Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
WARRIOR & CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Morale & Comfort Items Supply of adapted (for amputee) and non-adapted T-shirts, blankets, and morale items for patients, family members, staff and VIPs delivered weekly to patients by volunteers. Our shirts are our main primary program. With a donation, you are supporting our program of distribution of shirts to patients and family members. With a donation of $20 or more, you will receive the very same shirt (s) that we distribute for free to wounded warriors and their loved ones.
Patient Visits This is a difficult and painful time. We welcome in a respectful and low-key manner, new & current patients & family members in their rooms, giving them a shirt and any other items needed.
DVD & Video Game Library Hundreds of top movies in DVD format are available for patients and family members. New personal DVD players and full size DVD players are also available for patient and family member use. The newest games in multiple formats, XBOX 360, Wii, Playstation and the gaming systems to play them on are available for patients and family members to use in their rooms.
Family & Children’s Needs A constant supply of new toys, art supplies, board games, CD’s, and furniture are available for children and families.
Storage and Supplies Bookshelves, storage furniture, microwaves, and office supplies for patient/nursing areas and other items.
Service Animal Support - Provide financial and material support for veterans and their service dog in order to help restore their physical and emotional independence. Services include assisting with covering costs of vests, food, training, transportation, vet bills, etc. This program also partners with several non-governmental agencies to help find and place disabled veterans with service animals.
HONOR & COURAGE
One of the main goals of Operation Ward 57 has been to provide continued support to our Heroes recovering in the hospital as well as continue that support once they leave and go home for as long as they and their families need us. We also want to continue to give our Heroes a “sense of purpose” and “we still need you” mentality. Our role has been to provide additional support through advocacy, education and promotion of their circumstances.
In order for us to be able to meet this need more effectively we have formed a team of volunteer wounded Heroes to serve as caseworkers/mentors to offer much needed support, compassion and motivation to those who are currently struggling with their injuries both seen and unseen. These wounded Heroes have healed from their own difficult injuries and have learned to cope with issues like PTSD, TBI, medical issues and more and can provide peer support and guidance to those who need it.
Goals for this program are:
. Wounded Hero Mentors & Case Management
. Wounded Hero Motivational Speakers
. Youth Motivational Speakers
. Advocacy & Education
CONCERTS & EVENTS
Operation Ward 57 arranges excursions to events, concerts and sporting events in the local area as well as around the country. These events feature a meet-n-greet with the artist and a special seating area. Recent events include 3 Doors Down, Alice in Chains, Collective Soul rock concerts, Rodney Atkins country music concert and Mixed Martial Arts competitions. If a wounded warrior wants to attend a show anywhere in the country, we will arrange entrance for them (subject to availability).
HOLIDAY CHEER
Holidays can be particularly difficult for patients who are unable to leave the wards. Operation Ward 57 creates morale and spirit boosting events and gifts for patients and staff. With your support, we were able to provide live music with rock band, Cinder Road directly in the Ward for the first time in Walter Reed’s recent history. Flowers, bagels, pizza, hot catered meals, gift bags and more are provided throughout the year.
DEPLOYMENT SUPPORT
Active duty service members who work on the ward, have volunteered, or served as a combat medic and then deploy, are not forgotten. Substantial care packages are sent not only for that staff, but also for them to give to others, allowing them to continue to personally provide moral and spirit boosting help for their fellow soldiers. In addition we provide homecoming and deployment parties and activities to help ease their transitions.
Where we work
External reviews

Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Continually supply warm blankets and adapted (for amputees) and non-adapted T-Shirts and jerseys for patients, family members, & staff.
Wounded Hero Mentors & Case Management
Wounded Hero Motivational Speakers
Youth Motivational Speakers
Advocacy & Education
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Continue to provide assistance and outreach in their recovery, comfort and morale, and through advocacy, education and promotion of their circumstances.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
OPERATION WARD 57
Board of directorsas of 08/24/2021
Michael Murphy
No Affiliation
Doug Cox
PosterGiant
Lisa Heeter
Dream Vacations
Nelson Stewart
The American Rogues
Michael Murphy
Amanda Atkins
Siobhan Fuller
Susan Rowell
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes