WINTER 2019

VOLUME 44

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In 2011, EOD1 Andrew Bottrell lost both legs and his left arm due to an IED blast in Afghanistan. During the postoperative care process at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, he was outfitted with prosthetics, adapting to the comfort and functionality of his new, artificial limbs. For Bottrell, the socket construction of a prosthetic proved to be a routine discomfort, elevating his residual limbs’ temperature up to 20˚ higher and restricting his quality of life. In 2019, he returned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for osseointegration, an innovative procedure connecting prosthetics directly to the human bone, in order to alleviate his routine discomfort.

Bottrell’s decision to undergo the procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was easy: for optimal comfort and functionality, osseointegration is a necessity. However, osseointegration is considered to be an elective procedure; therefore, the U.S. Military does not cover housing and transportation costs incurred during the multi-stage procedure and postoperative rehabilitation process. As a result, service members and their families undergo significant emotional and financial burdens to cover the aforementioned costs.

Through the Crossroads program, Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF) alleviates the emotional and financial burdens placed upon families during the critical

healing and recovery process, providing practical, quality-of-life services such as apartment units, hotel rooms, and car rentals. For Andrew, Lindsey, and toddler, Jessa Bottrell, YRF provided supplemental assistance during the relocation process from San Diego, CA with immediate placement into one of Crossroads’ furnished apartments in Bethesda, MD, less than a mile from Walter Reed National Medical Center.

Now, the Bottrells are better able to focus on Andrew’s healing and recovery process, with the family looking forward to the return home and participating in activities impossible without osseointegration. “It’s great to listen to him plan for things that we never thought possible—things like going camping as a family,” said Lindsey, when discussing the impact of Crossroads. Without the

generosity and support of our donors and volunteers, especially those participating in YRF’s 2018 Summer Appeal, supplemental assistance provided to the Bottrells and other families in the Crossroads program would not be possible.

Crossroads ResidentUpdate:AndrewBottrell

Andrew and Lindsey Bottrell at their Yellow Ribbon Fund apartment just a few blocks from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

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2nd Annual Duty+Devotion

Yellow Ribbon Fund’s Keystone program provides transitional services and training to caregivers, at any point in their journey: health & wellness education and opportunities; family retreats; and peer-to-peer support. One of Keystone’s signature events, Duty + Devotion celebrates service members and caregivers undergoing

treatment at Walter Reed, with an evening

of dinner, dancing, and overnight accommodations at the historic Army & Navy Club in Washington, D.C. This

About Yellow Ribbon Fund

Founded in 2005, the Yellow Ribbon Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit offering supplemental assistance to wounded, ill, and injured service members and their caregivers to bridge the gap between earned and need benefits and enable families to remain together during the critical healing and recovery process. The United States Military protects our freedom around the world, in over 150 countries and counting. Service members continue to return wounded, ill, and injured, with immediate and long-term medical needs of operative and post-operative treatment. This critical healing and recovery process is grueling; with the presence and support of family members, service members are able to not only accelerate this process but also transition successfully into civilian life. Through the Crossroads & Keystone programs, the Yellow Ribbon Fund is able to alleviate emotional and financial burdens placed upon families during the critical healing and recovery process.

Board of Directors William (Bill) J. Scott, Chairman Brett McMahon, Vice Chairman Capt. James Carman, USN (Ret.), Secretary Charlie Baisley Nader Elguindi Alan Golacinski Joseph W. Jacques Thomas Lynch John Mastal Dan Monahan Vito A. Pampalona Thomas Reynolds Adam Shepherd Sean Spicer Capt. Erin Stone, JAGC, USN (Ret.) Timothy Sullivan Maj. Gen. Roger W. Teague, USAF (Ret.) John Vollmer Col. Frank G. Wickersham III, USMC (Ret.) Brian Wynne

Board of Advisors

Edward J. Quinn Jr., Chairman Emeriti Maurice (Mo) Gauthier

Please submit comments and questions to Director of Operations, Kate Schulz, kate@yellowribbonfund.org or 240-223-1180.

Duty+Devotion Keynote Speaker and Honored Guest Karen H. Kelly embraces Staff Sergeant Jared Gould, USA.

Raul and Alexandria Aguilar were among the twenty couples of caregivers and service members who attended the event.

One of the Duty+Devotion event sponsors, Jerry FitzGerald, of Fitzgerald Properties, with wounded warrior Lcpl. Jason Hallett, a triple amputee who was wounded in October of 2010.

