Annual Report The Silver Star Families of America Report on 2008 and Projections for 2009

The Silver Star Families of America

From The President During the second year of my term as President, my vision for the SSFOA will be to continue and expand our service to our wounded and ill children.

Accomplishments for 2008 THE SILVER STAR FAMILIES OF AMERICA IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE HAVE REACHED THE 1 MILLION DOLLAR MARK IN DONATIONS TO OUR WOUNDED AND ILL. The SSFOA was founded in 2005 with one mission: To remember, honor and assist the wounded and ill of our Armed Forces from all wars. Since that time, our members have donated more than 1 million dollars in volunteer time and material all while operating on a shoestring budget. Membership in Membership in 2008 Approx Over two thousand Silver Star Banners and Certificates have been provided free of charge to our wounded and ill valued at approx, $40,000.

Continued The SSFOA has become a Veterans Administration Volunteer Services Advisory Board Member and we have donated hundreds of care packages and cards and letters to our wounded, ill and homeless valued at approx. $30,000 dollars of donated material being given to Veterans Facilities in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Volunteers with the SSFOA have donated 47,912 hours valued at $934,

Continued The SSFOA is a certifying organization with the Presidential Volunteer awards program and have issued 21 awards. The SSFOA has become one of the leading advocates for those wounded with Post Traumatic Stress with testimony given before Congress. Testifying organization with the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. The SSFOA is a member of Guide star and 97.6% of every dollar donated goes to program services. The SSFOA is the sponsor of Silver Star Banner Day on May 1 st of every year. In 2008, 46 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and over 180 cities signed proclamations for our wounded.

Continued SILVER STAR PROGRAMS FOR WOUNDED AND ILL AND FAMILIES Silver Star Families assists our wounded and families thru programs geared to help the healing process. It is our wish to help you find avenues to meet your need. We also extend an invitation to join our online community. JOIN SSFOAJOIN SSFOA SILVER STAR BANNER SILVER STAR BANNER SSFOA wishes to honor all service members injured in the combat zone and/or those with related illnesses including PTSD, Gulf War Syndrome, Agent Orange, injured by friendly fire. We also honor Purple Heart recipients. To Request a Banner go to REQUEST BANNERREQUEST BANNER GAMES FOR WOUNDED GAMES FOR WOUNDED Silver Star Families joins with Soldiers' Angels in their Lend a Hand Program. "Poly Trauma patients enjoy the games, and increase their hand eye coordination," said Steve Newton, Co-founder of The Silver Star Families of America. An article on The Washington Post site quotes the folks at Walter Reed hospital in DC, who report that videogames make excellent therapy sessions for soldiers wounded in the Iraq conflict. In addition to the obvious medical benefits of refining motor control via controllers, the entertainment allows soldiers to reconnect to experiences they may have had prior to their combat experiences. Therapists see the games benefiting patients with nearly any kind of injury, including patients with traumatic brain injuries. Click on GAMES FOR WOUNDED to request games for wounded during their hospital stay.GAMES FOR WOUNDED SSFOA also has a program to honor CARE GIVERS and MILITARY WORKING DOGS

Continued HONORING HUNGRY HEROES WITH FOOD CARDS National SSFOA has launched a new program "Honoring Hungry Heroes." McDonald's and Taco Bell gift cards treat our Wounded Heroes to a meal or two at these restaurants and possibly their family too. Wounded or family member may request Food Cards during your hospital stay by clicking on HONORING HUNGRY HEROES. Use the same link if you wish to donate to this worthy cause.HONORING HUNGRY HEROES SILVER STAR LETTER WRITING TEAM SSFOA members join together in supporting our wounded overseas, statewide and in Veterans hospitals and homes with letters and cards. The team plans to reach a goal of 10,000 letters during the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. Please JOIN SSFOAJOIN SSFOA to become a Silver Star volunteer and indicate that you wish to join the Writing Team.

Continued PTSD and TBI RESOURCES SSFOA teamed up with Give an Hour an organization dedicated to developing and maintaining a national network of volunteers capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions that arise within our society. Their first target is the Soldiers and their families who are being affected by the current conflicts. Click on for details.

Continued Dedicated to John A. Courant the "Destroyerman" The Silver Star Families of America and the Thank You Foundation wish to say THANK YOU to our many Patriots who have been wounded while actively serving the United States of America by presenting them with a Certificate.

Projections for 2009

Financial Forecast

2009 The SSFOA will continue with its main mission, which is to honor our wounded and ill with Banners and Certificates

Post Traumatic Stress The SSFOA will continue to be a leader in the fight for those wounded with PTS.

Silver Star Service Banner Day The SSFOA will continue to sponsor Silver Star Service Banner Day. For 2009 we are asking 5000 cities to issue proclamations to honor the day.

Trademark The SSFOA has trademarked our Flag and Banner.

Awards and Recognition

Definition of Wounded Definition of war zone determined by the Department of Defense" * Any Armed Forces personnel either currently serving honorably or those who have served honorably from any war, who having served in a war zone has been wounded by enemy action or who have been injured or contracted a serious illness that could be rated at least 10% disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. All wounds, injuries or illness must have originated in a war zone. Purple Heart recipients, victims of friendly fire, injured in a war zone, those who suffer from PTSD, Agent Orange effects and Gulf War syndrome.

Care Givers The SSFOA will continue to honor care givers who have taken care of our wounded in a war zone.

Military Working Dogs The SSFOA will continue to honor any MWD wounded by enemy action.

Conclusion For the year of 2009, the SSFOA will continue and expand its mission to remember, honor and assist the wounded and ill of our Armed Forces from ALL wars.