"Sentinels of Freedom"

Before founding Sentinels of Freedom, Mike Conklin was a successful Real Estate Developer in San Ramon, California.  As a father of three Army Rangers, Mike was inspired to establish a non-profit that would support post-9/11 wounded or injured veteran’s following the combat injury of his eldest son, Kris, who was wounded in Iraq in 2003. While visiting Kris at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Mike was impressed by the level of care his son received during his stay.  Between his son’s surgeries, Mike had the opportunity to observe and meet other wounded soldiers by their bedside showing deep concern for them while they were without their families or community.  His conversations with these soldiers lead to the realization and stark reality of the tremendous physical and emotional hurdles they were facing when transitioning back to civilian life.

Thus, began the birth of Sentinels of Freedom (SOF), a unique San Ramon, California based non-profit providing resources nationally for severely wounded veterans that go beyond what the Veterans Administration can provide.  Helping to “fill the gaps” so veterans can look beyond the permanent challenges they face and begin to achieve success in their post-military journey. 

Sentinels of Freedom was established to meet an entirely new social need.  The mission; provide severely wounded post 9/11 veterans with comprehensive personal support and financial assistance as they complete their higher education and achieve success in their post-military careers. The team is by their side as they journey from the military to school to becoming successful and independent individuals.  Our program participants are called “Sentinels” in honor of their sacrifice in guarding America’s freedoms.  

Mike’s vision has been honoured by military and community leaders ranging from Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. He was awarded the Department of the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, and he became one of CNN’s “CNN Heroes” for everyday people changing the world.

As over 200,000 military members will retire or end their enlistments in 2020, 16,000 of these new veterans will be coming home to communities across the nation, medically retired due to injuries making them unable to continue their military service.  Of this group, 6,000 will be rated at above 50% or higher permanently disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The need is greater than ever.

To learn more about our effort in making a difference in the lives of wounded post-9/11 veterans visit http://www.sentinelsoffreedom.org.