How do you thank a hero? Just ask New York City. She offered her heart and soul to 15 Wounded Warriors flown from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX for Fleet Week NYC 2008. Hope for the Warriors™ coordinated this 5 day trip from May 22 – May 27, when NYC rolled out the red carpet for these American Heroes.

The celebration began shortly after touching down in the city, when NYC’s Bravest, The FDNY Football team, hosted a dinner at nearby Ft. Hamilton Army Base to honor the wounded service members.

The following morning, they received a Hero’s Welcome upon arriving at an active Plaza Construction site. The countless crews of workers in hard hats lined the streets while others stood from the upper levels of the unfinished building offering heartfelt cheers and feverish applause from the ground floor up. As the crowd embraced the warriors, Old Glory stood watch from above, waving with endless pride for all to see.

Later that morning the group participated in the USMC World Trade Center Memorial Run, finishing up at the wreath laying ceremony at Ground Zero to honor the victims of 9/11 and America’s fallen heroes. Afterwards they were treated to lunch with an extraordinary view of the city from the 52nd floor of 7 World Trade Center, compliments of host Mr. Ed Malloy, President of the Building and Trades Council. From there the group received a heroes welcome at MSA, Michael Stapleton Associates, where they enjoyed a brief from the security experts of MSA.

Dinner at Engine 330 – Ladder 172 Firehouse offered yet another grand NYC experience. Tables piled high with food prepared by the firefighters themselves welcomed the guests. The firehouse was filled with a sense of pride and kinship that night as generations of men in uniform, who so courageously serve this country, sat side by side. Along with the firefighters and the Wounded Warriors were Veterans from previous wars, some even prisoners of war, who all shared a common bond of selfless service and sacrifice.

Saturday morning under clear blue skies, FDNY Marine One provided the group with a tour of the city by boat, cruising down the Hudson River. After arriving in front of Lady Liberty, a second fireboat presented a red, white and blue water display honoring those who know first hand that freedom is not free.

Later that afternoon, they were taken out to the ballpark in style as The NY Yankees gave tribute and hosted the Wounded Warriors in George Steinbrenner’s very own personal box, compliments of Mr. Arnold Fisher of The Fisher Brothers. They were also given the privilege of “pulling the lever” to countdown the final days in the stadium. Excitement soared when past and present All-Star’s Jorge Posada, and Reggie Jackson stopped by to greet the group and offer autographs. It was a win that day not only for the home team but for the Hope for the Warriors™ team as well.

Other activities throughout the week included a shopping trip to the Apple store, a picnic in Prospect Park, dining at restaurants such as Villa Mosconi, Florio’s and the Palm Too Steakhouse, visits to Times Square, the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, as well as a tour of the 9th Precinct that included a special ceremonial welcome.

MAY 2008

The Warrior Hope & Morale Program was launched in May 2008 with 15 wounded service members and medical attendants from Brooke Army medical Center and the Center For The Intrepid in San Antonio, Texas participating in a range of activities during Fleet Week, New York City. Each aspect of this kick-off event was well supported by the generosity of individuals and organizations both locally in New York City and throughout the country, including the NYPD, FDNY, Mr. Arnold Fisher, Mr. Rich Wood and the people of Plaza Construction and the New York Labor Union, Mr. Harry Bridgwood and Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Plaza, George Harvey and MSA and John Vigiano and his FDNY volunteers. Monetary and in-kind donations contributed towards many of the logistical aspects (airfare, ground transportation, and some meals) as well as activities themselves (tours, baseball game tickets, participation in Fleet Week festivities). The event was an amazing success. To read more about this event, click here.