The Welcome Home GWOT Heroes Program was started by Al Batey and Tom Miller in January 2004 to support homecoming activities of troops based in the Colorado Springs area following their return from active theatres of operation.

The major activities of the Welcome Home GWOT Heroes Program are:

• Supporting welcoming events for returning soldiers, airmen, and their families along with Memorial Services, Wounded Warrior Socials, and other functions not readily supported by DOD funding.

• Providing a link for local citizens to actively participate in welcoming home our Hungry Heroes via a partnership with the Southern Colorado Mc Donald's operators.

• Providing Welcome Home Packets for deployed soldiers and families. Packets include discount coupons and special offers from local businesses and are distributed at the Special Events Center after the Welcome Home Ceremony, at the Post Welcome Center during initial newcomers in processing, and at Evans Army Hospital for returning wounded warriors.

• Providing funding for brigade level activities such as balls.

• Supporting hospital and rehabilitative facilities which includes the Wounded Warriors program, regular social events held to benefit wounded troops.

batey@aol.com