I'm excited to have had the opportunity to talk with 4 Wheel To Heal. As the daughter of a father who retired from the military, I support our troops 100% and love that groups like this are popping up all over the place. These men and women give all they have to serve our country. Some ( far to many) come home damaged in one way or another. People like these fine young men, are doing what they can to help our Wounded Hero's heal from their battle scares. Please take the time to show them a little love. You can make donation directly to the cause, or you can buy some pretty cool merchandise to help support what they are doing. http://www.4w2h.org/
4 Wheel to Heal's Mission statement
4 Wheel to Heal (4W2H) is dedicated to taking Wounded Veterans from all branches of service to off-roading events. These events involve four wheeling, rock crawling, mud bogging, and camping. Our mission is to boost moral for these veterans and give them an experience they will never forget.
Mom: Tells us a little about each of the board members. (I am only giving a short bio on each of these Awesome People to save space for the meat of the post, but PLEASE take the time to visit the bio page on 4w2h.org's website to learn more.)
John Purser – President / Co-Founder
Mom: Tells us a little about each of the board members. (I am only giving a short bio on each of these Awesome People to save space for the meat of the post, but PLEASE take the time to visit the bio page on 4w2h.org's website to learn more.)
John Purser – President / Co-Founder
John Purser is a Staff Sergeant in the Air National Guard. He served as a crew chief on A-10 Warthogs for six years for the United States Air Force. He joined the guard after leaving active duty and cross-trained to become a Command Post Controller.
John Griffin – Vice President / Co-Founder
Nathan Ramos – Executive Director / Co-Founder
John Griffin – Vice President / Co-Founder
John “Hannah” Griffin entered the Air Force in 1997 right out of high school. Originally from a small town in North Carolina, he has traveled a good part of the world and has deployed several time in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF). He currently works as a maintainer on fighter aircraft at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
Nathan Ramos – Executive Director / Co-Founder
Nathan “Nate” Ramos entered the Air Force in Jan of 2000. After graduating from Tech School, he was assigned to the 23rd Maintenance Squadron/23rd Fighter Group at Pope Air Force Base, NC, a 4th Fighter Wing Tenant Group.
Mark Schultz – Treasurer / Communications Director / Co-Founder
Mark Schultz – Treasurer / Communications Director / Co-Founder
Mass Communications Specialist Chief Petty Officer Mark Schultz joined the United States Navy in 1999 and has served at Naval Air Station Key West, Fla.; aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) out of Norfolk, Va.; Defense Media Activity in Washington DC; and is currently serving at Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific in San Diego, Calif
- Nathan and John P. live here in the local DC area (Annapolis / Crofton). Mark is currently deployed and has just moved out to San Diego after being stationed there for the Navy. John Griffin just moved to Florida after being stationed at Homestead AFB with the Air Force Reserve.
Mom: How did this idea come about?
4W2H: We started as 4 Wheel enthusiasts and wanted to start our own Four Wheeling Club. We did not like the idea of paying club dues and had a good group of people that really loved four wheeling together. So we formed Country Boy Crawlers as a four wheeling club. We had the desire as a club once we became big enough to give back to the community.
- Nathan and John P. live here in the local DC area (Annapolis / Crofton). Mark is currently deployed and has just moved out to San Diego after being stationed there for the Navy. John Griffin just moved to Florida after being stationed at Homestead AFB with the Air Force Reserve.
Mom: How did this idea come about?
4W2H: We started as 4 Wheel enthusiasts and wanted to start our own Four Wheeling Club. We did not like the idea of paying club dues and had a good group of people that really loved four wheeling together. So we formed Country Boy Crawlers as a four wheeling club. We had the desire as a club once we became big enough to give back to the community.
Mom: What prompted you guys to create this group to get Wounded Warriors out wheeling, camping and having a good time outdoors?
4W2H: Through our work in the Air National Guard we were put in contact with Operation Ward 57 and made a trip to Walter Reed Military Hospital. We met several warriors and were touched by what positive attitudes they had and wanted to do anything we could to help them. From there we made the decision to form 4 Wheel to Heal and start as a Non-Profit Organization. We did not want to obligate our club members and knew we would not be able to raise funds unless we went Non-Profit.
Four Wheeling is what we love. It centers on getting out in the elements in a competitive environment that is full of camaraderie. It presents challenges and obstacles that are fun to tackle. This reminds us a lot of our time spent in the military and being part of a team. We always have smiles on our faces when doing it and wanted to introduce these Warriors to our sport.
Mom: Organizations like yours survive on the hard work and dedication of volunteers. The easiest way for those of us that can’t volunteer, to help is by donations or purchasing of your merchandise at 4W2H.org. For those that have the time to with your volunteer organization, what type of person are you looking for?
4W2H: We are looking for emotionally strong individuals who have integrity, and are compassionate towards our cause. The individual should be able to work as a team, and in team environments. Having prior experience in customer service is also important in working events and being able to hold a conversation with customers.
