“This effort represents what can be accomplished when the Army stands shoulder-to-shoulder
with a dedicated, patriotic community.”
~COL Daniel L. Thomas, FGGM Installation Commander
More than $135,000 raised for the Wounded Warriors Transition Unit
The new 4,500-square-foot Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC) is being built on the installation and is expected to open in fall 2010. These facilities, located on military bases throughout the country, offer guidance, resources and support services for warriors in transition and their family members.
The new center will replace a smaller, outdated building, which is being used currently by more than 150 soldiers and their families. The number of wounded warriors in transition and their families is expected to grow to 300 in the next several years.
The goal of the joint fundraising effort was to raise at least $100,000 to furnish the building inside and out with everything from big screen TVs, computer equipment, desks, tables, chairs, a handicap accessible full kitchen, a children’s activity center and outdoor playground.
The fundraising effort exceeded its initial target of $100,000 within less than a month of the start of the campaign.
During the ceremonial groundbreaking of the facility on April 19, Ms. Budd and Elaine Rogers, president of USO of Metropolitan Washington presented Installation Commander Col. Daniel L. Thomas with a check for $104,500 representing the financial donations from businesses and individuals in the community as of April 15, 2010.
In particular, several businesses made significant donations including Booz Allen Hamilton, L-3 STRATIS, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Praxis Engineering and Science Application International Corporation, TeleCommunications Systems Inc.
This summer, the Fort Meade Alliance is working with both local and national companies to purchase the necessary equipment and furniture to outfit the SFAC, which is slated to open in fall 2010.
All the money raised beyond the target goal of $100,000 is being used for other Fort Meade Wounded Warrior programs and initiatives
All photos by John Keith.
