The Walter Reed Society was founded in 1996 to benefit Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and its educational, patient, treatment, and research activities. The Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in the District of Columbia (EIN 52-1961196). All friends of WRAMC are welcome to join. The membership has grown to over 725 members who share a high regard for Walter Reed, the man and the institution named in his honor.
Through the support of corporate and private donors, a fund was established in 2004 to assist servicemen and women being treated at WRAMC, due to service in Iraq, Afghanistan and surrounding areas, with unexpected financial needs and provide specially identified equipment and services related to their care when other resources are not available. Grants are approved based on a case by case review. Since its inception, hundreds of service members and/or their families have received assistance from the WRS Warrior/Family Support Fund. The total amount granted exceeds $1.5 million.
The following list includes examples of the assistance provided through the generosity of our donors:
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Airfares
Alter G antigravity trainer Calling card minutes donated to Fisher House
Foundation
Childcare expenses
Children’s festival sponsorship
Clothing
Direct support to occupational and physical therapy,
nursing, and the amputee center for outings,
equipment, supplies and furniture
Funeral expenses
Furnace replacement
Furniture rental
Hand crank cycle and wheelchair gloves
Healing garden in hospital courtyard
Healthcare costs for family members
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House insurance premiums
Lodging expenses
Mortgage/rent payments
Personal grants for incidental expenses/
unexpected debts
Refreshments for ceremonies & artwork for WRAMC
Refurbishment of pediatric waiting room
Sperm banking procedures
Sponsored fishing and shooting trips and other outdoor
activities
Storage fees
Telephone bills
Tickets to sporting and entertainment events
Utility bills (gas, electric, water)
Vehicle payments and insurance premiums
Vehicle repairs and tire replacements
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The annual total for assistance grants is as follows:
2004: $61,642
2005: $146,707
2006: $268,984
2007: $489,302
2008: $345,572
2009: $221,461
Needs for assistance are forwarded through the Soldier Family Assistance Center at WRAMC or the National Naval Medical Center. A simple form is completed and the application is directed to a representative of the Society. Once received, requests are usually reviewed within 24-48 hours and, if approved, assistance is provided. Other opportunities to assist at either medical center may be presented to Society directors, all of whom volunteer their service, for consideration at regularly scheduled board meetings.
All contributions to the Walter Reed Society are tax deductible and will be gratefully acknowledged according to IRS guidelines. Contact details for further information are noted above.