Mike Conklin

Sentinel Adam Pawlowski

July 9, 2018 by Mike Conklin Leave a Comment

Veteran, First Generation American, First Generation College Student, First Generation Ivy League Graduate

Soldiers join the armed forces for many reasons. Adam Pawlowski was inspired to enlist in the Marines after hearing a recruiter speak in his American Politics class.

While preparing to deploy to Iraq, Adam was involved in a severe training accident in the Arabian Sea and contracted compartment syndrome in his left thigh. The injury went undiagnosed by surgeons for hours threatening to result in an amputation of Adam’s left leg. Following medical evacuation, and eleven surgeries, his leg was saved. He spent the next year at Balboa Medical Center learning how to walk again.

After his honorable discharge, Adam decided to continue college and was accepted to Columbia University with a major in Political Science. The culture shock that many veterans face during the first year was daunting, but he persevered. It was at school that he met fellow Sentinel Pete Kiernan who told him about Sentinels of Freedom (SOF) and how much they had helped him. Adam applied and was accepted into the SOF program in August of 2017. SOF was able to help Adam with his rent until his graduation from Columbia this past May. In addition to the financial support, Adam benefitted from both networking and mentoring opportunities, as well as personal support from the SOF team.

Recently, Adam proudly represented SOF at the New York Institute of Technology Veteran’s Gala in New York. His dedication to the SOF program as an ambassador is his way of giving back to other veterans.

Adam is not only a first-generation college student and graduate, but also a first- generation American. He is incredibly driven and passionate and shows amazing strength and dedication.

To read about other veterans’ journeys, and Sentinels of Freedom’s programs, please visit our website at www.sentinelsoffreedom.org.

Jhonnatan Chinchilla – A Veteran’s Journey

June 9, 2018 by Mike Conklin Leave a Comment

Immigrant, Veteran, Cancer Survivor, Single Father and now a College Graduate

Sentinel Jhonnatan “Johnny” Chinchilla immigrated to the United States from Guatemala when he was six years old. He enlisted in the Marine Corps following his high school graduation. After four deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Johnny was forced to retire due to severe back injuries, but his struggles were far from over.

After being diagnosed with testicular cancer, this single father fought the battle of his life. He fought for himself and for his daughter.
Once in remission, he decided to return to school with Sentinels of Freedom standing proudly by his side. During his time at the University of San Diego, he served as the President of the Veterans Student Organization and later as the Finance Chair of the USD Associated Student Body. Volunteering and giving back to his fellow veterans and students comes naturally to Johnny.

Johnny recently graduated from USD with an Accountancy degree and a minor in Supply Chain Management. Johnny was honored with multiple academic awards, but by far the most meaningful was a special award created just for him by USD: The Jhonnatan Chinchilla Perseverance Award!

This first-generation college graduate will now continue his education at USD in their Master’s Accounting program (the university’s president wrote his letter of recommendation).

We all wish Johnny the best of luck in his future endeavors. We know he will continue to do great things!

A Sentinel’s Surprise

May 10, 2018 by Mike Conklin Leave a Comment

Jay Wilkerson, Staff Sergeant U.S. Army, was severely wounded in Iraq when two rocket-propelled grenades killed his best friend and left him with a traumatic brain injury. After being in a coma for 39 days, Jay came back to a world that was unfamiliar to him. He had to relearn to walk, talk and eat. Through the support he received from his family and friends, and Sentinels of Freedom, he was able to successfully re-enter society.

Recently, Brian Olin, the Vice President of Operations of Lennar Homes, visited Mike Conklin. He told him he wanted to help a veteran, and did Mike know of anyone. Immediately Mike thought of Jay. “I know just the guy,” Mike answered. “He deserves something like this.”
Within a few weeks, the plans to completely redo Jay’s home with his fiancée Heather, were underway. Unbeknownst to Jay and Heather, Lennar wasn’t just going freshen up the paint on the walls and change out some old flooring. They were planning a much bigger surprise!

Two weeks after demolition began, Jay and Heather were waiting at their brand new front door. The moment they entered their new home, Jay collapsed to the floor with disbelief in his voice: “Look at this place! It’s so beautiful!” Lennar’s team was able to transform Jay’s house into a modern home with new furnishings, lighting, appliances, electronics, bedding, and more.

Thanks to the collaborative effort of Lennar Homes and Sentinels of Freedom, Jay and Heather can begin the next chapter of their lives together in a beautiful new home. We are so proud that we were able to be a part of this amazing life-changing event for Jay!

