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Another year is coming to a close and we here at WHOA want to wish you a joyful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year. We are periodically reminded what this world would be like if not for our Veterans.
It is becoming painfully clear that w
e will again be sending our bravest young men and women into harm's way in the future.
We wish we did not have to, but regrettably, we most likely will. Our men and women in uniform have never shied away from danger.
We like to thank those who take the time to hear about the struggles our veterans face, their journey after they return home and supporting them along the way.
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Our Christmas program is underway and we will soon be delivering presents to families all over Southern California. Thank you to all the generous people who have donated toys this year. Our veterans are busy wrapping these gifts, checking our lists and getting into the spirit. Keep an eye for Operation Santa! (watch video here)
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Thanksgiving on the Reservation
This Thanksgiving we went out to visit with one of our earliest veterans, Alroy Billiman, who was wounded by an IED along with another of our vets, West James. Alroy and his family have a beautfilul ranch which Alroy cares for and is in the process of turning into a successful cattle ranch. We learned more about what life was like on the reservation - the quality of life and the service, or lack of service for our OIF/OEF Native American Combat wounded warriors. It is a beautiful and peaceful country, but one undisputible fact remains - they are one of the most under-served communities. Navajo veterans have to travel nearly three hours to a VA facility. In Southern California, our VAs are within an hour of most veterans.
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It is a long standing belief of Wounded Heroes of America that it is not just the government's responsibility, but rather everyone's obligation to care for our combat wounded. When we help a warrior wounded in combat, we are helping someone who nearly gave their life so we could have our freedom.
We truly value those leaders in the community who recognize this fact. O
n behalf of those we serve, t
hank you
.
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Thanksgiving Dinners for our Vets Thanks to Alberstons
Thanks to the great folks at Alberstons, we were able to provide over 50 families in our foundation with a turkey dinner this Thanksgiving. Two of our veterans,
Sgt Felipe Telles and SSgt Jose Fernandez, continued to support their communities by distributing 35 turkey dinners to familes. WHOA was also able to donate 35 dinners to the Gardena Vet Center. Over 120 dinners thanks to our great friends over at Alberstsons in Carson!
Location:
Albertsons
200 E Sepulveda Blvd.
Carson, CA 90745
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Sunrise Rotary Club of Torrance
The folks of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Torrance are some of the most generous and energetic people you can ever hope to meet at 7am in the morning. They have shown their support for our veterans in so many, many ways over the years. WHOA has benefited from their Wine Tasting Event, their "Rat Beach Bike Tour" and "Ride with the Tide Bike Tour" for two years now. Members have donated their cars to veterans so we can say we have truly formed a great friendship. On behalf of all our Wounded Heroes, Thank you South Bay Sunrise Rotarians!
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| Mike Talleda, Jim Beardsley and Ruth Kurihara-Kelsey |
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Veteran Receives Car from Progressive Insurance
Our heartfelt thanks to the Keys to Progress program, which donated a car to WHOA beneficiary, Nancy "Mindy" Martinez, during Veterans Day 2015 celebrations held at the Progressive Auto Center in Pasadena. Now in its third year, the Keys to Progress program has donated considerable time and resources to provide more than 300 deserving military families and organizations across the country with reliable transportation. We are deeply appreciative and hope to continue working with Keys to Progress in the future.
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Redondo Beach Veterans Day Ceremony
WHOA is proud to have once again participated in Veterans Day 2015 celebrations hosted by the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial Task Force. Hundreds were present to witness placement of wreaths by Veterans representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and POW-MIAs. Keynote speaker, Sandra E. Adams, Rear Admiral, Ret., USNR, addressed guests, including many local dignitaries, at the ceremony held at Veterans Park. The Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial is a volunteer-run organization supported by donations. To buy a memorial brick to honor a veteran and support the organization, please visit:
http://www.rbveteransmemorial.com/bricks.htm
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CA State Assembly 66th District David Hadley, Sgt Gil Rojas, Rear Admiral, Ret. Sandra E. Adams, Mike Talleda, Congress woman Janice Hahn, SSgt Jose Hernandez
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"A Night of Laughter" Presented by Hound Squad at the Comedy and Magic Club
WHOA topped off a memorable Veterans Day 2015 with some new and old friends at a special event at the Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach. More than 50 WHOA beneficiaries enjoyed an evening of fun and laughs at a special benefit co-hosted by Hound Squad. The 2
nd
annual charity event featured top-notch comics and helped raise funds for both WHOA and Hound Squad. Mike Talleda and Luciano Aguilar from Hound Squad truly appreciate the hospitality and support of the Comedy & Magic Club and look forward to another successful event next year.
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