The Program's Roots
The father of three Army Rangers, Mike Conklin of Danville, Calif., was inspired to reach out to severely injured veterans after one of his sons was wounded in Iraq in 2003.Impressed by the level of care his son received in military hospitals, and wanting to do something tangible to support U.S. troops, Mike created the nonprofit Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation sm. The four-year program is meant for veterans with severe service-related injuries who have the aptitude, attitude, and drive to become independent and successful members of society. Scholarship recipients are called "Sentinels" in honor of their sacrifice and commitment to guarding America's freedoms.
The First Sentinel
With the help of Mike's close friends and business associates, the first volunteer team formed and the program came together just in time for Spc. Jake Brown's return to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2004.Jake was crushed by a tank while he served in Germany in 2003. After 26 surgeries and nearly a year of rehabilitation, he was welcomed home and introduced to the Sentinels support system, made up of local leaders, area businesses and community groups.
Preparing for Jake's arrival united a community, and Mike realized the efforts didn't have to stop with one soldier in one area of the country.
The Scope Widens
Now others have joined Jake in the program. All are service members who needed a fresh start. They are flourishing because teams of volunteers found the room in their communities and accepted a role in helping these wounded warriors regain their independence.Sentinels of Freedom is committed to helping communities across the United States support as many of these men and women as possible. One Sentinel, one victory at a time.
Find out how to help
Find out how to become a Sentinel