For more information about our programs and to learn how you can help, please visit: sentinelsoffreedom.org

Sentinel Kyle Carpenter

April 8, 2018 by Mike Conklin Leave a Comment

Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps
2014 Medal of Honor awardee

In 2010, U.S. Marine Cpl Kyle Carpenter was severely wounded in the Helmand province of Afghanistan when he threw himself upon a live grenade to shield his friend and fellow soldier during a rooftop attack. Both were severely wounded but survived due to Kyle’s bravery.

Kyle spent nearly two years recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He endured more than thirty surgeries to repair his teeth, jaw and arm and learned to adapt to the loss of his right eye, but he keeps his personal experience in perspective. ”I’m still here and kicking, and I have all my limbs, so you’ll never hear me complain!”

Sentinels of Freedom’s journey with Kyle began before his discharge from Walter Reed. Mike Conklin, Sentinels of Freedom Chairman and CEO, met Kyle and started to formulate a plan for his life after the military. Mike helped him navigate through some early decisions concerning college majors, and career choices. “I knew when I met him that he would be the perfect fit for our program: motivated, driven, and focused.”

In 2013, Sentinels of Freedom awarded Kyle a four year scholarship for undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina. This scholarship helped alleviate the everyday stresses of life in the form of rent payments, mentorships, budgeting assistance and personal support. “SOF has truly been a blessing in my life and has helped comfort me… they have put me in a better position to be successful in life and for my next endeavor and future mission whatever that may be.”

In June 2014, Kyle received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions, only the third Marine to receive the Medal of Honor from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mike, again, was there to witness the amazing occasion. The Medal of Honor is the country’s highest award for valor; fewer than twenty have been awarded across all services for recent combat in these regions.

In December of 2017, Kyle graduated with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies. Mike was so proud to attend Kyle’s graduation as he completed his first stage in his post-military life. SOF continues to stand by Kyle’s side as he ventures into the professional world. The mentorship, and professional introductions will help change Kyle’s future forever.

“SOF truly gives back and says thanks to those that sacrifice so much. When I get phone calls from SOF, it is not just about business and school… it’s about “how’s Kyle doing? It’s about me, it’s personal; they truly do care.”
Sentinel Kyle Carpenter – United States Marine Corps

We look forward to seeing Kyle at our Annual Gala on April 14, at the Blackhawk Museum. For more information about Sentinels of Freedom, or to attend the Gala, please visit sentinelsoffreedom.org.

Chris Judge: A Veteran’s Journey

March 8, 2018 by Mike Conklin Leave a Comment

CHRIS JUDGE: A VETERAN’S JOURNEY
Mike Conklin | Chairman at Sentinels of FreedomWe at Sentinels of Freedom are very proud and honored to have Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris Judge, US Navy SEAL Ret. and graduate of our program, as one of our special guest speakers at our 2018 Annual Sentinels Gala, taking place on the evening of April 14th at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville.

As you may remember from my editorial last month, I briefly introduced you to Chris. However, the amount of perseverance and sense of duty that this exceptional young man holds is so substantial that I feel like you need to know a bit more about him to get a better picture of who he is and just how powerful his speech is sure to be.

GRADUATED SENTINEL CHRIS JUDGE
Petty Officer 2nd Class, US Navy SEAL | Master’s Degree in Homeland Security

Chris, who was compelled to join the Navy after the events of 9/11, was severely wounded by enemy gunfire during a raid from a 2007 deployment in Iraq. While he was in the hospital recovering from his injuries, I had the opportunity to meet and get to know him and his aspirations. I told him about how the SOF program could help him succeed on his post-military journey and encouraged him to apply. While he seemed a bit hesitant at first, we kept talking, and I soon received his application.

After his recovery and with Sentinels of Freedom on his side, Chris felt confident in making the decision to pursue his higher education, being the first in his family to do so. Then, in just three years, he graduated from the University of Illinois with a major in international relations, complete with a double minor in Islamic world studies and political science – an impressive feat. Additionally, since Chris did not have to worry about his rent due to SOF’s help, he was able to save enough money to study abroad in Jordan to get firsthand experience in his field of study, a valuable adventure that provided him with a wealth of knowledge.

Having discovered his love for learning, Chris decided he wanted to further his education by attending graduate school. Committed to continuing to serve our nation, he decided on a major in homeland security and had his heart set on the Naval Postgraduate School. However, the admission process to the Navy’s school was not simple since Chris was retired, but SOF stepped in to make sure he was able to get past the hurdles and achieve his goal of attaining a master’s. I am proud to say he was able to do just that.

