May 4, 2017 Meeting (Includes Audio)
Posted April 8, 2017 at 10:46 AM, Filed Under: All News, Front Page, MeetingsThursday, May 4, 2017 - 10:00 AM
The guest speaker for our May 4th, 2017 meeting was James Howard, Capt. U.S. Army, retired. James presented information regarding two non-profit organizations he founded, REACHcycles and VAU, Veterans and Athletes United. Both of of these organizations support children and veterans with disabilities.
James Howard, retired Army Captain, grew up in Lynchburg, Va and graduated from VMI in 2002. He had the privilege to earn his Ranger, Sapper and Airborne tabs while serving 2002-2010 in the 82nd airborne and Special Forces training. Serving overseas he was fortunate to dodge some close calls in combat with minor injuries and at the end of his career suffered a tragic diving accident while exercising that left him paralyzed as a quadriplegic. His injury has been a blessing by misfortune which led him to start 2 all volunteer non-profits, REACHcycles (REACHcycles.org) and VAU Veterans and Athletes United (http://www.VetsAU.com) to support children and veterans with disabilities. He also works and volunteers for many other non-profit organizations that support the veteran and disabled community:
- SOCOM Care Coalition mentor
- Quality of Life Foundation Family Case Manager
- Chris Reeve Foundation Military Veterans Program MVP Coordinator
- Paralyzed Vets of America volunteer
Bio provided by Matt Williams.