It all began in 2012, with what seemed like a simple act: presenting three autographed footballs from Auburn University, the University of Florida, and the University of Alabama to three wounded warrior heroes in October, November, and December. Little did we know that this seemingly small gesture would be the beginning of something much bigger. Through what I can only describe as a “God thing” and the theory of six degrees of separation—whereby everyone is connected to anyone else through a chain of no more than six people—our small act of giving footballs eventually led to Lettermen of the USA (LotUSA) partnering with the Semper Fi Community Task Force and Heroes Week.
The connection we made that year proved to be miraculous. What started as an inconsequential moment grew into a lasting impact on veterans and wounded warriors across the country. I vividly remember the first moment: meeting wounded warrior Josh Wetzel as he stepped off a plane in Birmingham. He rose from his wheelchair on new bionic legs to greet me, and we presented him with a football signed by the Lettermen of the IRON BOWL. United States Senator Richard Shelby, who happened to be there, witnessed the event along with fellow travelers, adding a special touch to the moment.
Josh later introduced us to another wounded veteran, Corey Garmon, whom we also honored with a signed football. Corey’s family was deeply moved, and I had the privilege of sharing Thanksgiving dinner with them that year. Corey’s cousin, Terry Daniels, a former punter at Auburn University, then helped deliver another autographed football to Landers Chapel, another wounded warrior. This powerful series of connections underscored for me the truth of six degrees of separation and the divine hand involved in this mission.
On September 7th, 2023, LotUSA had the honor of partnering with the American Legion and the VFW to sponsor a "Welcome Home Ceremony" for members of the 117th Air National Guard Air Refueling Wing, many of whom had just returned from deployment in the Global War on Terror. This event was particularly meaningful to our organization, not only because we wanted to recognize their service but also because we felt a special bond with this Wing. Some of their members had previously helped LotUSA deliver furniture to veterans in need.
During the ceremony, we presented two special footballs: one signed by former Alabama Coach Nick Saban and the other by Auburn Coach Hugh Freeze. The Wing Commander expressed heartfelt appreciation, noting that these footballs would be proudly displayed in their trophy case as a symbol of pride for all. It was truly an honor to be part of such a meaningful event.
A month later, on October 4th, we were invited back to the base, where we were warmly welcomed by their leadership. I was thrilled to see the footballs prominently displayed in their conference room. During the visit, Colonel Michael Adams, the Wing Commander, presented each sponsoring organization with a Challenge Coin and a special Letter of Appreciation. This was the first time LotUSA had been formally recognized by a military unit that had been deployed in the Global War on Terror. We were deeply honored, and I assured the Commander that we look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.
Looking back, I marvel at how far this journey has taken us—from that single football given to Josh Wetzel in 2012 to now touching the lives of veterans across the nation. And as I dream of expanding this effort to countries like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, I am reminded that none of this could have happened without faith and the belief that anything is possible when you are guided by a higher power. What started as a simple gesture of appreciation has grown into something much larger, reaching countless wounded warriors and veterans through connections that only God could have orchestrated.
In Christ,
Darryl Fuhrman
Founder and President
Lettermen of the USA
205.394.7521
Website: lotUSA.org
EIN: 82-3593860
EID: 000-398-405
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