Special Operations Warrior Foundation: Our Mission

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For more than 27 years, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation has had one simple mission: To ensure the surviving children of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel killed in combat or training receive a free college education their fallen parent would have wanted for them. The SOWF provides full funding for tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Currently there are more than 700 children in the Foundation's program.

PROGRAMS

• Scholarships: In 2007, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation provided more than $1 million in college scholarship grants and academic counseling for some 115 students. These students attended 76 colleges and universities across the country.

• Counseling: In addition to college scholarships, the Warrior Foundation provides educational and family counseling to its families through its school psychologist. In addition to the initial outreach that is conducted 30 days after the casualty, the SOWF proactively stays in contact with the families through birthday cards, holiday cards, graduation cards and other special life events, including invitations to special events hosted by the SOWF. The Foundation also has a professional referral network in place for counseling, if needed.

One of the major differences between the SOWF and other scholarship charities is that we proactively seek out our high school students and encourage them to attend the college of their choice ~ and our educational counselor is there to assist them with their questions. Family and financial aid counseling continues for these children until they have graduated from college.

At the end of the school year in 2006, the Warrior Foundation had 26 graduating high school seniors. Of those 26 students, 25 are enrolled in college today. One young man entered the military. His scholarship is available when he is ready.

• Wounded Warrior Support: The SOWF also assists special operations personnel severely wounded in the global war on terror. SOWF has provided nearly $500,000 to severely wounded special operations personnel and their families to help with their immediate needs, such as travel, child care, food and lodging.

AWARDS

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation is the proud recipient of its consecutive four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation's largest non-profit watchdog group. It is Charity Navigator's highest rating and the SOWF is just one of four veterans' services and advocacy charities on Charity Navigator's site to earn at least two consecutive four-star ratings.

WEBSITE & CONTACT INFO

For additional information about the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, visit online at www.specialops.org or call us at (813) 805-9400. The SOWF is located in Tampa, Fla. or call us at (813) 805-9400.