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Our First Wish - GrantedOn the evening on Saturday, June 13th 2015. The Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes For Heroes, granted it's "First Wish". Tony & Kelly Barrett alerted us to the needs of a local Military Veteran in need of a wish. Mark Corradino - MSGT, USAF. A Veteran of several tours serving our country in the middle east, Mark is battling several medical issues as well as the VA for appropriate benefits. Mark Is shown here with friends Tony and Kelly Barrett with a check for $2,000 presented to him from Denis V. Cooper Foundation, to assist Mark with his wish for appropriate and needed housing for himself and his daughter.
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Wish For Navy Hero Granted
During the season of giving, the military nonprofit, Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes For Heroes was honored to grant another wish to a true local HERO. Lt. William Payne, US Navy. Lt Payne is in the early stages of Alzheimer's and needs to move with wife Betty to a facility to help with his care. After receiving no reply from Wounded Warrior, Injured Warrior or any other national organization, we were contacted. Thanks to our amazing donors, Denis V. Cooper Foundation was proud to present this check for $3,245 to Lt. William & Betty Payne of Bradenton.
During the season of giving, the military nonprofit, Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes For Heroes was honored to grant another wish to a true local HERO. Lt. William Payne, US Navy. Lt Payne is in the early stages of Alzheimer's and needs to move with wife Betty to a facility to help with his care. After receiving no reply from Wounded Warrior, Injured Warrior or any other national organization, we were contacted. Thanks to our amazing donors, Denis V. Cooper Foundation was proud to present this check for $3,245 to Lt. William & Betty Payne of Bradenton.
A Families Wish For Their Hero - Granted
This was the "wish request" we received from the daughter of WWII Veteran, 1st Lieutenant Tommie F. Gillette, Jr … ... ... "In 1980, my Father passed away and there was no “local” veterans’ cemetery. It has been a dream of ours, since Sarasota National Cemetery opened to have dad relocated there. Over the years, there has been a decline in care at the cemetery where he has been, his grave has even been vandalized. Being at the National Cemetery dad will get the care and respect he deserves, in to perpetuity. The relocation costs came to over $4700.00, so with personal savings as well as a Go Fund Me campaign, we raised a little over half the funds….but it wasn’t looking like we would meet our goal any time soon. My personal wish was to make this happen this year for Father’s day (by 6/19.16). However, thanks to the Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes for Heroes this wish did come true … Thanks to your donation of $2,165... A committal Service with Military Honors took place for my Father, 1st Lieutenant Tommie F. Gillette, Jr … at the Sarasota National Cemetery, on “Father’s Day Friday” June 17, 2016. Thank you Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes for Heroes for granting our wish, hugs & much love to all of you!" ... Sincerely - Marie Gillette Huskins (proud daughter of WWII Veteran, 1st Lieutenant Tommie F. Gillette, Jr)
Wish For World War II Hero Granted
Front and Center is Lt. Milli Linn - US Army, a WWII Veteran who lives in Sarasota and was stationed at Pearl Harbor, just a year after It was attacked. Milli is 94 years young and still volunteers one day a week at our Sarasota National Cemetery. When we met Mill, we told her about our Military Wish granting Foundation. When asked if she had a wish we could grant, she said no. But then said yes, she wanted to a BBQ lunch for all of her fellow volunteers at the cemetery.
Thanks to our generous donors and supporters, we were able to grant Lt. Milli Linn's Wish.
Front and Center is Lt. Milli Linn - US Army, a WWII Veteran who lives in Sarasota and was stationed at Pearl Harbor, just a year after It was attacked. Milli is 94 years young and still volunteers one day a week at our Sarasota National Cemetery. When we met Mill, we told her about our Military Wish granting Foundation. When asked if she had a wish we could grant, she said no. But then said yes, she wanted to a BBQ lunch for all of her fellow volunteers at the cemetery.
Thanks to our generous donors and supporters, we were able to grant Lt. Milli Linn's Wish.
Wish For Hero and Wife Granted
Thanks to our amazing donors, we have been able to grant another wish to a local military family. Sgt. Tom Woodgeard - US Army, was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. His wife Margie contacted us with a Wish Request. A trip to Tom's hometown of Lancaster, Ohio so Tom could see his family and friends. We were honored to provide this American Hero and his wife an all expenses paid trip last month to Ohio so they could see, hug and kiss the ones they love.
Wish For Hero, a Pearl Harbor Survivor Granted
We have no words. National September 11 Memorial & Museum shared our wish grantee's wish on their YouTube page. Humbled by ALL the support for Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes for Heroes and our mission to support our veterans and their families! Thank You for allowing us to grant Cpl. John Seelie, Pearl Harbor Survivor from Englewood, FL his wish of being the first Pearl Harbor survivor to pay his respects at Ground Zero in New York City...
Cpl. Seelie had an amazing time and wanted to share his sincere and humble thanks to everyone who has supported Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes For Heroes, and allowed his Wish to come true.
Cpl. Seelie had an amazing time and wanted to share his sincere and humble thanks to everyone who has supported Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes For Heroes, and allowed his Wish to come true.
Thank you to the Herald-Tribune for the coverage of our Wish Grantee and his historic wish...
(Click this link to read more)
www.heraldtribune.com/news/20170530/pearl-harbor-survivor-returns-from-ground-zero
Wish For Army Hero
and Her Daughter
We received a “wish request” from a local US Army Veteran whose home sustained damage during Hurricane Irma. Through Insurance and the help of her friends, almost all had been replaced. The last item she was in need of, was a new mattress for her daughter.
Thank you to Ricardo and his team of Thomas & Mike at Half Price Mattress Sarasota. They provided an awesome mattress at their cost to this family. All this was made possible by our amazing supporters and donors.
and Her Daughter
We received a “wish request” from a local US Army Veteran whose home sustained damage during Hurricane Irma. Through Insurance and the help of her friends, almost all had been replaced. The last item she was in need of, was a new mattress for her daughter.
Thank you to Ricardo and his team of Thomas & Mike at Half Price Mattress Sarasota. They provided an awesome mattress at their cost to this family. All this was made possible by our amazing supporters and donors.
Storm Debris Removal, Wish For Hero Granted
Sgt. Bob Bowermaster - USMC, a Vietnam Veteran who lives in Bradenton had a lot of debris from several trees on his property associated with Hurricane Irma. LaVonne Bower with the fantastic non-profit www.PawsAndWarriors.org told us about Sgt. Bowermaster. We met with him in February. He had been cleaning up the debris of several very large trees by himself with a small chainsaw, since last September. Thanks to the amazing generosity of our donors, we able to grant this Heroes Wish and remove all the storm debris, as well as a few threatening trees.
World War II Hero - Wish For New Roof Granted
When we created Denis V Cooper Foundation, our goal was to help where we could. Meet Sgt. Clarence Addy, United States Air Force, a B-17 lower ball turret gunner in WWII, he flew many combat missions against Nazi Germany. Clarence is 94 years old and lives in Sarasota. His friend Dale Alyward nominated him to receive a “wish”. Clarence’s roof was in bad shape and needed to be replaced. Thanks to our wonderful supporters, we were able to grant this Heroes Wish. What a treasure he is. His personality lights up a room.
Bringing Back a Smile, to a World War II Hero
Meet Chief Bill Cheeseman - US Navy, a World War II Veteran from Sarasota. He is 98 years young This Hero can’t stop smiling, because after years of the VA turning him down for dental care, he now has his pearly whites back. Thanks to our amazing Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes for Heroes supporters, we were able to take care of his needed dental work. The Chief says he cant wait to have a steak dinner for the first time in years. Your support allows us to continue to grant #WishesForHeroes like this for Chief Cheeseman.
Never Forgetting a Vietnam Veteran Hero
Sgt. Andy Hooker - US Army from Sarasota in winter and spring of 2019 battled a cancer diagnosis that spread quickly. His Wish, attend a Tampa Bay Lightning game. After we were able to set up a first class experience, Andy’s wife Cindy had to cancel, as Andy became gravely ill. We lost Andy, soon after. Andy’s favorite player, #88 goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. To assure Andy is never forgotten we presented his wife Cindy, a framed jersey with his name on a number 88 jersey, that also included a custom nameplate honoring Andy!
