National News
Mary Keeser: Empowering America to Give Back to Troops/Their Families
COURTESY OF FOUNDATIONS AND LISA SULLIVAN
A commitment to making a difference in the lives of Veterans, Soldiers and their Families is the core of the America’s Adopt a Soldier program.
“It’s not a matter of why, but why not,” said founder Mary E. Keeser (the daughter of Frank and Lou Keeser of Fountain) when asked why she started it. “Why not use one’s knowledge and network capital to make a positive impact and give back? We’re all in this together, and through commitment, compassion and balance, we can make a difference.”
MANY MISSIONS
The America’s Adopt a Soldier program was founded in 2009 in an effort to formalize and bring focus to several programs that were already under way. Its mission is broken up into four parts:
Inform and Educate: To maintain visibility when addressing the needs of Service Members, Veterans and their Families through hosting or participating in special events, workshops, speaking engagements and concerts.
Care Packages: To ensure that every deployed Service Member receives a care package through regional and local partnerships and outreach to Families, Service Members and communities. While national packing days take place in July and November, support is year-round.
Wounded Warrior Path To Strength (WWPTS): This is a partnership to be developed over a four-year period with Dell, Microsoft, Verizon, Sprint and AT&T. Currently, laptops and desktop systems are delivered to Wounded Warriors at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Microsoft donates software and training; Verizon contributes mobile broadband access. These computer-based rehabilitation programs enable a speedier recovery and foster new career skills.
Other
GRASSROOTS GRIT
"By pooling our resources into one focused program, we can better and respond to need," said Keeser.
This unified program accomplishes its mission through the grassroots assistance of thousands of volunteers nationwide.
"I first met Mary at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center," said Sandra Lowe, mother of a Soldier who had been wounded in Afghanistan. "It was a tough day. But, I soon learned that Mary was one of those people I would not just know, but be privileged to know."
Today, Lowe volunteers for WWPTS in her city of Savannah, GA, and says that she has seen many Soldiers and their Families benefit from this program, including her son, who has attended many of the field trips and concerts.
Well-known country singer Brittini Black leads the way in the concert arena.
"We are so grateful that Brittini has stepped forward and embraced an active role as our ambassador and partner," said Keeser. "Her commitment not only to raising awareness, but also [to offering] critical financial support, demonstrates her character and sincere desire to make a difference."
In support of America’s Adopt a Soldier program, Black donates $1 for every CD sold and has performed at multiple America’s Adopt a Soldier concerts.
"The camaraderie that develops at these concerts and events is so important to morale," said Lowe. "The computer classes are also invaluable."
To date, America’s Adopt a Soldier has delivered more than 700 fully equipped laptop and desktop systems to Wounded Warriors.
ONE FOR ALL
The fourth mission works to ensure that all Service Members receive assistance as needed. For instance, SSG Shane Overstreet shared a story about a unit member who was training in Oklahoma when his house was significantly damaged by fire.
"I searched for ways to help this Soldier, but since he was not Active Duty, services were limited. And then I found Mary. She helped organize donations that ranged from major appliances and furnishings to gift cards and Christmas presents. Additionally, Army Community Service is now revisiting how they assist Guard Soldiers in need," explained Overstreet.
Keeser adds that the support from the Guard has been overwhelming. "We are so proud of our esteemed board of honorary advisors and military liaison representatives," she said. "Many of them are retired from or have a long history with the Guard. We just couldn’t ask for anything more."
For more information about how to get involved, visit:
AmericasAdoptASoldier.org.
America’s Adopt a Soldier teamed with the USO in support of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 32nd IBCT welcome-home celebration. Pictured left to right, BG Mark Anderson, Wisconsin assistant adjutant general; Mary Keeser, America’s Adopt a soldier rounder; Brittini Black, recording artist; BG Donald R. Dunbar, Wisconsin adjutant general; COL (Ret.) Steve Bensend, former 32nd IBCT commander. SUBMITTED PHOTO