Now a husband and father to two young children, Chris works for the US Department of Homeland Security, proudly continuing to help keep our nation safe long after his time in the military has come to an end. Outside of work, he loves spending time with his wife and two young children outdoors boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming.

Truly, Chris exemplifies the many veterans we support and invest in at Sentinels of Freedom who do not give up when times get tough and who, despite no longer being a part of the military, are always ready to serve our nation. There is so much more to the story of Chris and our other Sentinels than what I am able to share on these pages, and there is no better way for you to learn about the inspiring pasts and uplifting futures of these incredible men and women than by attending our gala where you can hear these truths straight from their sources.

I invite you to come be inspired at our 2018 Annual Sentinels Gala, an evening that you will not want to miss. To learn more about the event and purchase tickets, please visit www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/gala.

Meet Our Nation’s Wounded Veterans

February 8, 2018 by Mike Conklin Leave a Comment

Over these past few months, I have shared with you the stories of some of our nation’s veterans who have so bravely defended our freedoms. While I absolutely love retelling their milestones, accomplishments, and lessons learned, and try to do so with as much authenticity and emotion as possible, nothing beats hearing these truths in person, directly from the individuals who have experienced them. Meeting and getting to know these men and women and their inspiring stories is, without doubt, one of the most rewarding parts about the work that I am fortunate to be able to do, and now, you too can meet and be inspired by these incredible veterans at our yearly Sentinels gala.

Every year, we hold this gala to honor and recognize the achievements of our Sentinels and our supporters’ – that’s your – part in their success. Simply put, the event provides a unique opportunity for you to meet the inspiring, driven individuals whose lives are forever changed because of your support. It is a chance for you to put faces to the names and stories of the men and women who you have read about on these pages, to greet them, to talk to them, to thank them.

We have some incredible speakers lined up this year, including Sentinel Chris Judge, US Navy, who has thrived despite his injury sustained in Iraq. Now a husband and father to two young children, Chris has completed his master’s degree and works for the US Department of Homeland Security, proudly continuing to help keep our nation safe long after his time in the military has come to an end. An inspired speaker and extraordinary person, Chris will take you on a journey that is sure to leave a lasting impression. His story is moving, courageous, and real—and I cannot wait for you to hear it.

While all our Sentinels’ stories are different, they all have something very powerful in common: utmost perseverance. Even in the face of extreme difficulty, they have not only pushed through but thrived. And they were able to do so because of your – our community’s – help.
I strongly encourage and invite you to join us for this special event and see firsthand the impact of your support. It will be an experience like no other.

The Sentinels of Freedom Annual Sentinels Gala will take place on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at the Blackhawk Automotive Museum in Danville, California. To learn more and purchase tickets, please visit www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/2018-gala.

Cycle of Giving – A Veteran’s Mission

January 11, 2018 by Mike Conklin Leave a Comment

The infamous saying of “new year, new beginnings” rings true for many of our Sentinels who are currently starting their new higher education programs, semesters, and careers.

One of these driven individuals about to embark on a new journey is recent Sentinel graduate, Deverson Lochard, who, in the words of Sentinels of Freedom Program and Outreach Manager Carol Prell, “is a warm and humble man who would never tell you that he once dined with President Obama or received a Purple Heart for his wounds suffered in combat.”

Deverson is a man with an incredible amount of perseverance and passion who has made it his mission to improve the quality of life for his fellow veterans – and his story has left quite an impression, not only on me but everyone I have talked to who has the pleasure of knowing him.

Gunnery Sergeant Deverson Lochard, US Marine Corps | Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Deverson’s 12-year military career came to an end when he was severely wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade during a deployment in Iraq. After his recovery and while trying to find a new goal for his post-military journey, he worked closely with our nation’s wounded military members at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

“I was inspired by the servicemen, who, despite life-changing injuries and after extensive treatment, were able to walk, run, swim, and do things in everyday life we take for granted,” he says. After witnessing the tenacity of his fellow veterans, it did not take long for Deverson to realize his calling; he wanted to help people who had lost their limbs by contributing to the science of improving prosthetics.

Full of determination to accomplish his newfound goal, Deverson enrolled at San Diego State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. However, he soon realized that going to school while trying to provide for his young family would not be as simple as he would have hoped. Unfortunately, this is a realization that too many veterans come to and decide not to pursue their education because of, unable to do so due to the added financial and physical burdens resulting from their injuries.

