Make A Donation To The Sentinels Of Freedom Foundation And We’ll Match $50,000
Sentinels of Freedom (SOF) is a national nonprofit organization that helps wounded post-9/11 veterans like Cpl Kyle Carpenter, SFC John Wayne Walding, and Sgt Lucas Oppelt successfully transition to civilian life by providing financial assistance and comprehensive personal support, including but not limited to, housing subsidies, financial coaching, mentoring and career transition assistance.
General Dynamics Mission Systems President Chris Marzilli committed to match all contributions made to the Sentinels from our industry partners up to $50,000.
To support the Sentinels of Freedom foundation, visit their donation page and type “GDMS” under "How Did You Hear About Us?" and we'll match your donation.
Your Donation Will Help Sentinels Like…
Cpl Kyle Carpenter
In 2010, U.S. Marine Cpl Kyle Carpenter was severely wounded in the Helmand province of Afghanistan when he threw himself upon a live grenade to shield his friend and fellow Marine during a rooftop attack. Both were severely wounded but survived due to Kyle’s bravery. In June 2014, Kyle received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions that day, only the third Marine to receive the Medal of Honor from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Kyle, now 27, spent nearly two years recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He has endured more than thirty surgeries to repair his teeth, jaw and arm and learned to adapt to the loss of his right eye. In 2013, Sentinels of Freedom awarded Kyle a 4 year scholarship for undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina. In December of 2017, Kyle graduated with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies. He also has a special interest in athletic training and has made his return to fitness a priority throughout his ordeal including running marathons.
Sgt Lucas Oppelt
During a tour to Afghanistan in 2012, Lucas stepped on and detonated a pressure plate IED, losing his right leg below the knee and causing extensive damage to his left leg, arms and chest. Enduring 16 surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy, Lucas was ready to restart his life.
After meeting one of our Sentinels and hearing about how the program helped him succeed, Lucas knew what he needed to do. SOF provided him with the tools and resources to begin his dream of earning a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado. SOF is helping Lucas rebuild his life through financial support, mentoring and personal assistance.
SFC John Wayne Walding
In 2008, U.S. Army SFC John Wayne Walding lost the lower half of his right leg to enemy sniper fire during an operation in the Shok Valley of Afghanistan. He continued to fight for four more hours earning him the Sliver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. The incredible story of that six-hour fight is detailed in the book “No Way Out: A Story of Valor in the Mountains of Afghanistan.”
Sentinels of Freedom helped John relocate to Texas and become an entrepreneur. They helped John start his business, 5 Toes Custom, specializing in unique custom firearms. John has made 5TC a welcoming place for veterans to transition into the workplace. Today, in addition to his very successful business, John trains police officers and travels the country speaking to veteran’s organizations, corporations and the public about overcoming adversity.
We are proud to help support these wounded heroes through the Sentinels of Freedom Foundation and have pledged to match every dollar donated to the Foundation by our industry partners up to $50,000 for a total potential donation of $100,000.
To donate to the Sentinels, visit their website and type “GDMS” in the box: How did you hear about us?