“Date Night” for our Heroes provides a retreat from the grueling healing and recovery process and an opportunity to network with Washington, D.C.’s most influential industry leaders, in the hopes of raising awareness and charitable donations for YRF and the Keystone program. For the 2nd Annual Duty+Devotion, WJLA’s Jonathan Elias served as the Master of Ceremonies and Karen Kelly, wife of Gen. John Kelly, served as the Keynote Speaker, creating a memorable event for approximately 100 guests. Through our Duty+Devotion corporate sponsors and ticket sales, YRF was able to provide 40 service members and their caregivers an evening out at no additional cost and funding for upcoming Keystone programming.

10th AnnualYellowRibbonFundGala

On November 8, 2018 at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, MD, the 10th Annual Yellow Ribbon Fund Gala: The Roots of the Ribbon honored founders, John Adams, David Branson, Denis Neill, and Edward Quinn Jr. The theme, “The Roots of the Ribbon,” refers to roots of the Yellow Ribbon Fund, our founders and military caregivers, serving as the respective anchors to the organization and their families. Board members, service members, sponsors, volunteers, and special guests such as Carol Bugg, widow of Jim Bugg, YRF’s 1st Chairman of the Board, gathered together to share fond and impactful memories of the founders’ dedication and efforts towards YRF.

First Sergeant Matt Eversmann (Ret.), Hero of the Battle of Mogadishu served as the Keynote Speaker. 1SG Eversmann discussed not only the routine sacrifices service members make to serve in over 150 countries on behalf the U.S. but also YRF’s efforts and impact on at least 20% of service members injured in the War on Terror. Sergeant Adam Keys (Ret.), a triple amputee resulting

from a bomb explosion in Afghanistan, served as the Gala’s entertainment with a hilarious stand-up comedy set. The Gala also honored the Keystone program’s Regional Coordinators, who gathered together to share their experiences not only serving to plan community activities and events on behalf of YRF but also as military caregivers.

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The Roots of The Ribbon Tenth Annual Gala celebrated Yellow Ribbon Fund’s founders: John Adams (left), Denis Neill (center), Ed Quinn, Jr.(right) and David Branson (not pictured).

Sgt. Adam Keys, USA (Ret.), kept the crowd laughing with his standup comedy routine.

First Sergeant Matt Eversmann gave a moving keynote address which stressed how much YRF has positively impacted families of our nation’s wounded, ill and injured.

Capt. Luis Avila who initially could not speak after he was severely wounded in combat in 2011 sang “God Bless America” to begin the evening and was accompanied by The 19th Street Band, which performed again after the sit-down dinner.

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Partnerships Update: CoStarGroup&ColoradoTechnicalUniversityCoStar Group, a Washington, D.C. based Commercial Real Estate Information provider, is not only a longtime Yellow Ribbon Fund sponsor but also an active participant in multiple events at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital & Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. In an effort to provide practical, quality-of-life services to YRF service members and caregivers, CoStar Group partnered with the Crossroads program to gift Welcome Wagons to Crossroads’ apartment residents. Through CoStar Group’s subsidiary, Apartments.com, volunteers compiled an array of household necessities so that eight Crossroads Resident Families received all the necessities to make a house a home.

To learn more about Crossroads and how to get involved, please email us at email@yellowribbonfund.org.

A proud educational partner of Yellow Ribbon Fund, Colorado Technical University (CTU), a Colorado Springs, CO provides 50 annual scholarships for wounded, injured, and ill service members and/or caregivers. Recently, CTU broadened their scholarship recipient scope to include service members’ eligible dependents.

To learn more about CTU’s partnership with YRF, please visit coloradotech.edu/CTUPatriot. Applications will be open until June 30th, 2019 for the 2019-2020 Academic Year.

Staff from CoStar Group shopped for, purchased, and personally delivered (above) items for every family staying in a YRF apartment

The baskets from Costar included a wide variety of household necessities such as cleaning products, storage items and tools.

The sold-out Gala was held at Columbia Country Club and included a Raise the Paddle bidding session led by Vito Pampalona which raised $100,000 for YRF’s Keystone Program.

Many staff from longtime YRF partner TW Perry (above) attended the gala which honored TW Perry’s CEO Ed Quinn, Jr., YRF founder & Board Chairman Emeriti for his tireless dedication to wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families.

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Events Uncle Vito’s 15th AnnualChristmasPartiesforPatients

In December 2018, YRF Board Member, Vito Pampalona, and YRF Staff hosted Uncle Vito’s 15th Annual Christmas Parties for patients at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Grandpa Tony’s of East Rockaway, NY and Pete’s Brooklyn Eats of Brooklyn, NY donated food so that the patients could enjoy authentic Italian-style catering. The patients’ children were thrilled by the visit from Santa Claus who had an

overflowing sack of gifts. Board Members, Bill Scott and Tim Sullivan, were on hand to assist Vito and YRF elves with distributing presents and serving food to patients and their families.