Not one to give up however, Deverson sought assistance from his network and, with the help of his friend and current Sentinel Mike Bitner, turned to Sentinels of Freedom. After reviewing his application and witnessing his perseverance, we were proud to be able to accept him into our program. “Deverson works incredibly hard. His work ethic coupled with his desire to continually learn and improve himself will make him the ideal employee in any job,” says our Case Manager, Danielle Holmes. “I am inspired and motivated by his positive attitude in the face of setbacks.”

Without having to worry about his family’s day-to-day expenses, Deverson excelled at school and graduated with his degree last month. Now, he has just started a position with Northrop Grumman and is that much closer to his ultimate goal. “The guidance and support provided by Sentinels of Freedom has given my family and me the peace of mind that has allowed me to focus on my education,” he explains. “I would not have completed my degree without the help of Sentinels of Freedom.”

Our ability to help Deverson complete his career and find gainful employment would not have been possible without your help. It is your support that made it all happen. And now, grateful for the help he has received, Deverson wants to in turn help other Sentinels by sharing his skills and experiences. To me, this cycle of giving is incredibly inspiring and something that we see time and time again with our Sentinels—and it all starts with you.

You have the power to enable more life-changing opportunities for wounded veterans like Deverson. To find out how, visit www.sentinelsoffreedom.org.

You made a Life-Changing Difference This Year

December 10, 2017 by Mike Conklin Leave a Comment

How can you thank someone for protecting your freedom?

You – our community – know how. Your generous support of Sentinels of Freedom has said “thank you” to all the brave men and women who have served our nation. I know I have said it before, but I will say it again: we really do have a wonderful community here.

In 2017, the events you held, the mentoring and volunteer work you did, and the donations you gave made it possible for 40 of our program’s severely wounded veterans to graduate college. That is no small feat.

Because of you, Sentinel Kyle Garcia, who was injured by a pressure plate improvised explosive device and suffered a left leg amputation, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is now attending law school; Sentinel Erin McLoughlin, whose nervous system was damaged in a training accident, completed the HERO Child-Rescue Corps program and is now gainfully employed as a computer forensic analyst for the US Department of Homeland Security Investigations; and Sentinel Tom Block, who lost his right eye due to a suicide bomber, now works for US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and actively seeks to motivate other wounded veterans to push past their injuries.

It is because of your help that Kyle, Erin, Tom, and our other graduates were able to complete their higher education, find meaningful careers, and continue to contribute to their communities. It is because of your help that they are now able to follow their passions and support their families. It is YOUR support that made it all possible. “You provided me with so much more than the opportunity to go to school,” says Erin, “you provided me with the confidence to get my life back in order knowing I had you rooting for me every step of the way.”

And it does not stop there: your support also enabled us to accept 74 more Sentinels to our program this year, and we cannot wait to see them achieve their dreams because of your help.

I am so grateful for each and every one of you and cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together next year. Thank you for your support.

You have the power to enable more life-changing opportunities for wounded veterans. To find out how, visit www.sentinelsoffreedom.org.

Veterans Never Stop Serving

November 10, 2017 by Mike Conklin Leave a Comment

This month, we celebrate Veterans Day, a day that provides us with a special chance to take away time from our busy schedules and think of and thank veterans for the sacrifices they have made for our common good and wellbeing. It is a day for us to honor the brave men and women who have selflessly served, and in many cases still continue to serve, our nation.

When I talk to the veterans in our program, I am continually inspired by their desire to continue serving others after their time in the military has come to an end. Not surprisingly, this kind of sense of commitment is not uncommon among veterans in general. Many veterans also make it their mission to help, in one way or another, other veterans making the transition to civilian life. To me, that is incredibly admirable.

One of these veterans committed to a lifelong mission of service is a Sentinels of Freedom program graduate Doug Connor – a man who overcame a difficult transition and is now using his skills and personal experience to help other Veterans on their post-military journey.

First Lieutenant Doug Connor, US Army

Doug joined the Army at the young age of 17 and served for three years before deciding to pursue a degree in nursing. When the war in Iraq started, however, Doug felt like he could make a difference with his training and returned to active duty. He served at Walter Reed Medical Center’s surgical ICU and was deployed to Mosul, Iraq, from 2005 to 2006. “It was a tough year,” he says, “There was a lot of pain to work through.”

After having completed his time in the service, Doug decided to “make a go of the civilian world again,” as he called it. He started working but was feeling depressed, and his PTSD became overwhelming. “My time in Iraq and at Walter Reed was hard to shake,” he explains. Doug sought help from the Concord Vet Center and completed a program at the National Center for PTSD. While there, he started to heal.

