HOW Foundation's annual Dine for Veterans event
will return November 2023.
Founder & Executive Director
Forgotten Soldiers Outreach
In 2003, Lynelle was in contact with a co-worker who had a son that was deployed to Iraq. This soldier and his squad members, were becoming tired and frustrated, longing for home. Lynelle started collecting items to send to them to lift their spirits and provide encouragement. Thus, from humble beginnings, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach was born. In March of 2004, after a profile segment on Good Morning America, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach became nationally known as a 501(c)3 non- profit organization. Forgotten Soldiers Outreach mission is to send out monthly “We Care” packages to our deployed United States Armed Forces, primarily reaching out to those who receive little or no support from the home front. Lynelle recently moved from Lake Worth, Florida and now resides in Port Saint Lucie, Florida with her husband and son.
Founder & CEO
America’s Mighty Warriors
Debbie Lee is an author, public speaker and CEO of America’s Mighty Warriors. She travels the nation telling her son’s amazing story and advocating and supporting our Veterans, Troops, their families and Gold Star families. On Aug 2, 2006 she was notified that her son, Marc Alan Lee, had been killed in action becoming the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq. In response to her son’s last letter home to “pass on the love, the kindness, the precious gift of human life” she founded America’s Mighty Warriors. Since that day, Debbie has worked tirelessly to ensure that our Troops, Veterans and Gold Star families have access to respite and important services that help assist recovery after injury or loss. Debbie has visited Iraq in 2007 and 2010 becoming the First Gold Star Mom in history to visit the combat zone where her son died. She has met with numerous Presidents and can often be found on Capitol Hill advocating for our troops.
Founder & CEO
DDS4Vets
Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage: Our military learns this from day one in boot camp. But what happens when their time is up and they come home? What appreciation and support do they get? I, personally, have concerns for veterans and active military. Having grandfathers, brothers, and cousins who have served this country and grandsons who are currently serving in the military is why my passion has escalated. Bridging the gap that veterans face with services that they are entitled to is imperative. Our veterans deserve the benefits that they were advised of at enlistment with absolutely no challenges. My desire to help, and to accomplish what I can for our veterans is personal to me. For this reason, I started DDS4Vets, a 501 (C) (3) Non-Profit organization who reaches out to veterans in bridging that gap. “LEAVING NO VET BEHIND”
Executive Director
Wounded Veterans Relief Fund
A native Floridian, Michael Durkee joined the US Army in 2003 to enter the fight against terrorism. During his 11 years of service, he was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2005, and then to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2012-2013. He flew more than 64 combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, witnessing numerous soldier injuries and enduring the loss of good friends. He is devoted to helping his fellow veterans and offers a deep respect and first-hand understanding of their challenges once service has ended. Michael joined the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Team in 2014. After first-hand experience with other veteran support organizations, Michael says what compelled him to join the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund Team was the fact that most of the donor funds go directly toward helping veterans. Now, in his role of Executive Director, he helps to provide guidance and essential relief to Florida’s disabled veterans on a daily basis.