Turning each page of his photo album, Jim Stoa’s passion overflows in tears while sharing stories of the soldiers he has come to know through his work. “I get emotional,” Jim says, hands wiping his eyes. “This soldier was shot in the back of the head. The bullet flew right out of his mouth, taking his teeth with it.” He points to an image of a strong and handsome man chatting with several other soldiers.
Another photo brings to life one soldier’s homecoming. He is seated in his wheelchair, the stub of one leg bandaged and a patch where one eye once was. His mother stands near him, beaming with joy, as friends and family surround them. It is a happy moment in front of the camera. Behind the scenes, Jim reminds me, these men and their families struggle in many ways.
Missing limbs, burns and brain injuries are common atrocities among soldiers engaged in the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. On the battlefield, hidden explosive devices and sniper attacks change the course of their lives in just seconds. Often, they must spend years in hospitals and endure extensive surgery, therapy and other medical treatment. Jim Stoa created Helping a Hero to support these severely injured soldiers and their families.
Jim discovered the needs of these soldiers while working as a community leader with the Ellington Field Task Force and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR, a Dept. of Defense agency working with public and private employers and citizen soldiers). He was attending a Marine for Life networking meeting in late 2005 when, “I heard someone talking about the number of wounded military personnel and the extent of their injuries,” Jim recalls. “I had been working on political and educational involvement in the community, and decided I wanted to do some fund raising for these soldiers and their families.”
He quickly got in touch with a group of friends and a golf/fishing tournament was in the works to raise money. They added a motorcycle run to the event and raised $30,000 one fall weekend in 2006. A desire to do more ensued. “My initial intention was only to raise some money to help,” Jim says. But with time and talent to his credit, Jim moved forward. Again he looked to friends and found assistance. He was encouraged to dream bigger, and found the support he needed to organize the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Helping A Hero (HAH). The Seabrook, Pasadena and Pasadena South Rotary Clubs and the Bay Area Networking Group helped with initial funding. Bob Clark and Alan Franks joined Jim as the group’s first board members. “Lots of people stepped up to help and provide seed money,” Jim says.
Helping A Hero is only 18 months old, but has already touched the lives of many wounded war fighters and their families. HAH is a nonpartisan organization dedicated solely to American soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. “We are a country at war. And whether you are for or against the war, it doesn’t matter,” Jim says.
“Our soldiers are volunteers, dedicating their lives for our country and we must support them and their families in every way we can.”
HAH programs provide emotional, financial, educational, mentoring, recreational, and scholarship support. “We get these soldiers out of the hospital and out into the world,” Jim explains. HAH arranges brief outings for soldiers hospitalized for long term rehabilitation. They arrange and finance travel for participation in fishing trips, homecomings, celebrations and sporting events. “We get them together with other soldiers who share similar experiences; let them share their stories so they realize they are not alone. They get to speak out about their experiences and their wounds. It’s great therapy for them.”
On Veteran’s Day they joined the Houston Freedom Festival celebration at Tranquility Park, Hermann Park, and the Veteran’s Day observances at the University of Houston – Clear Lake.
Helping A Hero also provides individuals financial support, assisting with bills and financial obligations. “Often there is a time lapse before government funds kick in and we can help out during these times,” Jim says.
The organization also provides educational support. “Many of our soldiers sustain brain injuries and have to relearn simple, everyday tasks like balancing their checkbook and how to handle their money,” Jim explains.
Volunteers are very important to Helping A Hero. “One of the great things about our group is that it provides a vehicle for people and corporations who want to help our military personnel but just don’t know how to go about doing so,” Jim says. “We hear war statistics every day on the news, but Helping A Hero places a name with a face and makes these soldiers real so that they can receive the support they need from all of us.”
Jim adds that their work would not be possible without generous assistance from many local groups and individuals, including Mike Huss, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Barracuda Beach Club, The Boat Club, Sagemont Church, Sterling Bank and other area banks, Space Center and Baytown Rotary Clubs, oil companies, and many others.
To involve your organization or to volunteer your services, visit helpingahero.org. Their website is filled with information, opportunities and upcoming events. There are so many ways to help – large and small – there is something for everyone.
