WHAT IS THE SOCIETY?

WHAT DOES IT DO?

The Walter Reed Society, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) organization incorporated in the District of Columbia (Tax-exempt ID number 52-1961196). It was organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes in 1996 for the benefit of Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and its educational, treatment and research activities.

The Society sponsors events and funds projects and goods that enhance patient care services, support the welfare and morale of soldiers and other staff, and preserve the legacy and renowned international reputation of "Walter Reed" the man and the institution named in his honor.

Through the generous support of corporate and private donors, a special fund was established in 2004 to support servicemen and women being treated at WRAMC due to service in Iraq, Afghanistan and surrounding areas. The Walter Reed Society Warrior/Family Support Fund is used to assist service members and/or their families when support provided through Invitational Travel Orders (ITO), do not meet the immediate need during the patient's treatment at WRAMC. Funding is approved for assistance on a case by case review of the applications and a personal meeting with a WRS representative and it is considered a grant.

Hundreds of wounded warriors and their family members have received assistance from this fund. Help with travel, lodging and subsistence expenses is a frequent need. The following is just one example: A young soldier, who lost both legs and one arm, wanted his sister to visit during the holidays.

Without Society support, she could not have afforded the trip. Additionally, the Society provided a $500 grant so his mother could extend her stay to support his recuperation.

Group activities, such as fishing trips, talent shows, occupational therapy and stress management projects, and bus transportation and box lunches to events downtown are also sponsored.

Projects supported by the Society to enhance the patient care environment at WRAMC include funding and/or coordinating the refurbishment of a pediatric waiting room, playground equipment at a Fisher House, a healing garden in the hospital courtyard, a water cooler system and ping pong table in the patient recreation center, equipment for physical therapy and wheel chairs. Events enhancing the morale of soldiers and staff are supported with the purchase of goods and services.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

It is only through the generosity of our compassionate donors that the Society can offer this support to our troops and their families.

The Society accepts individual donations and bequests of any size, all of which are tax deductible and acknowledged according to IRS guidelines. Checks should be made payable to the Walter Reed Society and may be designated for the Warrior/Family Support Fund, if so desired.

Contributions may also be made in appreciated securities or through estate planning. Contact your legal or financial advisor for details as they affect you.

The Society also seeks corporate donors to support the projects and assistance grants provided through our volunteer work as described above. These contributions will be acknowledged in a variety of ways and publicized if so desired.

Your dues are tax-deductible and support general projects at WRAMC. We seek your participation and invite you to join the Society.