourage any form of contribution. You can always:
or even just spread the word of Wishes For Warriors! We appreciate the hearts of all our supporters, as we couldn't change lives without YOU!
There are so many ways to help! We will never discourage any form of contribution. You can always:
or even just spread the word of Wishes For Warriors! We appreciate the hearts of all our supporters, as we couldn't change lives without YOU!
How do I become a Sponsor?
You and/or your company can become a sponsor to help join us in the mission of restoring hope and passion back into our combat wounded vets lives. Sponsorship pledges vary and we want the best fit for you! Click Here for more information or email: ssgtmarshall@wishes4warriors.org
You and/or your company can become a sponsor to help join us in the mission of restoring hope and passion back into our combat wounded vets lives. Sponsorship pledges vary and we want the best fit for you! Click Here for more information or email: ssgtmarshall@wishes4warriors.org
How do I host an event?
We always get so excited when people and companies want to host their own events on behalf of Wishes For Warriors! It is truly humbling to see the passion reflected in the hearts of our supporters! To host an event, email one of our coordinators at btownley@wishesforwarriorscorp.org and she will get you all the information you need!
We always get so excited when people and companies want to host their own events on behalf of Wishes For Warriors! It is truly humbling to see the passion reflected in the hearts of our supporters! To host an event, email one of our coordinators at btownley@wishesforwarriorscorp.org and she will get you all the information you need!