Thank you, Uncle Vito, for your dedication and efforts in not only spreading holiday cheer but also supporting the YRF mission through the beloved Christmas Parties for Patients. To learn more about Uncle Vito’s Christmas Parties and how to get involved, please contact the Yellow Ribbon Fund team at email@yellowribbonfund.org or call us at (240)223-1180.

Wounded warrior Tony Doyle, who lives in one of Crossroads Apartments visits with YRF Director of Development Meg Lewis at the YRF’s “Uncle Vito’s Christmas Party” at Walter Reed

Volunteers and YRF Board members served an authentic Italian feast brought from New York for the event.

YRF Deputy Director Gina Harrow and “Uncle Vito” Pampalona hosted the event. Patients and staff at Walter Reed refer to Pampalona as “Uncle Vito” because of his kindness and generosity over the years.

As we do every year, YRF brings the party to the patients and Walter Reed, celebrating inside the medical facility ward where patients are normally undergoing rehab and receiving innovative care.

The Leigh family enjoyed a trip to Walt Disney World courtesy of the Yellow Ribbon Fund

In November 2018, Keystone Program Manager and former program participant, Jamie Gould, planned a hunting trip for military caregivers at Patriot Point along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Open to a variety of caregivers, i.e. spouses, siblings, parents, and friends caring for wounded, injured, or ill service members, the Hunt at Patriot Point was comprised of wives of service members undergoing treatment at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and a lone, male service member in need of a break from his stressful, medical recovery process.

Keystone Program: Disney

“Our family cannot thank you enough for the most amazing vacation,” wrote Jennifer Leigh after attending a family vacation to Walt Disney World hosted by Yellow Ribbon Fund. “This not only was our first ever visit to Walt Disney World it was our first family vacation.”On the days they did not visit the park, the Leigh family enjoyed the pool and lazy river at the resort and just relaxing and listening to the lake water and enjoying the view at the end of a long day. The convenient location to the parks and restaurants was also a perk, and the Leighs were able to visit all four Disney parks and enjoy every one of them. For them, some highlights of the trip were the new

Keystone Programing Updates:HuntatPatriotPoint&

1stAnnualFamilyRetreat

ANotefromourDeputyDirector

Yellow Ribbon Fund has recognized the critical role that caregivers play in achieving the best possible outcomes for our service members recovering from catastrophic injuries or serious illnesses. We also know that caregivers have stressful responsibilities—from keeping track of their loved one’s appointments, medications, and morale to helping them perform daily tasks—all while juggling finances, jobs, and often, caring for children and/or other family members. Through Keystone and our Program Coordinators, YRF provides unique opportunities like the Hunt at Patriot Point and Annual Family Retreat, so that caregivers can try new things, while developing friendships with other caregivers and experiencing the camaraderie that military service members value so highly.

Gina HarrowDeputy Director

YRF’s Keystone Program hosted its first annual Caregivers Duck Hunt at Patriot Point

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Avatar ride at the Animal Kingdom, the Star Wars at Hollywood Studios, and of course Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. “Thank you all again for blessing us with a wonderful family vacation.” Jennifer wrote upon returning home, “We made memories that will last a lifetime.”

OceanReefClubRetreat

YRF’s First Annual Family Retreat at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida this January was a wonderful weekend of healing, personal growth and reconnecting with family. The retreat consisted of family- and team-building exercises, life-skill development and wellness activities. The array of activities that the Reef offered gave the family members therapeutic tools to promote future physical and emotional well-being.

“Though these activities, our family was able to truly connect for the first time since my son was injured in 2012. We have brought the joy home with us and I pray that it lasts forever,” said one mother caregiver.

These families put the stress of their everyday lives aside and took part in a kayak tour, daily sunrise and sunset yoga, a visit to the everglades, wildlife lessons, a cooking class, golf and spa treatments. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these families and they were so grateful for the experience. The family members all connected internally and the caregivers could connect with others for peer-to-peer support.

“I have never been to a place that combined everything so perfectly,” said a caregiver, I feel blessed to be able to experience this time as a family. The added bonus was that we could connect with our Yellow Ribbon Fund family, too”

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Keystone Program:SouthernCaliforniaSouthern California Program Coordinator: Melody ButlerContact Info: melody@yellowribbonfund.org

In December 2018, Program Coordinator, Melody Butler, joined the YRF Keystone Team and planned her first events to include crafting activities and wellness experiences. In January 2019, Melody hosted a Sound Bath event, a wellness experience utilizing crystal bowls and vibration therapy instruments such as tuning forks and gongs to create an environment of healing, release, and relaxation. Sound waves relieve both physical and mental tension, with the military caregivers finding the experience to be peaceful and restorative.

