For more than 90 years, Easter Seals Wisconsin has provided a variety of programs for people with disabilities including vocational rehabilitation, respite services, camping and recreation opportunities, information and referrals for career growth, and public education. Easter Seals Wisconsin also hosts two Veterans Family Camps a year. Hosted at Easter Seals’ Camp Wawbeek location in Wisconsin Dells, WI, the veteran weekends are designed to reconnect families with each other and create networking opportunities for veterans, all while having a fun and relaxing weekend full of activities. Support from County Materials Corporation, through the Sonnentag Foundation, contribute to making the veterans camps possible.
Each year, Easter Seals welcomes more than 10,000 children and adults to their Wisconsin Camps. Many veterans and their families look forward to the veteran weekend camps. “Veterans Family Camp put me and my family in a positive atmosphere away from every day issues,” said one veteran. “It lets us experience interacting with other people, and share life with other people who have had similar experiences to us, who are open to listening and sharing.” Another veteran said, “I came to camp very emotionally stressed. The Veterans Camp allowed me to recharge, destress and reassess how things are going in my and my family’s lives. I made new friends, and new connections to help me and my veteran son.”
The impact this support and recognition can have on the lives of many is clear. Donations made to Easter Seals and its Veterans Camp programs is one example of how County Materials fulfills its vision of Success, Stability, and Support in the communities where the company has locations.
This August 7th, County Materials recognizes Purple Heart Day, the sacrifices made by purple heart recipients and all veterans alike, by highlighting the strength and reach that community support can have on shaping the lives of many. On August 7th, 1782 commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, General George Washington created the Purple Heart as a badge of military merit. It was only awarded to three revolutionary war heroes. The award was reintroduced to the military in 1932 in honor of Washington’s bicentennial birthday. The purple heart was awarded to those wounded or killed while serving in the armed forces from the start of World War I in 1917 to today as a direct result of enemy action. In 2014, August 7thbecame an unofficial day of observance for the Purple Heart recipients.
