Matthew Marin knows a thing or two about heroism and stress. As a former Navy Veteran and a current Houston Texas police officer, who better to orchestrate an event that benefits our “Hometown Heroes” than him? He understands that our greatest supporters, aka First Responder Police Officers and Veterans, may later also suffer from trauma associated with our defense and critical medical care events. Facilitating these heroes in constructive ways through the Birdwell Foundation is his mission.
The distinctive “Hometown Heroes” event will take place in lovely Alvin, Texas on April 13, 2024. The festivities are centralized in National Oak Park located behind the Alvin Library. Visitors can enjoy an entire day of activities including live music, shopping with vendors, a bounce house for the kids, a dunking booth, delicious food, and dessert vendor’s specialties along with FREE parking and FREE entry. Hours of the event are from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. All are welcome to come out and enjoy this exhilarating day of outdoor fun while also supporting your Veterans and First Responders.
Why should people be interested in attending “Hometown Heroes” beyond all the aforementioned activities and benefits?
Here’s a big “why”. Matthew Marin, the Executive Director of the Birdwell Foundation, has an important mission: to help those who are enormously challenged in their high-stakes careers, replete with risks and subsequent trauma. Having adopted the Birdwell Foundation’s rallying cry to Veterans and First Responders that “no one heals alone”, he has been compelled to support the foundation in many aspects through his years of association.
When asked about what specifically sets the Birdwell Foundation apart from other support organizations and why individuals should consider prioritizing donations to this organization, he highlighted many good reasons. They are as follows.
- The Birdwell Foundation maintains a very low operating overhead so 95% of the funds go directly to support mission-critical support programs. More specifically and in plain language donors will understand, that there is no “fluff” involved such as non-essential high-priced corporate retreats or highly compensated executive officers.
- The foundation receives no government subsidies and operates through individual donations, volunteers, and the generosity of Gene Birdwell, Founder and CEO.
- There is never a charge for peer support to participating Veterans or First Responders.
- The participants are always welcomed back into our support programs if they need to return.
- The foundation has a demonstrable track record of helping individuals recover and live productive lives again.
- The foundation is a faith-based Christian organization that embraces the power of Jesus Christ in healing and recovery.
- All of the organization’s leaders are “made in the USA”.
Apart from those above and the “why” individuals are compelled to donate, Marin added, “Well, one key consideration is that the Veterans and First Responders comprise a huge component of our American citizenry’s personal defense team. Most people cannot handle all the details when a crisis hits, nor are they equipped to do so. While most folks may not think about their defense, it is a good way to look at First Responders. Unless someone is wealthy enough to hire their bodyguards and personal medics they need us.” He chuckled and stated, “As we know, it is the minority of folks like celebrities, politicians and very wealthy entrepreneurs who can afford such a luxury.”
Marin, continued, “Our Veterans represent some of America’s finest fighting forces. They protect America’s interests plus the interests of our allies across the globe. They have paid the ultimate price, and many are quietly dealing with trauma and mental incapacity resulting from post-traumatic stress disorders of various types. Realizing that numerous not-for-profits are involved in fundraising for many causes, I cannot think of a more significant opportunity than to prioritize support those who directly support Americans.”
Police officers are involved day-to-day in work for American citizens that preserves civil society. They are committed to liberty and keeping our citizens, towns, rural areas, and cities out of harm’s way whenever possible. As defenders of America and its citizens, these individuals are trained to engage constructively with American citizens and those who threaten them. Their lives are always at risk at every moment of the day. They experience unique forms of trauma.
He continues, “It is evident that Emergency Medical Response teams are often the first on the scene in many domestic crises where reprobate individuals have harmed citizens or when citizens are afflicted with illnesses ranging from seriously life-threatening to minor ailments. When called, the First Responders are deployed. No matter what!”
The Birdwell Foundation understands the realities of trauma and recovery methods. Their demonstrable track record of impacting the lives of program participants is profound. The facilitators are trained and experienced in trauma and recovery. Their work is mission critical to help individuals find their way into productive, healthy lives for themselves, their families and their community.
The Birdwell Foundation sincerely seeks the support of grassroots Americans who benefit each day from their invisible support team of First Responders. It is our hope and prayer that hometown folks, along with proud Americans throughout the USA, will prioritize their discretionary donation dollars to the work of the Birdwell Foundation.
In the future, the foundation will be announcing opportunities for individuals who seek to ‘subscribe” on the foundation’s website to receive complimentary educational downloads, information on upcoming events, prayer requests for specific Veterans and First Responders (first names only) along with commemorative decals that connote membership in this extraordinary organization. If you feel “called” to be an extension of our mission, please join us on our website at https://www.birdwellfoundation.org
Would you please consider coming out to celebrate these extraordinary folks at “Hometown Heroes” in Alvin, Texas, on April 13, 2024? Also, remember to introduce yourself to Matthew Marin and his team of volunteers as you see them working feverishly to ensure you, your friends, and your family have a most enjoyable and memorable day together.
For More Information:
About Matthew Marin: Matthew Marin is the Executive Director of the Birdwell Foundation, headquartered in Houston, Texas. As a former Navy Veteran and current First Responder, Marin understands firsthand the devastating impact of trauma. As Executive Director, he focuses on the foundation’s legacy of facilitating PTSD survivors through a Christian faith-based program. Marin believes that the foundation’s methodology, rooted in the “greatest book,” consistently delivers results in veterans’ recovery journeys.
Matthew Marin, a police officer from Houston, Texas, is also the author of two fantastic books. They are as follows:
“Unmasking the Warrior” https://cutt.ly/Xw25ETK5
“Silent Screams-Part One” https://cutt.ly/bw25b0k6
These books are “must reads” for individuals seeking coping skills. Unmasking the Warrior is a journaling book designed for healing and recovery.
In addition, “Silent Screams-Part One”, offers riveting, “real life” police chronicles that offer stunning insights to any reader who wants to understand trauma and its impact on First Responders and Veterans.
Volunteers:
Matthew Marin is actively seeking volunteers for the Birdwell Foundation. Interested parties may contact him via the following email address.
Email: matthew.marin@birdwellfoundation.org
About the Birdwell Foundation:
https://www.birdwellfoundation.org
Gene Birdwell, Founder and CEO
The Birdwell Foundation is a not-for-profit organization funded exclusively through private donations. The foundation is dedicated to restoring hope and facilitating healing for Veterans and First Responders nationwide.
With offices across the United States, the foundation has a wealth of experience and the demonstrable expertise to support veterans and help them rebuild their lives. Their conviction that “no one heals alone,” is their guiding principle and is put into practice daily for Veterans and First Responders who seek help and recovery.
If You are a Veteran or First Responder Needing Support:
1-877-MSTPTSD
