September 30, 2013 – Keeping with its mission of supporting boys and girls who need help, Sky Ranch Foundation was proud to lend its support to the Wounded Warrior Family Support program with a $20,000 contribution.  The amount was matched by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), and along with other funds raised at DISCUS’ annual Spirit of Mt. Vernon Gala, totaled $75,000 for the program which provides support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations.

“A number of terrific organizations are doing great work to help our returning soldiers who were wounded in combat operations, and rightfully so,” said Sky Ranch Foundation Chairman Ralph Aguera.  “We should never overlook are the needs of the families of these wounded warriors, especially their kids.”

Sky Ranch Foundation’s coordination with DISCUS was not a matter of coincidence.  The foundation was established and energized by the support of companies and organizations associated with the beverage alcohol industry, including DISCUS’ member companies.

“A generous grant of $20,000 from the Sky Ranch Foundation made it possible for the annual Mount Vernon Industry event to reach its goal of raising $75,000 for the Wounded Warrior Family Support program,” said Dr. Peter Cressy, President & CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).  “Colonel John Folsom, the founder of this important program, was extremely grateful and thankful as were all DISCUS members.”

Wounded Warriors Family Support originated from a small-scale, pass-the-hat campaign initiated by Col. John Folsom in 2003 benefitting U.S. soldiers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany — the first stop for wounded military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan before returning home. From those humble beginnings, Wounded Warriors Family Support has grown into a national organization serving wounded veterans and their families across the country.  It is an independent nonprofit organization that addresses the many ways – emotionally, psychologically and financially – that families of American casualties suffer.  By working with military and nonprofit partners, it identifies and fills gaps in services for wounded veterans and their families.

“We look forward to Sky Ranch Foundation’s contribution making a difference for the loved ones of our brave and dedicated military men and women,” said Aguera.