How One Family Turned Passion Into Purpose

In 2011, Marc and Shirl Negus settled into their couch and enjoyed a peaceful moment at home, watching the news and talking about their day. This was a typical night for the couple who lives in a quaint Arizona town with their two dogs, Doc Beatty (named after a combat medic Marc served with) and Jordan. But it was also a night that would turn into a lifelong passion for an organization that serves those who served – Wounded Warrior Project^®.

After hearing about the organization on their go-to TV channels, they decided to learn more.

The couple has strong ties to the military community. Marc is a Vietnam veteran, and multiple family members, including their children, are veterans as well. The WWP™ mission is personal.

“As a veteran, I just really appreciate the work that’s being done,” said Marc.

At the time, Marc and Shirl knew so many men and women were sacrificing and coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq with visible and invisible wounds, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They wanted to help.

“We just saw that Wounded Warrior Project really serves with that holistic approach, and it’s the only organization that does it like this,” said Shirl. “The synergy among the different groups - within and outside Wounded Warrior Project - to address the needs are the kinds of things we look for when we’re wanting to give.”

Find out how you can support wounded warriors.

Continuing to Give

The Negus family began as WWP monthly donors in 2011. They spent the next 12 years continuing to learn about the free programs and services WWP provides warriors, family members, and caregivers.

One question kept popping up as they learned more about the organization: “If I were one of these warriors, or if one of my family members were a warrior, how would I like them to be treated?” That question led them to continue supporting WWP.

The Neguses decided to increase their giving to a more significant, annual donation starting in 2021. When the pandemic hit, they knew charitable giving was decreasing. But they also knew the WWP mission was more important than ever.

“The things that Wounded Warrior Project does for the wounded that come back from protecting our country are so important,” said Shirl. “It’s necessary what you do, but it’s also necessary what we do.”

The Impact

“They’re fueling the mission,” said Brea Kratzert Todd, WWP vice president of business development. “Not only monetarily, which we need and appreciate, but they’re fueling the mission through their passion and commitment.”

Donors and supporters are vital to WWP’s mission to honor and empower post-9/11 wounded veterans. Through their generosity, WWP provides free programs and services to meet the changing needs of wounded warriors and their families.

“There are so many ways to give. All we want to do is create that connection. We want to show donors and potential donors the real impact of what their donation could do,” said Brea.

In 2022, WWP invested nearly $250 million in programs that serve veterans, family members, and caregivers through mental and physical health and wellness services, career counseling, long-term rehabilitative care, and more. The impact of each and every donor is changing and saving lives, especially as the needs of those WWP serves continue to grow.

Contact: Kaitlyn McCue, Public Relations, kmccue@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.870.1964

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.