Recently, I wrote a column about honors given to local supporters of veterans through the Scouting America Three Fires Council Annual Tribute to Heroes. That opportunity led me to learn more about a great program that is making a substantial impact in the lives of veterans in our local area.
Joe Sutton of Yorkville is one such veteran. Joe recently received a service dog through our American Warrior Initiative, said Scott Gajewski of Fairway Home Mortgage. “I have since become friends with him, and he has become part of our branch family you could say.”
The American Warrior Initiative, it is a non-profit that was created in 2018 and gives back to veterans and their families in many ways. “One of these ways is through connecting veterans with service dogs,” Scott said. “Since 2018, we have given over 450 service dogs to deserving veterans and first responders. They are fully paid for by AWI including training. A typical service dog can cost $15,000, give or take. So, we as employees host events and raise funds to give these service dogs to veterans.”
Every dollar that is donated, the full amount, goes directly to helping veterans. “Our CEO takes care of the administrative cost so we can make the most impact for veteran,” Scott added
The American Warrior Initiative was founded to bridge the gap between civilians and the men and women who have served our country. Early on, the team carried that message across the Nation, reaching more than 35,000 real estate agents and business professionals. The company spearheaded hundreds of give-back initiatives to the wounded heroes of America including the gifting of service dogs, business grants, home upgrades, mortgage-free housing, and more.
The company developed “Boot Camps” for real estate professionals to raise awareness about the challenges veterans face when returning home from war. Then, in 2018, AWI launched Freedom Tours alongside Gold Star mother Karen Vaughn, reminding communities of our shared responsibility to honor the sacrifice of those who have given so much for our freedom. In recent years, AWI has also welcomed retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman to its national speaking team, further strengthening the message of resilience, service, and leadership.
Today, AWI’s mission is focused on funding life-changing service dogs for veterans and first responders. Through local community events, they raise funds to stand behind America’s heroes. To date, AWI has helped place over 450 service dogs, helping to restore independence, confidence, and hope for veterans.
The opportunity to share this information with the community through this column is amazing,” Scott said. “Thank you so much. We love to get the information out about the American Warrior Initiative because of the impact it has for veterans and their families. Service dogs are the big focus of it and this changes the lives of veterans.”
More information about the American Warrior Initiative is available online at: https://americanwarriorinitiative.com.
“My branch does an event every year that allows us to give a service dog to a veteran,” he added proudly. Some actions are more subtle, but poignant. Scott said, “On Friday’s, we as a company wear red for RED Friday. We sell the RED Friday shirts for $22 which represents the numbers of veterans who commit suicide daily. Unfortunately, the number of suicides has gone up, but the price of $22 per shirt was the reason for the original cost of the shirts,” he said, adding, “If you ever see me on a Friday, you will see me wearing one of the red shirts.”
More than anything else, Scott thanked us for the chance to share their message. Since 2016, more than $10 million has been given to veterans in need, more than 450 service dogs have been placed, more than $800,000 given to first responder nonprofit organizations and more than 900 financial grants have been awarded. The American Warrior Initiative gives service to those who show up to serve every day.
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer, whose career has spanned over ten years as a public relations professional, 22 years as a professional television and radio host, print journalist, and volunteer coordination professional. She enjoys networking among non-profit social service agencies and service providers throughout the State of Illinois. She is in her third term as an elected Alderman in the City of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.