Granting a Wish for the Daughter of a Hero
In March 2020, We received this letter from April Pyle, of Bradenton
Ariana Smith, is our new daughter. Ariana is a three and one half year member of JROTC and student at Manatee High School. Her Father is a United States Marine, who served two tours in the Middle East. Due to circumstances beyond her control, a week before her 18th birthday she began staying with us. She is my daughter's friend. Upon returning to school she was so far behind they suggested it might be easier to get her GED - I refused to let this girl who had worked so hard except this. She is now on track to graduate from Manatee High this year! We have had her since January 9th and she went back to her part time job just a few days later. I asked her if she would be interested in college? She said, Yes!
She would love to become a child psychologist, we are working towards The State College of Florida, then who knows. Ariana has done well with us but our need is transportation for her work and school and hopefully college in the fall. We can only give her a safe home and the positive inspiration to work hard. Our goal is to inspire her to be a self sufficient young lady . Her future is once again bright and meaningful!
Thank you
April Pyle
Ariana Smith, is our new daughter. Ariana is a three and one half year member of JROTC and student at Manatee High School. Her Father is a United States Marine, who served two tours in the Middle East. Due to circumstances beyond her control, a week before her 18th birthday she began staying with us. She is my daughter's friend. Upon returning to school she was so far behind they suggested it might be easier to get her GED - I refused to let this girl who had worked so hard except this. She is now on track to graduate from Manatee High this year! We have had her since January 9th and she went back to her part time job just a few days later. I asked her if she would be interested in college? She said, Yes!
She would love to become a child psychologist, we are working towards The State College of Florida, then who knows. Ariana has done well with us but our need is transportation for her work and school and hopefully college in the fall. We can only give her a safe home and the positive inspiration to work hard. Our goal is to inspire her to be a self sufficient young lady . Her future is once again bright and meaningful!
Thank you
April Pyle
Thanks to our amazing Denis V. Cooper Foundation supporters, we were able to present (Ariana Smith) daughter of a True American Hero, with a FREE gently used car, so she can get to work, school and begin her road to an amazing future. We appreciate you allowing us to grant "Wishes For Heroes" and their families.
Bringing a Hero's Family Together
YOUR amazing support made this wish possible in early 2021. We grant #WishesForHeroes and change lives, all thanks to YOU, our incredible supporters. Air Force Veteran & Bradenton resident Kenroy Simmons, needed to move his Mother to Florida from her home in New York City due to health reasons. Mom would be moving in with Kenroy. However, they needed the funds, to move her and her belongings from New York to Florida. Moving costs during the COVID-19 pandemic skyrocketed. These smiles were made possible after we reunited them and granted that wish. Thank you for your service Kenroy Simmons!
A New Smile for a Hero
We started Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes for Heroes to serve members of our military & their families. Sgt. Denis V. Cooper - USMC, was forgotten by the system. Our amazing supporters allow us to assist as many Veterans as we can, by granting #WishesForHeroes . Steve Boles is a Navy Veteran from Venice, Florida who served our county proudly. He now no longer has to fight the VA for dental care. Check out his new smile. Thank you to our incredible donors, who made this possible. As well as a Very Special Thank You to Venice Implant Dentistry and Laser and Dr. Parker Mitchell!
A New Roof on the Home of a Vietnam Veteran
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The Sheffield family from Sarasota lives in their long time family home. Sgt. Horras Sheffield is a United States Marine that was injured in Vietnam (receiving a Purple Heart) and he was sent home due to those injuries. When he recovered and was able to return to his home town of Sarasota, Horras and his wife, Willie Mae, bought this home.
They have been a staple in our community, with Willie Mae being an integral part of our local education system. When we found out this disabled veteran and his wife were struggling to replace their roof, we knew Denis V Cooper Foundation had to help.
Granting this Hero’s wish of a new roof for him and his family was what we needed to do for a veteran that volunteered to serve with the goal of spreading freedom
They have been a staple in our community, with Willie Mae being an integral part of our local education system. When we found out this disabled veteran and his wife were struggling to replace their roof, we knew Denis V Cooper Foundation had to help.
