As Independence Day approaches, we may get caught up in the parades, the fireworks, the food, but we sometimes forget the most important part of the day: our freedom. On July 4, 1776, Americans declared their freedom from Great Britain, and the 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence forever memorialized America’s decision to be a free country. Throughout the decades since 1776, our warriors have left their families to go and fight to retain that freedom. Piracle’s employees realize this sacrifice, and to help give support to those who fight every day for American’s freedom and their families, Piracle continues to donate a portion of their check printing supply sales to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
The Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) is a nonprofit organization that provides the children of fallen warriors with scholarships and stipends for college educations, as well as paying hospital bills for wounded warriors. In 2013, SOWF received $10 million in donations, none of which came from the federal or state government.
Since beginning their donations in August 2012, Piracle has donated almost $3,000, and is grateful for the opportunity to continue to donate a portion of their check supply sale proceeds. President and CEO of SOWF Joseph Maquire sent a letter thanking Piracle for the donations given over the last year. Maquire said the need for donations was great, since over the last year 27 Special Operators lost their lives and 73 were severely wounded. Piracle is proud to have donated money to support these soldiers’ children, families and loved ones.
Lina Barkey, Operations Manager for Piracle and previously served as Sergeant in the US Army Intelligence Corp. as an Analyst, said she is grateful to be a part of a team that supports the men and women who have sacrificed everything for our country.
“I am proud to work for a company that understands the sacrifice these men and women have made for the United States,” she said. “Knowing that we give back to their family members, allowing them to get an education is heartening for me, especially during this holiday weekend.”
SOWF began in 1980 as the Bull Simons Fund, providing college educations to 17 children surviving the nine special operations men killed in an Iranian hostage rescue attempt. When more special operators lost their lives and left children behind, the fund expanded, and finally encompassed all Special Operations forces. In 1995, the SOWF was created, and later in 1998, expanded again to include 205 more children to assist with college funding. As of 2013, SOWF has given almost $2.1 million to wounded warriors and their families, and almost $4.4 million to university students who have parents who paid the ultimate sacrifice for American Freedom.
The Piracle Team is happy to continue to donate to these children who deserve a college education, and families who are in need. You can help by purchasing supplies at www.Piracle.com.