Screaming Eagle Foundation
101st Airborne Division Veterans Serve Active Duty Soldiers and Families
New “Screaming Eagle Foundation” Receives IRS
Fully-Accredited 501(c) (3) Status; Plans to Expand Programs
(June 30, 2014, Fort Campbell, KY)
In the virtual wake of the 70th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion June 6, 1944, earlier this month and the coming 72nd anniversary of the Division’s activation, veterans of the U.S. Army’s famed 101st Airborne are back in the news – caring for their own brothers and sisters on active duty today.
Spotlighted is the 101st Airborne Division Association of 7,400 Screaming Eagle veterans across the nation. These veterans have formed the ”Screaming Eagle Foundation” — to take care of family financial emergencies and special support services for active-duty
101st soldiers while mom or dad are deployed around the world. More donations increase the foundation’s ability to provide more assistance.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service granted 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status for all foundation donations. The foundation conducts support programs at Ft. Campbell to benefit junior enlisted soldiers serving on active duty, and their families. Wounded Warriors receive support, and college scholarship opportunities are provided for descendants and heirs of 101st Airborne Division Association veterans.
Teamwork Within 101st
The 101st Airborne Division Association developed this charitable foundation with a “can-do” spirit carried forward from its “Band of Brothers” who served in Europe, Vietnam, and the Middle East. Both the Association and the Foundation are located at Ft. Campbell, KY, with the active-duty division.
“This is a joyous time for Screaming Eagles everywhere,” says Tom Sewell, Screaming Eagle Foundation President. “This gives all veterans, soldiers, sponsors, and friends of the 101st the opportunity to contribute and say thank you to men and women who serve our country, now and in the future. D-Day celebrations honor the legacy of our original “Band of Brothers” and the Screaming Eagle Foundation honors and assists the current “Band of Brothers and Sisters,” now serving our nation
The foundation has operated for two years on “interim” tax exempt status as a “start-up foundation,” says Fred Ranck, financial advisor and secretary, speaking for the officers and board of trustees. It is a joy and honor to support our younger soldiers, Ranck adds “Before that, the Screaming Eagle Support Program (SESP) and Scholarship Program were conducted by the 101st Airborne Division Association. Since 2001, the association has provided $1.5 million to our soldier families, and $274,351 in scholarships. With the new tax-exempt status, hopefully more members and people will now contribute to the foundation, allowing it to do more for our committed young men and women who are serving our country.”
Association Alive & Well
The 101st Airborne Division Association continues to meet twice a year and regularly communicates to all members. “We’re a ‘think tank’ for new ideas and ways to serve our country,” says Jim Keeton, 101st Airborne Division Association President.
The Association has worked on major events around the 70th Anniversary of D-Day, including those in France, Arlington National Cemetery and Memorial Day activities across the nation. State and local 101st Airborne chapters are stronger than ever, as they work within their communities on projects such as Honor Flight, Wounded Warriors, VA hospitals and benefits, USO, National Cemeteries, Soldiers Retirement Homes, and many more veterans projects. Chapter members are also encouraging younger veterans to join up and help sustain such efforts in the future.
Recipients Are Grateful
Current recipients of 101st assistance are very grateful for the foundation assistance they receive. All Screaming Eagles are thankful for the new tax-exempt status of the “Screaming Eagle Foundation” also.
“We’re thankful to know that our 101st veterans have done all this in order to care for us while we are away, incapacitated or in need,” says Sergeant First Class John McDaris, St. Charles, MO, now on recruiting duty in St. Louis. “If my wife needs something in an emergency while
I’m deployed or injured, I’m glad the Foundation is there to help us.”
McDaris is an active member of one of the 29 veteran Screaming Eagle Chapters throughout the country — the backbone of the 101st Airborne Division Association.
Contributions Welcome
Tax-free contributions can be sent to the “Screaming Eagle Foundation” http://www.screamingeaglefoundation.org or call the 101st Airborne Division Association National Headquarters at (931) 798-0199.
