Archives for October 2018
November 1, 2018 Meeting (Includes Audio)
Posted October 7, 2018 at 9:57 AMOur guest speaker for the November 1,2018 meeting was be James Howard, Capt. U.S. Army, retired. James presented an update on the non-profit organization he founded, VAU, Veterans and Athletes United. He also highlighted the recently completed VAU Fallen Heroes Memorial, a travelling memorial that honors 6940+ heroes who have fallen in the War on Terror.
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 (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