Houston-based 501(c)(3) organization Helping a Hero recently held its 2017 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, where hundreds gathered to show their support for wounded veterans. Country music legend and Helping a Hero ambassador Lee Greenwood established the Lee Greenwood Award to recognize an individual whose lifetime of volunteerism and service to others goes above and beyond.
Mark White III and Andrew White accepted the award at the luncheon on behalf of their father, the late Governor Mark White Jr. Via video, Linda Gale White also accepted the award on her husband's behalf.
Helping a Hero is one of the leading national charities that builds homes for severely wounded heroes. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg congratulated Helping a Hero for being recognized by the Greater Houston Better Business Bureau as one of only 12 charities to receive the Winner of Distinction award in 2017. Helping a Hero has continued to distinguish itself as a transparent and accountable charity.
Board chair and Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniel congratulated the winners at the luncheon, including Congressman Ted Poe (Lifetime Achievement Award), Charlotte Lampe (Freedom Award), Leonard Courtright (Eagle Award), Conn’s (Enterprise Award), District Governor Bill Palko (Service Above Self Award), and — as a surprise to even himself — Greenwood, who on behalf of the Points of Light Foundation was honored with the August 21 Daily Point of Light.
The mission of the Point of Light Organization is to honor those who take action to create change in their communities. Daniel and executive director Kelly Raley presented Greenwood with the prestigious Daily Point of Light award for his work with Helping a Hero, the USO, Disabled American Veterans, Medal of Honor Museum, and other charities he has supported. Points of Light chairman Neil Bush assisted the charity in securing the award for Greenwood.
Greenwood is a longtime supporter of the military and its veterans, often going above and beyond to stand with them and promoting the ideals and principles that unite America. The entire crowd stood to honor Greenwood as he closed the luncheon by singing his iconic song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” while over fifty wounded heroes, family members, and the board donned T-shirts supporting Lee and Helping a Hero.
Deborah Duncan served as the mistress of ceremonies, and luncheon attendees included Joanne King Herring, Sidney Faust, Jason Fuller, Gary Pearson, Judge Mike McSpadden, Malcolm Morris, Paula Goldstein, Meredith Iler, Nam Nguyen, Councilman Jack Christie, John and Kelly Raley, and Houston City Councilwoman (District A) Brenda Stardig.
Through the generosity of patriots across the nation, Helping a Hero has awarded over 100 homes in 22 states. These adapted homes promote a successful transition from military to civilian life and allow wounded veterans to regain some of their lost independence. Homes through Helping a Hero’s Wounded Hero Home Program include two components: the veteran has a minimum $50,000 personal commitment and agrees to make the home their primary residence for at least 10 years.
Learn more about the Helping a Hero Wounded Hero Home Program at www.HelpingAHero.org. To make a difference in lives of heroes like Sergeant (Ret.) Daniel Cowart, visit www.HelpingAHero.org/Donate.
Follow the organization on Twitter and Facebook, and help spread the positive word using the hashtag #EmpowerHeroes.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Ted Poe
