The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is Named a 2014 Helios Apollo Award Finalist

LEESBURG, Va., March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding the lives of severely wounded veterans of the War on Terror, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2014 Helios Apollo Awards, it was announced.

The Coalition is one of five finalists in the 'Hercules' category for nonprofits. Other 'Hercules' finalists include: Goodwill of Greater Washington; Northern Virginia Family Service; Pathway Homes; and The Global Good Fund.

According to Helios HR (based in Reston, VA), a total of 31 finalists were selected from a pool of nearly 200 nominations in six categories – making 2014 "the most competitive year to date."

David Walker, president and CEO of the Coalition, said, "We're honored to have been nominated and chosen as a finalist for the 2014 Helios Apollo Awards – and we applaud the other organizations for their good work."

"The Coalition's nomination is a true testament to our evolution as a place where employees, many of whom are wounded veterans or family members to wounded veterans, can grow and feel that they are part of something great," said Walker . Walker first served as a volunteer and then member of the Board of Directors before becoming president in 2012.

Since 2007, Helios has recognized outstanding organizations that promote employee development and build "cultures of intention" throughout the Greater Washington area each year. "Our program recognizes leaders for their contributions in building organizational cultures that foster employee development and community impact, creating a stronger community at large," said Kathy Albarado, CEO of Helios HR.

Mr. Walker cited several unique programs that the Coalition offers for employee development. For example, the Coalition hires exemplary veterans to become fully employed Coalition spokespersons, such as Corporal Donny Daughenbaugh, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), who was gravely injured in 2004 in Mahmoudiyah , Iraq.

Walker said Daughenbaugh works with the Coalition as the Regional Vice President East and a national spokesperson. His involvement with the Coalition has not only helped with his own recovery, but as an active representative of the organization, Cpl. Daughenbaugh has been able to inspire others through his story of resilience, he said.

One of the Coalition's most unique programs is its Heroes Thanking Heroes program, which provides part-time, flexible employment to wounded veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom, or their primary caregivers, by enabling them to make phone calls from their homes, most often to personally thank donors for their contributions to the Coalition.

Walker said that those who are enrolled in the program "find increased self-worth and continued healing from this opportunity, especially since many cannot work otherwise because of ongoing medical appointments and treatments or their care-giving responsibilities." Since the program's inception in April 2006, more than 100 wounded veterans or their primary caregivers have participated.

The Coalition also helps give back to the community by teaming with, and supporting, other like-minded veterans' charities. The Coalition has provided grants to such organizations as the Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness, Dog Tag Bakery, Horses Helping Heroes Project, and Purdue University's Able Flight program, to name only a few.

Most recently, the Coalition partnered with Boulder Crest Retreat, Tenor Anthony Kearns, a founding member of The Irish Tenors, and former champion jockey Sean Clancy, for a tribute to U.S. military and their families at the new Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, VA on March 1, 2014.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner, who could not attend the event personally, offered his support in a March 2014 letter to the charities, stating: "I am humbled by your commitment to serving our country in every way. I am also thankful to the military families and friends who sacrificed every day to support your activities... On this important occasion, I am very pleased to join with your families, friends and community in wishing you the very best for a fulfilling and successful event."

Less than a month later, on March 29, 2014, the Coalition is helping to support an upcoming "Charity Spring Benefit Wine Tasting Reception" hosted by the Wild for Life Foundation in San Diego, CA to raise funds for a new Sanctuary & Wellness Center to provide equine-assisted programs for disadvantaged youth, active duty U.S. military, and veterans and their families.

The winners of the 2014 Helios Apollo Awards will be announced in front of more than 500 attendees at a high-level breakfast ceremony on Wednesday, May 28^th at the Ritz Carlton in Tysons Corner , VA. During the breakfast, a video montage of interviews with finalists will be shown. The Coalition has also been invited to an invitation-only reception to meet other finalists on May 21^st in Falls Church , VA.

To register for ceremony on May 28^th, or to learn more about the program, please visit www.helioshr.com/apollo-awards.

ABOUT THE COALITION TO SALUTE AMERICA'S HEROES: The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Leesburg, VA, has provided an invaluable lifeline to thousands of America's wounded veterans since its establishment in 2004.   The Coalition is distinguished from other veteran-focused organizations by its direct financial assistance to America's wounded heroes.   Its Emergency Financial Aid program has stopped foreclosure proceedings on veterans' homes and kept their vehicles from being repossessed.   The organization regularly provides gift checks to cover meals, medical and utility bills, clothing, car repairs and even baby diapers.   To learn how you can support its mission, visit http://www.saluteheroes.org.

ABOUT HELIOS HR: Helios helps enlightened leaders build cultures of intention that allow them to attract, grow and retain an exceptional teams. Helios' core line of services includes human capital consulting, HR management outsourcing, talent acquisition, and employee benefits. For more information, please visit www.helioshr.com.

Media Contact: David Walker (CSAH) - Tel: 703-727-5522 / Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes