Page 30 - The Edge - Summer 2019

FORMER MILITARY MEMBERS

By Don Harris

Wounded Warrior Project Receives

$11,500 from AASBO Duck Race
Jill Barragan

AASBO is getting its ducks
in a row, so to speak, and the
upcoming 66 Annual Summer
th
Conference and Expo will
feature another of the popular
rubber ducky races.
Last year, the real winner of
the contest was the Wounded
Warrior Project. AASBO
presented the organization that
helps former military members
and their families a check
for $11,500, representing the
proceeds of the always popular
duck race.
AASBO President Jill Barragan
explained that each year the
AASBO Summer Conference
chair selects a charity to receive
the proceeds of the Duck Race.
“We always try to select
one that impacts children in
some positive way,” she said. From left to right is Ed Custodio, David Guerin, Tony Smith, Katie Chapman, and Joaquin Barela.
“Wounded Warrior Project
was selected in part because it went well with the Summer service on or after September 11, 2001. “Warriors never pay
Conference theme of Call of Duty, and also because a penny for our programs – because they paid their dues on
they support the children of veterans in various ways. the battlefield,” Kastner said. “Our free services in mental
AASBO will continue the Duck Race at this year’s Summer health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care
Conference, July 17-20 to benefit another wonderful charity.” change lives. We’re committed to helping injured veterans
The Duck Race is run along a winding waterway. Several achieve their highest ambition. When they’re ready to start
hundred rubber ducks vie for the winner’s circle. Each their next mission, we stand ready to serve.”
duck costs $5. Vendors can buy ducks and pass them out to More than 4,600 veterans and families are registered with
attendees. In addition, AASBO gives each registered guest Wounded Warrior Project in Arizona. The veterans range in
one duck. Winners receive prizes provided by vendors, and age from their 20s into their 60s.
the overall proceeds go to a charity selected by AASBO, such There are a variety of needs warriors face. From physical
as Wounded Warrior Project. and mental wellness opportunities to family support to
Tom Kastner, Wounded Warrior Project Vice President career counseling, Wounded Warrior Project helps injured
of Financial Wellness, expressed the organization’s veterans achieve their highest ambition. A local beneficiary of
appreciation. “I join all of the Wounded Warrior Project Wounded Warrior Project is Frank Sonntag of Queen Creek.
teammates in saying thank you to AASBO for its sincere According to Wounded Warrior Project, Sonntag was
commitment to our important mission to honor and shaken severely when a mortar exploded about 70 feet from
empower warriors and their family members. The support him while he was serving in Balad, Iraq. The high-velocity
of organizations like the Arizona Association of School shock wave compressed the air molecules around the right
Business Officials will help more veterans in their recovery.” side of his body and entered his muscles, organs and blood
Wounded Warrior Project serves warriors who incurred a
physical or mental injury, illness or were wounded in military Continued on page 31

30 THE EDGE | SUMMER 2019