Keystone Program:EasternTennesseeEastern TennesseeProgram Coordinator: Stephanie TrostContact Info: stephanie@yellowribbonfund.org

In January 2019, Program Coordinator, Stephanie Trost, hosted a two-part event: dinner at the Carolina Ale House followed by an exciting, gaming activity, Breakout, at EscapeWorks, an escape room in Knoxville, TN.!

Keystone Program:Maryland-DC-VirginiaProgram Manager: Jamie Gould Contact Info: jamie@yellowribbonfund.org

In February 2019, Program Manager, Jamie Gould, planned an event at Kraken Axes in Washington, D.C. The DMV military caregivers had a blast ax throwing, an activity typically found only a Lumberjack competitions and Renaissance fairs.

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Keystone Program:CentralKentuckyCentral KentuckyProgram Coordinator: Angelia WixContact Info: angelia@yellowribbonfund.org

In February 2019, Program Coordinator, Angelia Wix, hosted a crafting event at DIY Studio in Vine Grove, KY. Angelia and the military caregivers designed and decorated bourbon barrel lids to celebrate the state’s distillery heritage and pride.

Keystone Program:FortCampbell,TN

Fort Campbell, TNProgram Coordinator: Debbie FieldsContact Infor: debbie@yellowribbonfund.org

In December 2018, the Fort Campbell military caregivers gathered for a “Get Over the Christmas Hump” brunch hosted by Program Coordinator, Debbie Fields. Rather than participating in a traditional Ornament Exchange, Debbie organized a Sock Exchange, with caregivers stuffing their stocks with treats such as candy, lip balm, and nail polish. The caregivers were encouraged to wear an Ugly Sweater, with the prizes given out to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Best Ugly Sweaters. Special presents were given for caregivers to bring home to both their service members and children.

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Upcoming Yellow Ribbon Fund Events

April 3, 2019 – Alexandria, VA Happy Hour, Blackwall Hitch, Old Town, Alexandria, VA 6:00-9:00 pm

May 16, 2019 – Party with our Troops, Bethesda, MD 6:00 -9:00 pm July 15, 2019- YRF ANCC Golf Classic for Injured Service Members, Arlington, VA July 26-27, 2019- Shoot out for Soldiers, Georgetown Prep, North Bethesda, MD August 5, 2019- YRF’s Michigan Golf Outing, Rochester, MI October 14, 2019 – 540.co’s Freedom Fairways Classic, Clifton, VA November 8, 2019- YRF 11th Annual Gala, US Chamber of Commerce, Washington, DC

Please check our website for more details about YRF events: https://yellowribbonfund.org/events/

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Bethesda ApartmentsHighestRentinRegion

According to a report in February by Zumper, an online rental website, monthly apartment rental rates in Bethesda were the highest in the Washington area and up 8 percent over last year. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment in Bethesda are 50% more than the state’s median price with a one-bedroom median rate of $2,290 per month.

Crossroads UpdateProgramSnapshot

YRF’s Crossroads Program continues to provide apartments, hotel stays and rental cars to assist wounded, ill and injured service members who need to be near Walter Reed Medical Center for treatment.

Apartments: 8 apartments with 2 families on our waiting list

Hotels: Jan 2019 – Feb 2019: 166 nights at two locations

Rental Cars: 24 families served since September 2018 through February 2019

(Avg. Rental Time= 60 days)

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Link to register: http://bit.ly/YRF-ANCC

Claim your spot before these two popular events sell out!

PARTY WITH OUR TROOPSMAY 16th

The 9th Annual Party With Our Troops will be held at Tommy Joe’s in Bethesda again this year. This fun,

casual event is $75 per ticket. There will be live music by The Shed Band and a raffle

for fabulous baskets.

Want to help? Become a sponsor, purchase your tickets or donate items for a basket.

Find out how on our website at https://yellowribbonfund.org/events/party-with-our-troops/

or call us at 240-223-1180.

YRF Army Navy Country Club Golf Clas-sic For Injured Service Members July 15th

Sign up for your chance to play golf with a hero! As always, YRF’s ANCC Golf Classic includes

foursomes made up of teams of three who are matched with a wounded, ill or injured

service member. Grab two friends or business associates and join us, or become an event

sponsor. Can’t make it that morning? Sponsor a wounded warrior’s day on the greens or join us

for the afternoon cocktail party

Want to help? Become a sponsor, purchase your tickets or donate items for the silent auction. Find out how on our website at

https://yellowribbonfund.org/events/ 2019-ancc-golf-tournament/

or call us at (240) 223-1180

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