The Atlanta Braves Make Warrior Wishes Come True!
My Dad finally arrived in Atlanta to Make Warrior Wishes come true. Unfortunately he missed out on hosting yesterday, but thanks to the Atlanta Braves, Warrior Wishes still came true!
After spending the night at the Greyhound station, my dad was ready to host heroes at Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves.
Today we had the honor of hosting Army Warrior Paul Van Drie & the legacies of SSG Alan Shaw & SPC Phillip Findley.
Thanks to the Atlanta Braves for helping us honor these heroes and their families at the game. The BRaves provided tickets and pregame on-field batting practice passes. Players from both teams stopped by to sign autographs and show their appreciation! We would also like to thankWhole foods Midtown for providing lunch and New Era for providing Atlanta Braves caps for everyone!
My Dad will be on a bus for the next 15 hours making his way to Dallas to make Warrior Wishes come true at our 32nd game in the past 30 days at the Texas Rangers game tomorrow night! Will he make it in time? stay tuned…
Learn more about our Mission, Nominate Your Hero for an upcoming game, Follow Our Blog, Get involved, Make a Donation & Buy Warrior Wishes gear at http://warriorwishes.org/
ARMY SPC PAUL VAN DRIE
Paul Edward Van Drie was a Specialist in the US Army, where he served as a Combat Medic. He enlisted in 2003 and deployed to Iraq with the 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment. shortly after training. He did 1 tour that was extended during Operation Iraqi Freedom before returning home. He received his Combat Medical Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Overseas Service Ribbon. He was injured while deployed in Iraq suffering from back and neck injuries as well as PTSD and a TBI.
He was honorably discharged in 2007.
Paul has 4 beautiful children that are 7,9,11, and 13. He has a very supportive fiance he met in January of 2011, who also has 2 daughters. They will be getting married May 9th. They enjoy going on adventures with the kids, watching Atlanta Braves and Falcons games and doing things with friends. They have had their ups and downs dealing with Paul’s disabilities but have fought hard and gotten through a lot.
In September 2013, Paul went into an extensive therapy program set up to help with PTSD and TBI’s. He spent almost 5 months in the all day, every day program. The program changed him drastically. Since then he has focused on helping others and doing what he can in the community. He speaks on behalf of PTSD trying to bring awareness.
In November of 2013, we had the privilege of becoming certified peer mentors for Wounded Warrior Project. Since then we have gone to a peer mentor symposium in Arizona, peer mentor summit in Alabama, were the peer mentors for the couples odyssey this year for WWP, have hosted and planned WWP events, and have used what we were taught as much as we can to help others. We have volunteered for the Homeless Pets Foundation for the past 4 years, American Red Cross for 2 years, Share military initiative, Shepherds men, Habitat for Humanity, Camp Twin Lakes, Horses for Heroes, and Feeding the Homeless Foundation. We plan to continue volunteering as much as possible.
SSG ALAN SHAW
SSG Alan Wayne Shaw was born Nov. 10, 1975, in Little Rock, AR to Jarrell and Noramae Shaw and was the third of seven children. He and his family are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a 1994 graduate of Wilbur D. Mills High School in Little Rock, AR. Alan then attended Arkansas Tech University before joining the U.S. Marine Corp in 1998. While assigned to 1st BN 5th Marines in Camp Pendleton, CA., Alan served two overseas tours and one sea service tour. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 2002 and proceeded to attend University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Alan and Sharrell were married on Oct. 23, 2003 and in October of 2004 he decided once again to serve his country by joining the US Army. Six weeks later he was serving his first combat tour in Baghdad, Iraq. Alan was reunited with his family in March 2005. He left for his second tour in support of OIF II Oct. 4, 2006 and selflessly gave his life for his country on February 9, 2007 during combat operations in Baquabah, Iraq.
Alan exhibited great pride in his military career and was an outstanding leader and friend to his fellow soldiers. He was always among the first to volunteer, as he believed wholeheartedly in his mission as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alan died a hero to an entire nation as well as to his family and friends.
Anyone who knew Alan will remember his passion for life and his ability to create an environment of happiness for those around him. He was adamant about his beliefs and his plan for the future. Those who were fortunate enough to know him will never forget him and all who loved him will live forever with him in their hearts. He was a loving son, brother, husband, friend and, most of all, daddy. The legacy he has left behind will continue to enrich the lives and loves of all.
Alan is survived by his wife, Sharrell, and three children, Austin, Jourdan and Davyn.
