Our History
On November 13 2007, we had the opportunity to spend a day with some of our wounded American veterans. Each one of these patriots shared two things in common; all were wounded in combat during our current war on terrorism, and each shared a bond that left no question of dedication to country and commitment to each other.
Many of these men and women were young. However, when we looked into their eyes we saw the sacrifice of their youth. Our veterans had been battered, wounded and distressed to an unimaginable degree.
These wounded servicemen and women had sacrificed and endured while asking little in return. They did their duty in a cause which many did not support. They persevered without question, while providing us with the freedom which many take for granted. These were truly honorable men and women. They are our country’s future.
As three colleagues who were inspired by the efforts of the Wounded Warrior Project, we recognized that it was time to come together as a community to support our servicemen and women who have done so much to help secure our way of life.
On May 23, 2008 Central Ohio American Charities (COAC) was born. This non-profit organization, filed and chartered in the State of Ohio aims at assisting our Purple Heart recipients. Our mission is to provide financial and other support to individuals who have been injured through their service as a member of one of the branches of the United States armed services and to the families and other charitable organizations that support such individuals and families. COAC’s primary source of funding is donations and contributions from members of the public, corporations, business and other charitable organizations that support our charitable purpose.
On September 19, 2008 we held our first fundraising event which was attended by representatives from the Wounded Warrior Project and 17 wounded servicemen from the Army, Navy and Marines. The event was a huge success with more than 75 people participating. Through the generous donations of our community and corporate sponsors we were able to make a $20,000 donation to the Wounded Warrior Project within a few months of our incorporation.
We hope you will join us in our efforts and commit to investing in the future of our country and the brave men and women of our armed forces!
Central Ohio American Charities Co-Founders:
Ken Green, Steve Blankenship, Curt Anderson