IMGCAP(1)] My first hire, Alex, who is my right hand and my left foot, is married to a disabled veteran.
Her husband, whom I’ve now known for almost 10 years, is a really cool guy and fought for our country.
Alex is in her mid-thirties and her husband is in his early forties. I see the weekly, sometimes daily struggles of the after effects of our veterans and their families.
It’s right in my office.
Sometimes it’s the worry on her face in the morning when she talks about his pain that has lasted for a week and is hard for them to control. Other times, it’s the response to, “What are you guys doing this weekend?” “Not sure,” she will say. “You know it’s hard to plan and we can’t go where there are any crowds.” Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the invisible scar.
About a week ago, I received an invitation from Sage to help celebrate and support the wounded warriors in Orlando for the
Sage is a corporate sponsor with money as well as volunteer hours. I jumped at the chance to attend and even tried to bring my favorite veteran family (but it just didn’t work out). There are lots of causes to support but this cause is personal and directly affects my firm. I was honored to be invited and happy to attend.
It just so happens this year it was taking place on my birthday, May 7.
HRH Prince Harry created the not-for-profit event (it’s his baby). The event engages world leaders to provide hope and purpose for international veterans. It goes beyond the games; world leaders are collaborating on how to additionally support and assimilate our veterans after they leave duty.
I was lucky enough to attend a cocktail party where HRH Prince Harry stopped by. He’s totally charming and has an entrepreneurial spirit! Happy Birthday to me!
I was also able to meet an Australian woman athlete powerlifter and some of the other American athletes.
My husband and I also attended the opening ceremonies which was a wonderful, inspiring show and watched some competitions.
Thank you Sage Foundation for sharing your resources with such a worthy cause! For us, it hits close to home.
Jody Padar, CPA, MST, is CEO and principal at New Vision CPA Group and author of
