My Dad is my hero. He also happens to be a Veteran who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, which makes supporting foundations like Operation Warrior Shield even more special to me. Operation Warrior Shield is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, whose primary mission is to provide comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, and first responders, with a focus on “Healing Their Hidden Wounds” through no-cost holistic wellness services. No matter the age, type of service, or years of service, it is imperative that veterans, first responders, and their families receive the help they need for wounds both visible and within.
Operation Warrior Shield (OWS) held their Healing for Heroes Event in support of these Military Veterans and First Responders at The Water Club in New York City and honored Jean Shafiroff, Philanthropist and author of Successful Philanthropy, The Doris Day Animal Foundation accepted by Jim Pierson and Patricia Deshong of the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation for their incredible support to the cause.
Chief Master Sgt. Ed Schloeman, Chairman and CEO of Operation Warrior Shield commented on the aims of the organization, “Our goal is to provide specially trained, loving and supportive canine companions to veterans and first responders and their families who live with physical and emotional injuries incurred during their time in service.”
Bethann Carbone, CSO of Operation Warrior Shield explains, “We developed Operation Canine Companion because veterans are committing suicide every day. We know how important healing from trauma is. OWS’ Operation Canine Companion pets provide safety, camaraderie, unconditional acceptance, and unique emotional support that helps reduce the stress and challenges our heroes face daily.”
The evening commenced with a cocktail hour and silent auction before the start of the program led by the Chairman of OWS, CMSgt (Retired) Edward Schloeman Sr. I happened to win a beautiful necklace and spa basket. Opening the ceremony was the USMC Color Guard from the 1st Marine Corps District and an invocation by Monsignor Hilary Franco, who has had the distinction of serving six Popes.
There were presentations on the importance of supporting the work of the charity to help reduce suicide risk amongst veterans by Paul Bucha, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Deputy Inspector Mark Wachter and Lt. Col. Wilem Wong of NYPD Health & Wellness discussed the challenges faced by first responders. A live auction by Auctioneer Rudy Saviano sought to raise funds to help provide trained dogs to veterans.
Guests included Jean Shafiroff, CMSgt Ret. Ed Schloeman, Pat Deshong, Monsignor Hilary Franco, Medal of Honor Recipient Paul Bucha, Deputy Inspector Mark Wachter NYPD, David Tupper & Yellin, Judge Jeanine Pirro, Lorri Scott, Marvin Scott, Nene Kodjoe, Rebecca Seawright, Tatyana Horoshko, Judy Gilbert, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Luigi Nicolae, Michelle DellaFave, Barry Fixler, Patric Hale, The Honorable Randall Eng, and Jim Pierson.
Healing for Heroes Sponsors included: The Doris Day Animal Foundation, David Lynch Foundation, Interstate Toyota, Helen Buford, John Legere, Pharmasphere, Soho Johnny, American Legion Post 1291, Beyond Steel, Ray Brumfield, Francesca De Vito, Barry Fixler, Elisabeth Halfpapp, Jobpaths, Patrick Kernan, Teddy Maldonado, NYPD Health and Wellness Section, Anthony Rodriguez, Edward Shloeman, Schloeman Family, Jean Shafiroff, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, T-Mobile, John Walsh, Wendy Waugh, Westgate Hotel, Wilem Wong and Veterans Airlift Command.
Some of my favorite special guests were the four-legged, furry ones that came to support their humans. To witness first-hand what the above programs are doing for men and women all around the world is proof that donating to these causes is vital. You don’t have to be a philanthropist to support, sometimes all it takes is skipping that $7 coffee and putting that money towards bettering our world.
-Lauren Wire
Images: Sean Zanni/ Patrick McMullan via Getty Images