When he returned home, Doug decided he wanted to go to graduate school and become a Family Nurse Practitioner. “The problem was, I didn’t know how I was going to take care of my responsibilities to my family and achieve this goal,” he recounts. Determined to not give up, Doug started researching scholarships and found Sentinels of Freedom.

I was actually the one to return Doug’s first call to our organization. I remember being inspired by his perseverance and invited him to come in and talk to me in person. After Doug was accepted into the program, he moved to Walnut Creek with his family. “The Sentinels team made sure that my goals would be achieved,” he told me recently. I think he finally felt like he had a clear direction to move towards.

Through SOF’s comprehensive support, Doug was able to complete his degree and find his first job. Wanting to help other veterans, he eventually started working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he felt he could make a meaningful impact. “The veterans have great need, and I feel like I am paying forward what was done for me,” he says.

Because of the help of our community and supporters, the veterans in our program have the chance to pursue their dreams and continue giving back after their service. Hearing veterans like Doug say that “I truly believe that my life was changed by picking up the phone and talking to Mike” truly makes it all worth it. I believe it is incredibly important for us to give back to our veterans after everything they have done for us, and I am glad we have Veterans Day to remind us of that importance.

To learn more and to make a difference in the life of a veteran like Doug, visit www.sentinelsoffreedom.org.

Beyond Perseverance; A Veteran’s Journey

October 12, 2017 by Mike Conklin Leave a Comment

This year, we observed the 16th anniversary of the September 11 attack on our nation and remembered the people who lost their lives that day—a tragedy that changed our world. I will always remember where we were and what we were doing the day we heard the news. As I watched the television reports, I remember saying to my wife, “I think we’re going to see our two Army sons involved in a war very soon.” That day certainly changed the life of young Navy hospital corpsman, Derek McGinnis, who would also be involved in the Iraq War.

Petty Officer 2^nd Class Derek McGinnis, US Navy

An Iraq combat Veteran and a graduate of the Sentinels of Freedom (SOF) program, Derek served in the Navy for eleven years. In 2004, he was wounded in Fallujah, Iraq; a suicide bomber attacked the ambulance that he was driving, blowing it to pieces. Derek lost his left leg above the knee, sustained multiple shrapnel wounds, and suffered a traumatic brain injury that caused intense pain long into his recovery.

At the annual Exchange Club 9/11 Remembrance Event in Danville, our community was honored to hear Derek share his story as the keynote speaker. Derek spoke about love of country, duty, sacrifice, resilience, and faith. It was deeply emotional and inspiring to see someone who has faced such a difficult and long recovery speak eloquently about service above self, and serving our nation.

While Derek’s transition to civilian life has been filled with obstacles, he has always found a way to push through: by having a supportive network, participating in athletic events, seeking care for physical and mental injuries, and sharing his experiences with others. In finding healing and peace of mind, Derek has taken back control of his life.

Through Sentinels of Freedom’s assistance, Derek gained confidence and resources for his journey. One of the services we provide is mentoring—pairing Sentinels with an individual to assist with their personal and professional development. I have had the privilege of serving as Derek’s mentor, and his drive and motivation to help others is inspiring.

A successful college graduate with a master’s degree in social work, Derek now serves other Veterans as a licensed clinical social worker for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. He is a national speaker and advocate of new pain management techniques and protocols for Veterans and their families. Derek is also the author of the book, Exit Wounds, which narrates the details of his experiences of being wounded and learning to thrive.

Derek says, “I’m grateful for all the things that I have, and proud of all I’ve accomplished. In the end though, I don’t measure how far I’ve come by goals achieved, or academic degrees earned, or running trophies won. For me, what counts is that pain no longer rules my life.” And that is what Derek wants to help other wounded Veterans to learn— they are still in control of their life.

Derek’s journey, like the journeys of countless other wounded Veterans, is far from over. With his commitment to his community, he epitomizes a slogan that I often use: “Veterans Never Stop Serving.” His perseverance inspires others in their struggles, reminding them there is a new life to be envisioned and experienced.

We owe a deep amount of gratitude, respect, and support to our Veterans and to those currently serving in our military; without them, we would not enjoy the freedom and quality of life we have come to know. I encourage you to take the time this upcoming Veterans Day to show your gratitude for these brave individuals.

To learn more and to contribute to our effort in making a difference in the lives of Veterans like Derek, visit www.sentinelsoffreedom.org.