We just wanted to say a quick thank you for your prayers and support of Friends In Service of Heroes (FISH) as this year draws to a close. FISH has had amazing growth this year, but even more significantly, countless lives have been touched and legacies have been altered.

Through our programs and resilience events, we have been able to positively influence the lives of our active service personnel, veterans, and military families. Through our programs, we have had the privilege of improving the quality of life for thousands of people and providing them with the resources and FISH Family support network they need to change their legacy. None of this would be possible without the help of so many dedicated volunteers. A HUGE Thank you to you! Here is a brief explanation of how your contribution has impacted the situation.

2022 Was Another Amazing Year

The Daughter of the American Revolution, Prairie Rose Chapter in Overland Park, Kansas, produced the stocking hats for the 38 veterans who were surprised by FISH on December 17th. Other gifts included Christmas cards, candy, and $50 Walmart Gift Cards.

We later presented more Walmart gift cards to soldiers from Ft. Leavenworth, bringing our total that day to $4,000!

Quadriplegic Chair for Vietnam Veteran

The Stansberry family's year 2022 will come to a thrilling conclusion. On December 20th, they got an amazing surprise. Since 2020, they had been waiting for a quadriplegic wheel chair. When FISH learned about them, they had a $10,000 chair ready for them in less than 24 hours. Their quality of life will be significantly improved by this.

More Thanks for helping FISH by spreading holiday cheer!

Christmas With The Troops

Christmas With The Troops Event on December 1 was fantastic! There were lots of relatives, friends, and meals that night. Rob Carson, who is widely syndicated on NewsMax TV, served as the event's MC. Along with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, other attendees included Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog, a group of Walmart executives, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray #83, and a special video greeting from Ted Nugent, America's favorite uncle. Phil Vandel performed a few songs and told tales of entertaining soldiers in Iraq. Plus,

He ended the event with Silent Night and a candlelight vigil. He is that so talented. This was more than just a holiday gathering. 33 military families received more than $30,500 in Walmart gift cards from FISH as a simple Christmas gift.

We also provided a Vietnam veteran in desperate need with a mobility device, and we provided an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran with a trained service dog. Blessings. All told, there were considerably over $42,500 in donations made just for charitable purposes. There is still integrity. FISH is the real deal, and I urge you to think of them when making a donation to a Kansas City organization that has a significant good influence on the veterans in our area. Here is a clip from that evening.

What A Year!

In addition to what we did over Christmas, we also presented an additional 4 service dogs, 2 major dental bills were paid, 2 vehicles, 2 power chairs given, 3 veterans received rental and housing assistance due to house fires, hurricane, and medical emergency, provided enough food to feed 6,000 people.

Our monthly Speaker Series is designed to bring everyone together to inform and educate in a fun but patriotic environment and takes place every 3rd Thursday at the American Legion Post #370 in Overland Park, KS. Over 700 people have enjoyed listening and meeting our speakers which included: Master Gunnery Sgt Scott Stalker, the first Command Senior Enlisted Leader for Space Command. Former Top Gun Pilot/Instructor Commander Jesse Reed. Vietnam Veterans Charles Gay, Smith Devoe, Hugh Mills, Rick "Doc" Pustka, Walt Schley. Also Navy Commander (ret) Seal Bill Irwin, Col. (ret) Tim Carlin and Col. Mark Morgan.

Major 2022 FISH Events

Our 6th Annual FISH Armed Forces Day event was once again, the largest in a 16 state area!

2022 Armed Forces Day Event

Our 9th Annual FISH Combat Golf Tourney hit a record $33,000 in donations and the golfers had an amazing time....but even better, a Vietnam veteran received a service dog!

2022 Combat Golf Tourney

Military Softball Game at the Monarchs Stadium, Welcome Home Parade for our Vietnam veterans with partner Worth Harley-Davidson, FIT2020 Weekend Outing, Kevin Kietzman FISH Cornhole Tourney, Flatlanders Chapter of the Sentinels Motorcycle Club Poker Run, Wicklunds Carstar in Liberty, MO 13th Annual Military * First Responders Appreciation...more.

What is so heartwarming is when your mission has impacted the life of a young person. That's exactly what happened when we met Miss Pre-Teen Kansas, Reiley O'Connor. This young American is determined to raise enough money to fund another service dog. Checkout her video: Raise The Woof!

A huge thank you to our a longtime financial supporters: Three Dog Bakery, Hyvee, Bernatello Foods, Frozen & Refrigerated North Food Council of North Carolina,Blount Foods, Tierpoint, NBKC, Honeywell, TransAmerica, Freedom Bank, 2020FIT, VFW, American Legion Legion Riders Post #370, Tim & Karen Carlin Foundation, Frozen & Refrigerated Buyer Magazine and countless families and individuals that have supported our mission.

Since 2013, FISH has been providing services to the Kansas City region. We rely on the kind donations of a growing group companies and people who share our appreciation for every person who has raised their right hand to serve our country. Never should we forget the sacrifice and service they provided. Visit www.FriendsInServiceofHeroes.org to donate and learn more about the volunteer opportunities with our organization.

Thank you for your support and Happy New Year!

Friends In Service of Heroes | 122 N. Waters St, Suite B, Olathe, KS 66061