Mom: Do they need any specific set of skills?
4W2H: Particular skills could involve handling money, event setup and tear downs, and hospitality.
Four Wheeling experience is highly encouraged, as well as knowledge of the sport.
Mom: Do they need a back ground in working with Wounded Warriors?
4W2H: With every outing and visit to the ward we learn something new. We would expect this from any volunteer that we bring on. They just need to be able to learn and be respectful of the Warriors needs.
Mom: I know passion would be a must. Tell us what your ideal volunteer would be.
4W2H: Passion is what keeps us going! Being passionate about the Warriors and four wheeling is the most important thing to us. Passion is infectious and we hope that our volunteers can make an impact and touch others’ lives. Integrity and values are also desired. Someone who can embrace these ideals would be considered our perfect volunteer.
Mom: Right now you are located in MD. Do you have any future plans to open chapters in other areas?
4W2H: In theory if we can get some solid donations under our organizations belt and have the opportunity to expand we will. We have some awesome ideas for the future and are holding those ideas pretty close to the hilt. There will be great things to come and the name 4 Wheel to Heal is so broad that later down the road we can move into more areas of support. Cancer, make a wish, and a number of other things that we could push into in the future.
Mom: Is there anything you want to say to the readers?
4W2H: Our hats are off to those who gave all. Remembering the fallen and working with the Wounded is what drives us. We just ask for support anyway someone can give it. Whether that be a donation, purchase of merchandise, word of mouth, or volunteering it is all important. We cannot thank all of you enough for your support for 4 Wheel to Heal.
4W2H: Through our work in the Air National Guard we were put in contact with Operation Ward 57 and made a trip to Walter Reed Military Hospital. We met several warriors and were touched by what positive attitudes they had and wanted to do anything we could to help them. From there we made the decision to form 4 Wheel to Heal and start as a Non-Profit Organization. We did not want to obligate our club members and knew we would not be able to raise funds unless we went Non-Profit.
Four Wheeling is what we love. It centers on getting out in the elements in a competitive environment that is full of camaraderie. It presents challenges and obstacles that are fun to tackle. This reminds us a lot of our time spent in the military and being part of a team. We always have smiles on our faces when doing it and wanted to introduce these Warriors to our sport.
Mom: Organizations like yours survive on the hard work and dedication of volunteers. The easiest way for those of us that can’t volunteer, to help is by donations or purchasing of your merchandise at 4W2H.org. For those that have the time to with your volunteer organization, what type of person are you looking for?
4W2H: We are looking for emotionally strong individuals who have integrity, and are compassionate towards our cause. The individual should be able to work as a team, and in team environments. Having prior experience in customer service is also important in working events and being able to hold a conversation with customers.
Mom: Do they need any specific set of skills?
4W2H: Particular skills could involve handling money, event setup and tear downs, and hospitality.
Four Wheeling experience is highly encouraged, as well as knowledge of the sport.
Mom: Do they need a back ground in working with Wounded Warriors?
4W2H: With every outing and visit to the ward we learn something new. We would expect this from any volunteer that we bring on. They just need to be able to learn and be respectful of the Warriors needs.
Mom: I know passion would be a must. Tell us what your ideal volunteer would be.
4W2H: Passion is what keeps us going! Being passionate about the Warriors and four wheeling is the most important thing to us. Passion is infectious and we hope that our volunteers can make an impact and touch others’ lives. Integrity and values are also desired. Someone who can embrace these ideals would be considered our perfect volunteer.
Mom: Right now you are located in MD. Do you have any future plans to open chapters in other areas?
4W2H: In theory if we can get some solid donations under our organizations belt and have the opportunity to expand we will. We have some awesome ideas for the future and are holding those ideas pretty close to the hilt. There will be great things to come and the name 4 Wheel to Heal is so broad that later down the road we can move into more areas of support. Cancer, make a wish, and a number of other things that we could push into in the future.
Mom: Is there anything you want to say to the readers?
4W2H: Our hats are off to those who gave all. Remembering the fallen and working with the Wounded is what drives us. We just ask for support anyway someone can give it. Whether that be a donation, purchase of merchandise, word of mouth, or volunteering it is all important. We cannot thank all of you enough for your support for 4 Wheel to Heal.
I talked briefly with a Wounded Warrior about his experience with the Organization. I would have loved to spent more time getting stories from these Warriors.
Mom: Can you tell me a bit about your experience with 4W2H?
John: I went to ice breakers at Big Dogs. The best part was spending the entire day on the trails. 4W2H is an excellent organization that helped me to relax and get out of the normal routine of recovery.
Here are a few Photo's from the Ice Breakers event.
I want to thank all the men and women that have served in our military and for those that are working hard to support them! THANK YOU!
Play Safe and Tread Lightly
A 4 Wheeling Mom
