Community Corner
Shelby Resident, 29, Starts Nonprofit Org. for Veterans
Jason Wojnicki is working to promote veteran and military appreciation through his Shelby Township-based foundation, Swinging Heroes.
A longtime Shelby Township resident is making a big difference by shedding light on a topic so often overlooked—veteran appreciation.
As the creator of Swinging Heroes, Jason Wojnicki is bringing awareness through his foundation to the needs of the military and countless number of veterans, who have willingly sacrificed so much to serve this country.
Volunteering at the Veterans Hospital of Detroit last November, the day after Veterans Day, Wojnicki, a 2000 Eisenhower graduate, was shocked at the lack of attention being directed to these men and women.
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“What struck me the most was the disappointment that the veterans expressed toward the public during the Veterans Parade downtown; there were 4,000 marching and only 200 in the crowd,” recalls Wojnicki. “Yet, two weeks later, during the Thanksgiving Day Parade, everyone showed up downtown.”
It was shortly after this that Wojnicki came up with the idea to begin the Swinging Heroes organization, to raise support for veterans and show them the respect they are so deserving of.
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Now in its first year, Swinging Heroes plans to host public events to reconnect soldiers with the everyday community.
Unlike other similar foundations, Swinging Heroes is not operated or affiliated with the military, and instead is made up entirely of volunteers.
“Our goal is to have civilians put forth every effort to recognize how great these men and women are in providing the freedoms we have,” explains Wojnicki.
Swinging Heroes will hold its first-ever golf outing July 25 at the Indianwood Country Club in Lake Orion. All proceeds will benefit three hand-selected charities—the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Disabled Veterans and the Fisher House.
Registration for the event ends on July 8.
In the future, Swinging Heroes hopes to continue to garner public participation in other events, such as banquets and outdoor races, while raising funds for various military charities.
“Regardless of what people’s views are on war or politics, this country is beautiful and our military doesn’t just protect the beauty but it protects a nation,” Wojnicki adds.
To find out more information or to register for the upcoming golf outing, visit the Swinging Heroes website.
