2007 Press Releases
Denver Says Welcome Home to Two Severely Wounded Veterans
Ian Newland and Chase Gean Begin New Life
(Denver, Colo., October 2, 2007) - Two United States Army veterans, who fought in the War on Terror, will give their official final salute on Tuesday, October 2, as they return to civilian life in their newly adopted city. Ian Edward Newland and Jonathan Chase Gean will be honored in a "Welcome Home" Ceremony at the Sanctuary Golf Course at 6 pm. Both were severely injured in separate ambush attacks, and are the latest veterans to be accepted into the Sentinels of Freedom Foundation.
For every American soldier who dies in Iraq, there are many more who survive, thanks to cutting edge medical care. But that means many more severely wounded are coming home, faced with the challenge of putting their lives back together. This is where the Sentinels of Freedom Foundation comes in.
For these wounded vets, the Sentinels provide a four year "life-scholarship." During that time, the veteran’s housing is paid for, a car provided, and employment or education arranged. All of this is done through a grassroots effort by volunteers from local businesses and national corporations. The goal is to help each Sentinel become completely self-sufficient by the end of the scholarship.
Ian Newland, his wife and two children moved in their new home in Centennial on September 24, 2007 and were presented with a new mini van. Army Sergeant Chase Gean is scheduled to move into his new home later in November. Before then, volunteers will be painting rooms, buying furniture and stocking the cabinets and refrigerator. Chase is already working at RE/MAX International, Inc. Ian is expected to join him soon.
So far, Sentinels of Freedom has placed a total of 12 veterans in three different states. The Foundation hopes to double that number by the end of the year, with the aid of those across the country who have room in their communities and in their hearts.
For more information about the Sentinels of Freedom, go to www.sentinelsoffreedom.org or contact:
Ronda Scholting
Public Relations Manager
(303) 796-3504 (office)
(303) 941-8317 (cell)
rscholting@remax.net