The first time I heard Ronny’s voice on the phone I began to picture a man in his fifties or sixties. I had imagined him hunched in a chair settling into old age, tired but still kicking. We began our conversation talking a little bit about Peggy from Operation First Response and all the things she had done for him and his family. Then he began to describe his war injuries. I found myself holding my breath as he described the loss of his right arm and the disfiguration of his face. Ronny had been burned over forty-five percent of his body, he’d lost his nose, most of his face had been severely burned and he only had the use of two fingers in his right hand.

On May 5, 2007, while driving through Iraq on duty with his two best friends, Ronny and his convoy were struck by an IED. He was the only survivor. He detailed the accident and the time spent in the VA hospital shortly thereafter, stuck in bed not really wanting to venture outside even when he was feeling up to it because of his distorted appearance. As he described these experiences I began to wonder how old he was.

Ronny joined the Marines when he was seventeen years old, he is now only twenty three. His mother and sister live with him in Texas. There are days when he cannot shower or even use the restroom without help. As much as his father tries to visit it can be difficult as they have a home in Maryland that they have not been able to sell and he must of course stay behind to be sure the mortgage gets paid. This is where Operation First Response stepped in.

Peggy Baker is the founder of Operation First Response (OFR). When needed OFR has provided Ronny’s parents with financial assistance so that they may spend less time worrying about how the mortgage will be paid and more time focused on helping Ronny. When I asked Ronny if I could call him again if needed in the future or if he had a picture I could use the only answer he ever gave me was, “Yes of course, anything for Ms. Peggy!” This twenty three year old wants nothing more than to reclaim his independence. OFR has been there and will continue to be there until that goal has been achieved.

Peggy Baker took the time to speak with us about Operation First Response and the work they do for our Veterans.

What is your primary goal and how do you hope to accomplish it?

OFR’s primary goal is to honor the service of our Military and to be a bridge for our wounded, injured and critically ill Service Members from the onset of injury or illness until they return to their communities as self sufficient, productive members. 

How long has Operation First Response been around?

Six years.

What sparked the idea for Operation First Response?

My son joined the Army after 9-11 and opened my eyes to the sacrifices made for each of us every day by the men and women of our great military.

All too often we go about our daily lives and do not even remotely understand that the moment the “Uniform” goes on the sacrifices begin and if injury should occur it is the responsibility of the recipients of their sacrifices to step up and care for them and their families.

From my son’s decision to defend his country came my need to support his efforts. I visited a friend whose son was injured at Walter Reed in 2003 and began going into Walter Reed regularly to visit and help in any way I could. I met many special people that had the same need to serve these amazing families. By late 2004 OFR became a 501 c 3 nonprofit and we have grown with dedicated volunteers and staff that have the honor of serving America’s finest Treasures.

Where does the funding come from?

A significant amount of our funds come from regular Americans across the nation. We have several corporate sponsors; you can see those on the sponsor page of the website. We have also been funded by the Bob Woodruff Family Fund and Disabled American Veterans.

How have you helped veterans and their families?

The staff of OFR has had the honor of working with our Nation’s Wounded Heroes and their families on a daily basis for several years.

3,282 Wounded Heroes and their families have received assistance with:

Mortgage and rent

Utilities

Vehicle payments

Groceries/gas

1,208 Wounded Heroes and their families have received air transportation.

1,083 Wounded Heroes and their families have received ground transportation and lodging.

6,569 OFR Backpacks have been sent to Combat Support Hospitals in Theatre.

Thousands of wounded Heroes and their family members have received emotional support. All have received the honor and respect that they so rightfully deserve!

We work closely with case workers across the nation that brings the needs of our Heroes and their families to us. Because of the support and generosity of our Volunteers and Donors we are able to meet thousands of those needs. Our caring and compassionate staff goes above and beyond to impress upon our Military our deep respect and gratefulness to each of them.

What challenges do you face when trying to help veterans and their families?

I would say our biggest challenge is funding, the amount of disabled Veterans returning to our communities is a huge number. We need significant backing to meet their needs.

How many people do you reach?

We have served nearly 6000 families with financial aid and many more with emotional support.

What are the biggest obstacles you face when trying to reach people?

Because our cases are brought to us in the largest percentage by VA case workers, social workers and chain of command we do not have any real obstacles in reaching those in need.

How can our readers get involved?

They are welcome to contact us via email at info@operationfirstresponse.org or call us at 888-289-0280 to inquire about our volunteer opportunities.

What message would you like to communicate to our readers?

We are a generous nation that is always ready to respond to other countries in need. We have a disaster in our own backyard, these are our children and they were willing to give all for each of us. We need to come forward just as they did when their country needed them. There are many ways to lighten their burdens.