Find Your Cause Part 2

Read part 1 here: https://rly.pt/3tWpD7R

23 February 1945… United States tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry to access, through a network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines and black, volcanic sands. Quick to volunteer his assistance, Corporal Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machine-gun fire from the unyielding positions. Covered only by four riflemen, he fought desperately for four hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire. Cpl. Williams repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flame throwers, in order to return to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out one position after another. On one occasion he courageously mounted a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flame thrower through the air vent, killing the occupants and silencing their gun; on another, he grimly charged enemy riflemen who attempted to stop him with bayonets and destroyed them with a burst of flames from his weapon. (Medal of Honor Citation, Hershel “Woody” Williams)

Standing on 5’6 and weighing 120lbs soaking wet, he is the most fearless, genuine and humbling individual I have ever had the honor of knowing. Every day, I am working side by side with my hero, growing his Foundation, the Woody Williams Foundation. The Foundation was established to honor, recognize and serve those families who have sacrificed a Loved One for our freedom; our nation’s Gold Star Families.

The idea for the foundation was born in the beginning stages of World War II, when Woody worked as a taxi driver, delivering telegrams to families in the area, informing them that their loved one had paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving. Before, during and after his time in the service, Woody has made it his life goal to ensure that the families of those heroes are never forgotten. It was easy for me to connect on a personal level with Woody as we are both Marines that have served overseas, both have experienced the death of a fellow brother in arms, and both have a passion in carrying on the legacy of our nation’s heroes. Over the years Woody has become a grandfather figure to me. I lost both of my grandfathers (both proud WWII veterans) at an early age. So the first time I met Woody and truly understood his vision, it was all in for me.

The Woody Williams Foundation started in 2010 with an idea to honor and educate local communities on who and what the meaning of a Gold Star Family member is. The Foundation has three initiatives: Memorial Monuments (Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments), Outreach and Education. What started as a one-time honor 10 years ago, is now a full running non-profit 501(c)3 Foundation that spreads across all 50 states and 1 US territory-Guam. 79 monuments currently installed, 79 monuments in-progress and 10K+ families brought together to honor their Loved Ones.

At the young age of 97, Hershel “Woody” Williams is the last living Medal of Honor Recipient from World War II. Woody has made it very clear that the medal is not about him or what he did. It’s about those who sacrificed their lives and their families who carry on their Loved Ones legacy.

Woody’s vision and the mission of his Foundation to honor, recognize and serve Gold Star Families and the legacy of their Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice is the cause that I need in life. So, there it is. I found My Cause.

Get out there and find yours!