Combat-wounded veterans and families of fallen heroes arrive in Dayton, Ohio, today for the kick-off of the 6th annual Warrior Weekend to Remember (WWTR). The event is hosted by the Blue Skies for Good Guys and Gals (BSG3) Warrior Foundation and sponsored by Segue Technologies.
“This weekend is about family,” said David Hart, who founded BSG3 and the WWTR alongside his brother, John Hart. “It’s a powerful thing to be able to bring together veterans who were wounded in combat and Gold Star Families, and see the bonding and healing that happens over a few days.”
BSG3’s mission is to honor the nation’s veterans, Purple Heart Warriors and the families of fallen heroes by providing enriching, life changing experiences that facilitate new friendships and emotional healing. More than 40 combat wounded warriors attend WWTR each year, and their service eras span from the Korean War until today. Warriors come with varying degrees of trauma, and both physical and invisible wounds.
“[BSG3] is the best grassroots effort I’ve ever seen from a charity,” said Cheryl Dillon, manager at Austin Landing, the location where most of the WWTR events are held. “Their mission is one of connection and healing for veterans. But it’s even more than that.”
Recalling Army Spc. (Ret) Spencer Davis, who Dillon sponsors, she described their first encounter at BSG3.
“Spencer came to a meeting about Blue Skies at Austin Landing,” said Dillon. “He was supposed to be part of a presentation. Instead, he gave me all the inspiration I needed to support Blue Skies to an even greater extent than I had in the past. Not too far in to the meeting, Spencer looked us all right in the eye, and tenderly said, ‘As a civilian you may not ever understand why, but Warrior Weekend saved my life. You saved my life. Thank you for sponsoring me. I am who I am today because of you.’”
For additional information, visit www.warriorwtr.com