Granting this Hero’s wish of a new roof for him and his family was what we needed to do for a veteran that volunteered to serve with the goal of spreading freedom
Read more about this Hero and his wonderful family, in this article from The Herald Tribune, at link below.
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2021/10/30/denis-v-cooper-foundation-and-kingdom-roofing-help-veteran/8579312002/
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2021/10/30/denis-v-cooper-foundation-and-kingdom-roofing-help-veteran/8579312002/
A Flagpole Installed for a WWII Hero on His 100th Birthday
This is WWII Veteran. PFC - John LoSecco - US Army Air Force, he recently turned 100 years old. He served before the actual US Air Force was its own separate branch of the military.
On his birthday in February 2023, we presented him with a few gifts. We put some of his medals and awards in 2 shadow boxes to allow to display those in his home. We also found his 8th and 9th US Army Air Force Unit Hats, and we presented him, each of those rare hats, which he now wears with pride!
His wish to have a Flagpole installed in his front yard of his Sarasota home was completed in April 2023. This Hero lives alone and still has a vice grip for a hand shake. His family stops by every other day to spend time with him. Thank you to all who support Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes for Heroes thus allowing us to grant this Hero's wish.
On his birthday in February 2023, we presented him with a few gifts. We put some of his medals and awards in 2 shadow boxes to allow to display those in his home. We also found his 8th and 9th US Army Air Force Unit Hats, and we presented him, each of those rare hats, which he now wears with pride!
His wish to have a Flagpole installed in his front yard of his Sarasota home was completed in April 2023. This Hero lives alone and still has a vice grip for a hand shake. His family stops by every other day to spend time with him. Thank you to all who support Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes for Heroes thus allowing us to grant this Hero's wish.
93 Year Old Sarasota Army Veteran
Attends His First Major League Baseball Game
Attends His First Major League Baseball Game
Thank you Tampa Bay Rays for an amazing night. Our friend Todd Hughes with Veterans Services, Goodwill Manasota asked Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes for Heroes if we might be able to grant a wish for his friend, Tom Halliwell.
Tom is 93 years old and served in the Army stateside during WWII. He has lived in the Sarasota area for years.
Tom is a big Rays fan. He’s never been to a professional baseball game. We reached out to see if they would grant Tom’s wish of attending a game. Not only did The Tampa Bay Rays, give Tom tickets. He had on-field passes to watch batting practice. He was featured on the Jumbotron for his service to our country in the 2nd inning and got a standing ovation.
Then to close it out, he lead the stadium in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in the 7th inning.
The Tampa Bay Rays are simply First Class!
Tom is 93 years old and served in the Army stateside during WWII. He has lived in the Sarasota area for years.
Tom is a big Rays fan. He’s never been to a professional baseball game. We reached out to see if they would grant Tom’s wish of attending a game. Not only did The Tampa Bay Rays, give Tom tickets. He had on-field passes to watch batting practice. He was featured on the Jumbotron for his service to our country in the 2nd inning and got a standing ovation.
Then to close it out, he lead the stadium in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in the 7th inning.
The Tampa Bay Rays are simply First Class!
Watch the Videos Below to see a few of the highlights of Tom's Big Night. (Video on the Left ) Watch as Tom is introduced as "The Hero of the Game" . In the Video below on the right, watch as Tom leads the Rays Home crowd in the 7th Inning stretch singing of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame".
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WWII Cadet Nurse in Sarasota
Gets Home Repaired in Time for Her 100th Birthday
Gets Home Repaired in Time for Her 100th Birthday
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Meet WWII Cadet Nurse Thelma Gulden. Her Sarasota home was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian, during the Fall of 2022. She had been displaced since last September 2022, as her home needed major repairs. Our nonprofit, Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes For Heroes wanted to help, when we learned about her situation.
Thelma lost her husband in 2020, as he was also a Hero who served our country fighting on the Beaches of Normandy during WWII.
Thelma turned 100 Years Old. on June 10th, 2023. Our Foundation's goal was to get her back in her home by this magical day.
