Operation Enduring Warrior Connects with the Cumberland County Community

Operation Enduring Warrior recently had the pleasure of engaging with the vibrant members of the Cumberland County community, and what an incredible experience it was! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Range Complex and the Military Affairs Council of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce for hosting such a fantastic event.

This gathering was not only a wonderful opportunity to network with local businesses that tirelessly serve our military community, but it also allowed us to share our mission with even more passionate individuals. Connecting with those who share our commitment to supporting veterans and active-duty service members is always a rewarding experience, and this event was no exception.

We also had the unique privilege of honoring the 31st anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu. Hearing from LTC Steve DeLellis was particularly inspiring, as he shared his insights and experiences that highlight the importance of our collective mission. We encourage everyone to learn more about his impactful work by visiting HERE.

Stephen M. DeLellis, PA-C, LTC (Ret), USA

In addition to meaningful conversations and networking, we got to enjoy some range time, which added an element of fun to the day! This event was not only about building connections; it aimed to raise funds for the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation, an institution dedicated to preserving and honoring the history of our airborne and special operations forces. If you haven’t yet, we highly recommend visiting their site to learn more about their incredible work and contributions to our community.

In conclusion, our time in Cumberland County was filled with camaraderie, remembrance, and fun, and we are excited to continue fostering these valuable relationships. Thank you once again to everyone involved, and we look forward to many more opportunities to connect and collaborate in the future!

2024 CANDOR Award Recipient

For the last few years, we have awarded a member of Operation Enduring Warrior the CANDOR award, named in honor of late OEW President Eric Schmitz. Command Sergeant Major Eric Schmitz was a respected leader in the Army and within our organization. This award serves to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves through their leadership in support of the OEW mission and the honorees we serve.

At the 2024 gala, Team Member Jeremy Scharlow's hard work and leadership with OEW was recognized when he was awarded the CANDOR award. We asked Jeremy to share with us how OEW has impacted him. He provides a bit of his story and shares some words of motivation. Thank you for all you do to support our OEW Family, Jeremy!

"In mid-2016, I found myself facing an unimaginable ordeal when I was ambushed and shot. From that moment on, my life spiraled into a dark abyss of pain and despair. The challenges I encountered were so overwhelming that they nearly pushed me to the brink of ending my own life.

But amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. I decided to speak out about the harrowing realities of mental health struggles, particularly among law enforcement officers like me who had been injured in the line of duty.

2018 became a pivotal year. I was tired of struggling alone, feeling like no one cared, and watching my department do nothing to assist. I began speaking out publicly about what I was experiencing on social media. As I shared, I found other injured officers experiencing the same type of pain. This made me want to speak louder and attempt to stop the horrible way we discard our injured when they are no longer deemed useful. This is how Operation Enduring Warrior found me. Members from the organization reached out, and explained they had heard my message and were ready to step up and help. I soon found myself honored by OEW and attending an event in Kuttawa Kentucky. There, I was embraced by the incredible members of the masked athlete team and experienced firsthand the unwavering support and compassion of the OEW family.

OEW didn't just support me during my darkest moments; they became my lifeline, my guiding light when I felt lost in the depths of despair. They helped me navigate the treacherous path towards healing, both physically and emotionally, reminding me with every step that I was NOT DEAD so I couldn't Quit. This became my motto. NOT DEAD, CAN'T QUIT.

As I immersed myself in their mission of honoring, empowering, and motivating injured veterans and police officers, I began to find the strength I never knew I possessed. OEW provided me with opportunities to give back, teaching me the profound healing power found in reaching out to help others.

What started as a journey of personal struggle and pain has blossomed into a story of resilience, growth, and purpose. Over my five and a half years with OEW, I've transformed from feeling utterly hopeless to proudly wearing the mask of a true athlete. And now, I've discovered a new calling where I'm raising funds for child victims of abuse and neglect.

OEW didn't perform miracles, but they empowered me to discover reserves of strength and resilience I never thought possible. They showed me that with unwavering support, dedication, and hard work, anything is achievable.

So, to all those out there battling their own demons, I want you to know that you are not alone. There are communities like OEW that will stand by you, support you, and empower you to overcome even the toughest of challenges. Your journey may be difficult, but there is hope, and there are people who will help you find your way back into the light.

In the depths of the abyss, being the light for others can help us all escape the darkness!"

Community Ambassador of the Year

At the 2024 Gala, we recognized several of our outstanding OEW family members. One of these awards is the Community Ambassador of the Year. This year, Allen Cole was recognized for his outstanding work supporting OEW and our mission. While he couldn't attend in person, we were able to dial him in via Zoom to celebrate!

Thank you, Allen, for being such a force for good in our community.

We asked him to share why he is a part of OEW and what this award means to him. "I discovered Operation Enduring Warrior by accident in the summer of 2020 after competing at War-X. I investigated the organization and liked how OEW is a 100% volunteer-run, and the donations go directly to support the organization and their programs. I wanted to get involved with an organization that supported veterans, but I wasn't sure who I wanted to get involved with. When I found out that Operation Enduring Warrior helps those who have served and sacrificed for our safety and security, I knew I had to help. “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit,” Ronald Reagan.

I met Brain Lackey the local OCA in Fredericksburg, Virginia to learn more about OEW and see how I can contribute and fit in with the OEW team. My very first volunteer with OEW was only a few months later on a cold Saturday morning at Fletcher’s Cove for a Bishop Event in Georgetown, DC. For the next few years, I learned from different OCAs on how to deliver our message to the public and how OEW supports veterans and 1st responders in different ways. 

In the fall of 2021, I started my own fundraising campaigns starting with teachers at my school donating to wear jeans for a month and to my extreme sports (i.e. obstacle course racing, Goruck events, and ultra rucks/hikes) to raise awareness and money for Operation Enduring Warrior. “Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” Lou Holtz

I am honored and humbled to receive the Community Ambassador of the Year from Operation Enduring Warrior. This award represents the collective effort of my family and friends who believe in the mission of giving back to those who are willing to sacrifice everything for us to be safe. Without their dedication and support, this achievement would not have been possible.

I have always been passionate about supporting our veterans and first-responders and I have dedicated myself to helping where I can over the years that will benefit the veterans and first-responders community. Receiving this award confirms that that I’m in the right place to support our nation’s heroes. My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.  John F. Kennedy 

Thank you again for this amazing opportunity and recognition. I am truly grateful and proud to be a part of Operation Enduring Warrior.

Quotes

There is no greater thing you can do with your life than follow your passion in a way that serves the world and you. 

Make a choice of what you want, who you want to be & who you're going to inspire along the way as you get it. The world will get out of your way.

You can't stop bad things from happening. You have three choices. You can let it define you, let it defeat you, or you can let it strengthen you. It's your choice. 

Success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life, it's about what you INSPIRE others to do."