A Message from SOWF President & CEO
Clay Hutmacher
Dear Friends of SOWF,

Though a given that SOWF has an emotional attachment to Memorial Day, it is important for us, as an organization, to pause often and remember what we do, and why. On this day of remembrance, and frankly each day, we report to work, knowing a surviving child, surviving spouse and/or family will require some sort of assistance — whether it be financial, enthusiastic encouragement, or academic instruction. Thankfully, our collective internal and external efforts (donors, corporations, third party events and activities, grants and planned giving) continue to make a significant impact on SOWF families, which in turn translate into truly humbling experiences for our team at SOWF. 

For 42 years, we have been privileged to guide thousands of children, with emotional support from their families, one step at a time, through their academic journeys. Though the primary goal is to achieve a rewarding post-secondary education, the road actually begins in preschool and culminates with a college to career transition. To ensure student success, in the latter part of 2021 we added private 
K – 12 school tuition assistance, up to $5,000 a year per
student, which provides families with an opportunity to enroll their child in the best possible learning setting of choice. 

As we continue to enhance our programs, and as our Scholarship and Family Outreach Team purposefully serves our families, we invite you to join us on our mission. As you read the enclosed stories, it will become evident how your participation could make a significant and tangible difference for the families we serve. 

This day of the year points particularly to reflection, and tears for the fallen are respectfully shed, especially by those who have lost a parent or loved one. It is with them in mind that we remain resolute and focus on hope and the future, knowing that the children of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, along with children of all Medal of Honor Recipients, will be taken care of with full college educations and additional educational opportunities, “cradle to career” (pre-school — college). 

Together, let’s strive to make a difference and change lives. I can tell you first-hand, it’s possible.
I was very young when my father died, but I have grown up hearing stories regarding his character, especially the loyalty he showed to the men and women around him, as well as his family. That is something I have always cherished; I have always been so proud to be his daughter. My father, LT Benjamin J. Colgan, served many decades for the United States Army, including being a member of Delta Force. My inspiration for nursing and the desire to help others runs deep, as it stems from one of the most tragic days for my family, the day of my father’s biggest sacrifice, shortly after the attack on 9/11.

Before 9/11, my father was a bomb officer. He had chosen this position so that he could spend more time with my pregnant mother, and my sister (who was one year old) and me (I was two years old). The attack on 9/11 shocked the nation and was a day that changed the course of our country. My father knew that there was a call he needed to answer, because shortly after that tragic day my father was asked if he would deploy to Iraq to train a group of new soldiers for the war to come. He did not have to go, but he knew he could make a difference. Departing from my mother, sister, and me in Germany, he went to serve.

On November 1, 2003, only a few months after my father was deployed to Iraq, a terrible accident happened when he was heading back to base.... 
Grace Goetsch is the surviving eldest daughter of Lieutenant Benjamin Colgan, who was Killed in Action 11/2/2003 while serving with the 5th SFG. Lt Colgan is survived by his wife Jill, and daughters Grace, Paige, and Cooper. Grace is currently a junior at Northwest Missouri State University majoring in Applied Health Sciences. She is ranked at the top of her class and is working within her field of study. Pictured above: Grace in her father's arms with her mother Jill and baby sister Paige.
Danielle Thornton is the surviving spouse of Army Sergeant Robert Thornton, who lost his life in 2017 while assigned to 1st Special Forces Command. They have two children, Kinsley, who is currently in pre-k, and Jaylen, who is in 3rd grade. Pictured below, Danielle with her children in front of a boot and flag memorializing SGT Robert Thornton.
I awake every day with optimism and gratitude knowing that each of my young children, son Jaylen, eight years old, and daughter Kinsley, four years old, through the generosity of SOWF contributors, will be provided with paid educations through college.

There was a time, however, not too long ago, when I was unsure how I would have enough money to pay for standard items let alone have the funds to pay for school expenses. On November 14, 2017, my husband, SGT Robert Thornton Jr. was killed while participating in a training exercise. He was assigned to the 528th Sustainment Brigade (Special Operations Forces who supply civil affairs and psychological support to Special Operators around the world), which was part of 1st Special Forces Command at Fort Bragg.
Two members from the SOWF Outreach Team, Barbara Secor (pictured second from left) and Lisa DeLong (pictured second from right), met with two SOWF college students at The Citadel. Aiden Murray (far left) is the son of Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Murray, who lost his life in 2014 while assigned to the U.S. Air Force Special Ops Training Center. Aiden is majoring in Biology. William "Billy" Eggers (far right) is the son of Army CPT Daniel Eggers, who lost his life in 2004 while assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group. Billy is majoring in Business Intelligence.
YOUR GIFT ENCOMPASSES:
Scholarship support, including tuition, books, fees, room and board, transportation and associated miscellaneous expenses at the student’s school of choice.
Our fully funded college educations and additional educational
opportunities, "cradle to career" (preschool – college) include:

  • Preschool programs for children ages 2 – 5 (up to $8,000 per year)
  • Private school tuition assistance (up to $5,000 per student, per year, kindergarten – 12th grade)
  • Reimbursement for home school costs
  • Educational programs specifically designed for students with disabilities
  • Unlimited private tutoring for students of all ages (kindergarten through college graduation)
  • High school summer academic, leadership, & professional programs
  • Access to online tools for ACT/SAT test preparation
  • College planning conference (EPIC) hosted by SOWF for high school students
  • Access to online college planning platform, College Success Academy
  • College to Career transition program, including funds available for internship relocation and opportunity to study abroad
All gave some... some gave ALL...
Remember the Fallen this Memorial Day.
Nolan Nelms is the son of Army Sergeant Major Christopher Nelms, who lost his life in 2018 while assigned to Headquarters, United States Special Operations Command. 
If you, or someone you know, may be eligible for our programs, please email SOWF at: scholarships@specialops.org
We are honored to receive our 16th consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. This honor demonstrates solid accountability and sound financial health – fewer than 1% of nonprofits have maintained a 4-star rating for 16 consecutive years.