At the 2024 Gala, we recognized several of our outstanding OEW family members. One of these awards is the Community Ambassador of the Year. This year, Allen Cole was recognized for his outstanding work supporting OEW and our mission. While he couldn't attend in person, we were able to dial him in via Zoom to celebrate!
Thank you, Allen, for being such a force for good in our community.
We asked him to share why he is a part of OEW and what this award means to him. "I discovered Operation Enduring Warrior by accident in the summer of 2020 after competing at War-X. I investigated the organization and liked how OEW is a 100% volunteer-run, and the donations go directly to support the organization and their programs. I wanted to get involved with an organization that supported veterans, but I wasn't sure who I wanted to get involved with. When I found out that Operation Enduring Warrior helps those who have served and sacrificed for our safety and security, I knew I had to help. “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit,” Ronald Reagan.
I met Brain Lackey the local OCA in Fredericksburg, Virginia to learn more about OEW and see how I can contribute and fit in with the OEW team. My very first volunteer with OEW was only a few months later on a cold Saturday morning at Fletcher’s Cove for a Bishop Event in Georgetown, DC. For the next few years, I learned from different OCAs on how to deliver our message to the public and how OEW supports veterans and 1st responders in different ways.
In the fall of 2021, I started my own fundraising campaigns starting with teachers at my school donating to wear jeans for a month and to my extreme sports (i.e. obstacle course racing, Goruck events, and ultra rucks/hikes) to raise awareness and money for Operation Enduring Warrior. “Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” Lou Holtz
I am honored and humbled to receive the Community Ambassador of the Year from Operation Enduring Warrior. This award represents the collective effort of my family and friends who believe in the mission of giving back to those who are willing to sacrifice everything for us to be safe. Without their dedication and support, this achievement would not have been possible.
I have always been passionate about supporting our veterans and first-responders and I have dedicated myself to helping where I can over the years that will benefit the veterans and first-responders community. Receiving this award confirms that that I’m in the right place to support our nation’s heroes. My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy
Thank you again for this amazing opportunity and recognition. I am truly grateful and proud to be a part of Operation Enduring Warrior.
Quotes
There is no greater thing you can do with your life than follow your passion in a way that serves the world and you.
Make a choice of what you want, who you want to be & who you're going to inspire along the way as you get it. The world will get out of your way.
You can't stop bad things from happening. You have three choices. You can let it define you, let it defeat you, or you can let it strengthen you. It's your choice.
Success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life, it's about what you INSPIRE others to do."