CULLMAN – Jeremy Hogan hopes to give local veterans and their families something special this Thanksgiving season. He heads up Saving Forgotten Warriors (SFW), a nonprofit organization dedicated to making life better for men and women in the Cullman area who served in the armed forces. On Nov. 21, the Monday before Thanksgiving, SFW and the Brandin' Iron of West Point will team up for Thanks-GIVING Day: starting at noon, Brandin' Iron will offer a free traditional Thanksgiving meal to veterans, as well as their spouses and up to two children under 18.
SFW began in January of this year, when Hogan was at a local convenience store. In a conversation there, he heard about a local veteran who needed an access ramp at his house. He gathered supplies and volunteers, and went to work. Discovering that such needs were unfortunately common, he began organizing personnel and resources, and SFW was born. In only a few months the organization has provided vets with home repairs and painting, provided transportation to appointments, helped with groceries and even assisted in finding homeless veterans places to live.
Hogan saw many Thanksgiving activities being planned and advertised in the area, but none specifically for veterans. As the mission of SFW involves improving the quality of life for these former service men and women, it was a logical move for him to create the event. Local businesses and volunteers have stepped up, but the dinner still needs more sponsors, especially businesses. Individual sponsorships (one veteran and family) are only $10; and special sponsor packages are available for local businesses and organizations. Those interested can contact SFW at 256-747-5006. SFW is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible.
Hogan is planning for an attendance of 400, and hopes to see Thanks-GIVING Day become an annual event. Veterans who wish to participate should contact SFW at the above phone number or visit SFW's Facebook page to sign up. More information can be found by visiting the website www.savingforgottenwarriors.org or finding Saving Forgotten Warriors on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Savingforgottenwarriors.org.
The Brandin' Iron Steakhouse of West Point is located at 87 County Road 1242, Cullman, AL 35057.
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