A veteran will probably have numerous interactions with organizations like the Veterans Administration and various philanthropic organizations in a lifetime. The latter includes such organizations as Wounded Warrior Stables, which donates cash that is derived from the winnings of horse races to veterans, according to Kentucky Derby.com. Wounded Warrior Stables is emblematic of the various ways altruism can permeate through numerous organizations, helping veterans in creative ways.
Uncle Sigh to wear purple heart in honor of troops
According to The Augusta Chronicle, George McEwen III is a long-time horse owner who decided two years ago to donate 10 percent of his winnings to veterans. This is excellent news for former servicemembers, news that is trebled due to the fast approaching Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The owner's horse in the race is named 'Uncle Sigh' and will wear a Purple Heart during the race to signify the owner's solidarity with veterans.
The Wounded Warrior Project is analogous to numerous civic organizations dedicated to benefiting veterans across the U.S. Other organizations in this vein include the Fallen Patriot Fund and Folds of Honor. Military benefits, of course, can be obtained through the Veterans Administration, but other services are often difficult to obtain for veterans. This accentuates the impact that private charity can have on the daily lives of veterans, helping facilitate easy adjustments to civilian life.
George McEwen's description of Wounded Warrior Stables Project
"It's not about me, it's about them, and getting them in the forefront of people's minds again because it's easy to forget we've been at war since 2001," said owner McEwen, according to The Augusta Chronicle. "It was then that I realized that I had to do more for people like that than buy a wristband or a T-shirt to support them."
McEwen's comments reflect a commitment to veterans services, which may lead many to zealously anticipate the outcome of Saturday's race. Owner McEwen has said that his decision to begin the Wounded Warrior Stables Project was precipitated by a procession for a wounded young soldier in North Carolina.
"That was the moment that changed everything for me," said McEwen, according to the Courier-Journal, "When you think about somebody who's been wounded in a war, you don't really think about their family members and how that entire dynamic is changed forever — all because they put their lives on the line to protect our freedom."
The race on Saturday promises to be exciting, as horse racing fans and military veterans alike passionately wait to see which thoroughbred will cross the finish line first.