What Drives Us
What Drives Us
Why We Do What We Do
Why We Do What We Do
Our founder and CEO, Russ Spicer, was an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He had the opportunity to meet the son of another family in our community. That young man had been severely injured in Afghanistan. His name was Todd Nelson and his story is briefly summarized below. That chance meeting, and a few other related events, prompted Russ to reach out to a half dozen other residents and friends and solicit their help to organize a golf tournament to raise some money to help Todd and other post 9/11 combat-wounded service members. The paragraphs and videos below intoduce you to Todd (our inspiration for the LFWMH existing), to some of the charities and recipients of our donations of scholarships and service dogs, and of one of our amazing keynote speakers - LTC Kenneth Dwyer who, himself, is a Purple Heart recipient and an incredible example of those who lead and serve in our military.
Our Inspiration
Master Sergeant Todd Nelson was injured in Afghanistan. He is our inspiration and he's representative of the active duty Purple Heart recipients or combat injured/medically retired servicemen or servicewomen who we honor each year at our charity and fundraising event — our Wounded Heroes Golf Classic. Watch the video to hear more about his journey and the challenges of our medical community faces in caring for patients like Todd. In 2007, the vehicle Todd was riding in was destroyed by a suicide bomber. It's a miracle he even survived. Several years and 44 surgeries later, Todd finished school, entered corporate America, and became an advocate for injured vets like himself. He encouraged his company and, later, others, to hire guys like himself, emphasizing their resilience and ability to overcome adversity. In 2014, Todd went on to be named one of 55 Heroes of the Fortune 500 (from among thousands). For a period of time, he also became an inspirational speaker and voice for so many other wounded services members. You can not meet Todd and learn of his journey and NOT be inspired. All these years later, he and all of the Wounded Hero guests we meet, continue to inspire us to keep volunteering and keep doing what we do.
Burned: Todd Nelson
Son of Fallen Special Operator and Recipient of $100k Scholarship Returns
Just over a week after graduating from Clemson University, William Gifford returned to Bluffton to support the Lowcountry Foundation for Wounded Military Heroes Golf Classic, a tournament that helped fund his education after his father, a Marine, was killed in Afghanistan in 2012. The event raises money for military-focused charities, and Gifford said he returned to thank the volunteers and supporters who helped make his college experience possible.
Son of Fallen Special Operator Returns to Say Thank You
K9s For Warriors — "Thank You"
In addition to thanking the LFWMH for charity contributions to this great organization, Shari Duval (the founder of K9s for Warriors) explains their mission of helping to reduce the 22 veteran suicides that occur each day. Like Shari, our nonprofit organization is committed to this cause.
K9s For Warriors Thank You
Keynote Speaker — LTC Dwyer
In 2017, we had the privilege of having Lt. Colonel Kenneth Dwyer as our Keynote speaker. He is a Purple Heart recipient who lost a lot physically but was still on active duty when he spoke at our Appreciation Night event. Shortly after, he assumed command of Hunter Army Air Field in Savannah, GA and has gone onto other assignments since. His message of leadership inspires all of us to continue our quest to raise as much as we can for those Wounded Heroes who have already given so much for us.
2017 Keynote Speaker LTC Dwyer
Can't join us this year? No Worries!!
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