Guide On announces leadership camps available to children of Iraq/Afghanistan's fallen heroes. (Press Release 12Nov2006)
GuideOn announces leadership camps available to children of Iraq/Afghanistan & Iraq’s fallen heroes.
GuideOn supports the families of fallen heroes by providing role models in leadership training and outdoor experiences to children who have lost a parent(s) due to war.
GuideOn is an organization where children who have been affected by the loss of a parent will be provided with leadership and skills training along with peers who have shared similar experiences. Professional staff will provide the leadership training, oversight and support for children attending GuideOn Leadership Camps. While a permanent site has yet to be decided on, an interim camp has been located in the Pacific Northwest. Applications for GuideOn Leadership Camps are available on the website. (http://www.guideon.org/)
James D. Clark, founder and CEO of GuideOn, is a highly decorated former military officer and veteran of two wars. His friend, Matt, was killed in May of 2006 while serving as a AH-6M Pilot in Iraq, leaving behind a wife and two young sons. In Matt’s honor, and to honor other soldiers who have given their lives in Iraq or Afghanistan, James established “GuideOn” in an effort to support the children of these fallen heroes.
In addition to James, GuideOn staff currently includes:
*Dr. Patricia Hansen – Program Director (Counseling, Camp Administration Experience 20+ years)
*Dr. R. Michael Hunley – Assistant Program Director (Veteran, Teacher)
*Susan Avila-Smith – Public Relations (US Army 1991-1995, Director of Women Organizing Women)
*Sharen Hunley – Administrative Assistant (US Army 1978-1993, Social Worker)
GuideOn’s Board of Directors includes:
*Mike Markie – Vice President, Sunrise Bank, San Diego, CA
*Clarissa Melander – Air Traffic Manager, Stockton Metropolitan Airport
*Major James Wilson – US Army, Washington, D.C.
As the dream becomes a reality to open the first camp in June 2007, GuideOn’s fundraising efforts are in full swing. These efforts serve both camp program operational needs and the establishment of an endowment fund. Administrative costs are limited to 10 percent of the intake of all donated funds. In addition to direct donations to GuideOn, examples of other fundraising efforts include donations of real estate, vehicles or items for auction (in partnership with http://pages.ebay.com/givingwork and http://www.missionfish.org/ ). See website for further details on how you can help. (http://www.guideon.org/)
Camille, widow of Matt, states, “We are so proud of Matt and everything he stood for. And he would be so proud knowing that his family, especially his two little boys, are not being forgotten and being watched over with such love. Matt was not just a father, but he was a dad, who loved his children with everything that he had. He is missed every single day.”
Susan Avila-Smith, director of Women Organizing Women, a national veterans self-help group, states, “This is the kind of thing we as veterans can do to make a difference in the raising of military dependent children who have been catastrophically affected by this war.”
For additional information on GuideOn’s Leadership Camps, contact James Clark by e-mail or visit http://www.guideon.org/ . Checks may be made to Global Good, c/o GuideOn, 6977 Navajo Road, #126, San Diego, CA 92119-1503
Contact Person:
James Clark
6977 Navajo Road, #126
San Diego, CA 92119-1503
Website URL: http://www.guideon.org/
