Nate Watson, 34-year-old Georgia native, never has a dull moment. Not only is Watson a full time student at KSU, he is also a husband, father, Army veteran and vice president of Georgia’s Wounded Heroes. Dedicated to “serving those who have served us,” Watson is wrapping up his final semester at KSU by taking on monumental challenges and expanding his organization to help more wounded heroes than ever before.
Watson was injured in northern Afghanistan in 2009 when his brigade came under fire from a Taliban ambush. The sniper, shot through the left forearm, continued to fire rounds until his convoy could reach safety. After being helicoptered out to receive treatment, Watson learned that he had sustained serious nerve damage and would lose the use of his left hand.
Three years after returning home, Watson co-founded Georgia’s Wounded Heroes with President Brian Brakefield. The non-profit organization is dedicated to helping the red, blue and green – firefighters, police officers and soldiers injured in the line of duty.
The organization’s services range from financial assistance to home modification for those in need. “Our goal is to assist them before they even know that they need help. We want to be at the hospital to greet them with a check,” Watson says.
94 percent of all Georgia’s Wounded Heroes profits go directly to aid wounded heroes. “It’s important for us to keep overhead costs as low as possible. We want to help as many as we can. I don’t get paid anything,”Watson chuckles.
Georgia’s Wounded Heroes has high hopes for expansion in the coming years, copyrighting names in all 50 states. “We have big plans for the future,” Watson says.
Georgia’s Wounded Heroes recently expanded their support to provide service dogs for injured heroes. These “mobility dogs” are trained to provide balance and stability for those who are wheelchair dependent or mobility bound. The organization is currently training three Cane Corsos, who are expected to be ready for their new families mid-2014.
While others commemorated the recent 9/11 anniversary by lighting candles or attending memorials, Watson had other ideas. A feat for those with full movement in both hands, Watson and a group of war veterans set out to climb the intimidating Half Dome at Yosemite National Park. Towering at nearly 9,000 feet, Half Dome is one of the most dangerous and difficult climbs in the park.
Among the veterans were Andrew Sullens, who lost his right leg in Afghanistan after his convoy rolled over an IED, and Steve Baskis, who lost his eyesight in a bomb blast in Iraq. After more than 10 hours of climbing, Watson using his left arm for balance and Sullens with his prosthetic leg strapped to his waist, the veterans reached the summit. “I am so grateful for the experience. The view was amazing but the climb was even better,”Watson says.
Georgia’s Wounded Heroes recent event, the Heroes Half Marathon, was hosted on Sept. 14 at Camp Fortson in Hampton, Ga. Among the 75 runners, some clad in uniform, others carrying American flags, were Team Syotos, who completed the 13.1 mile run in gas masks.
Watson was a first-time member of Team Syotos, which stands for “see you on the other side.”The gas masks, which reduce oxygen intake by up to 20 percent, are worn as a symbol to celebrate servicemen’s dedication and sacrifices. “It was an honor to run with those guys. I was thrilled to be able to do it,” Watson says.
Gas mask and all, Watson completed the run with a time of 1:59:04. “My goal was to finish in less than two hours. Not bad for an old man,”Watson laughs.
While the runners were treated to a post-race pancake breakfast, more than 200 motorcyclists were coming together to show support at the Heroes Memorial Ride. Following the events, an after party was held, where K-9 demonstrations, live music, food and prizes were enjoyed. The events raised more than $8,000 for Georgia’s Wounded Heroes.
On Sept. 26, the organization will host the Premier Restoration Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Eagle’s Landing Country Club. Last year, the event raised more than $100,000 for the charity of their choice – and this year, the proceeds will go to Georgia’s Wounded Heroes. “This is a huge opportunity for us; we are very excited to be a part of the event,”Watson says.
For more information about Georgia’s Wounded Heroes, including upcoming events and donations, visit their website at www.georgiaswoundedheroes.org.