We love collaborating with those who share our vision of selflessly helping otters.
Thanks to some incredible people, donating their time, money and showing amazing kindness, we got it done.
Joey Olivieri with Oliveri Construction and Owner of The OC Racing Offshore Powerboat Race Team. YOU are amazing.
Joey was able to completely repair the interior damage, of Thelma's home. Donating ALL of his services.
Huge Thanks, also go to our friends with the great nonprofit SRQ VETS and their entire team, including Rob Kehs and William Anthony. SRQ Vets built an entire brand new beautiful wheelchair ramp. ALL at their expense. On top of that Navy Veteran Rob Kehs, worked hard to secure a donation of new luxury valyl flooring, all donated for Thelma's home.
Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes For Heroes, says we Love, Love, Love ALL of You!
Thelma lost her husband in 2020, as he was also a Hero who served our country fighting on the Beaches of Normandy during WWII.
Thelma turned 100 Years Old. on June 10th, 2023. Our Foundation's goal was to get her back in her home by this magical day.
We love collaborating with those who share our vision of selflessly helping otters.
Thanks to some incredible people, donating their time, money and showing amazing kindness, we got it done.
Joey Olivieri with Oliveri Construction and Owner of The OC Racing Offshore Powerboat Race Team. YOU are amazing.
Joey was able to completely repair the interior damage, of Thelma's home. Donating ALL of his services.
Huge Thanks, also go to our friends with the great nonprofit SRQ VETS and their entire team, including Rob Kehs and William Anthony. SRQ Vets built an entire brand new beautiful wheelchair ramp. ALL at their expense. On top of that Navy Veteran Rob Kehs, worked hard to secure a donation of new luxury valyl flooring, all donated for Thelma's home.
Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes For Heroes, says we Love, Love, Love ALL of You!
Sarasota Resident and United States Air Force Veteran
Willie Shaw Has Wish Granted and Receives
a Much Needed New Roof For His Home at No Cost
Willie Shaw Has Wish Granted and Receives
a Much Needed New Roof For His Home at No Cost
The Fantastic team at Richardson Stinton Roofing in Manatee and Sarasota County donated all the labor and also coordinated the entire project. They then brought in the wonderful team at Beacon Residential Building Products in Palmetto, who donated the majority of the supplies for this roof and this wish to be completed. Our incredible Foundation supporters handled the rest, to honor this American Hero! Picture Above, from Left to Right, Steve Hopkins - Founding Denis V. Cooper Foundation, Board Member. USAF Veteran - Willie Shaw, Dre - Assistant Manager at Beacon, and Chase Richardson - VP Operations at Richardson Stinton Roofing.
Combat Vietnam Veteran and United States Air Force Veteran, David Oliver from Sarasota, Battling a Terminal Illness
Has His Wish Granted and Receives His First Ride
in a Helicopter, Since his Service inn Vietnam
Has His Wish Granted and Receives His First Ride
in a Helicopter, Since his Service inn Vietnam
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The family of Staff Sergeant David Oliver a UASF, Vietnam Veteran, reached out to Denis V. Cooper Foundation - Wishes for Heroes for a Wish.
This Hero bravely fought a terminal illness. His family asked if we would grant his wish, of getting back in a helicopter. He hadn’t been in one, since Vietnam.
Absolutely, Yes!
This was all made possible by your donations and our incredible volunteer Beth Ritchie. She reached out to Florida Suncoast Helicopters, based at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. They made the experience extra special.
This became extra special for the family, as less than 2 weeks after receiving this wish, Sgt. Oliver lost his battle.
This Hero bravely fought a terminal illness. His family asked if we would grant his wish, of getting back in a helicopter. He hadn’t been in one, since Vietnam.
Absolutely, Yes!
This was all made possible by your donations and our incredible volunteer Beth Ritchie. She reached out to Florida Suncoast Helicopters, based at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. They made the experience extra special.
This became extra special for the family, as less than 2 weeks after receiving this wish, Sgt. Oliver lost his battle.
Sarasota Navy Veteran Who Always Helps Others,
Receives a Year of Free Power and So Much More
Receives a Year of Free Power and So Much More
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