renderings provided by Purple Heart Integration Project
As we all celebrate veterans and their sacrifices this month, the Purple Heart Integration Project is going above and beyond by lending a helping hand. Founded in 2018 by Ted Acheson, Michael Terry, and Conley Giles, this society specifically helps members of the Armed Forces who have been injured while on active duty.
When Georgetown became the first Purple Heart City in Texas, the three friends saw an opportunity to give back. The Project provides a method and the means for those who have received a Purple Heart to rehabilitate and reclaim their independence.
THE MISSION
As a first step, the three founders purchased a 17-acre parcel in southeast Georgetown (at right) to house a complete rehabilitation and training center for veterans. Michael says, “The idea was that veterans could spend 6-18 months in that facility, during which we would provide life and work skills training and continued rehabilitation.”
In addition to the center, they plan to build an on-site clinic, plus housing and training facilities specifically built for injured or handicapped veterans. To complement the training and therapy, they hope to include a public raised garden the veterans will maintain to help sustain the center.
In 2020, pandemic changes put their plans on hold, but Ted, Michael, and Conley are persevering as volunteers, working with experts and potential donors. “Our first goal was a focus on securing the property,” Conley says. “But, moving forward, Purple Heart is really about what we can do to encourage people to rally behind us.”
PLAN B
Michael and Conley have not let the loss of their original vision discourage them; the idea of a piece of property being converted into a rehabilitation center is far from lost. In the meantime, they are giving all they can to help Purple Heart veterans.
Right now, the organization has ongoing, local silent auctions for military, sports, and entertainment memorabilia on their website, which has been redesigned to enable easy fundraising. Anyone, regardless of location, may go online to bid on these items, while supporting local veterans. The intent is that this auction system will create more opportunities for support and resources to help those who fought for our nation become completely self-sufficient.
The website can also accept cash donations if supporters choose to donate directly. “There’s no amount too large,” Michael says.
Despite their setbacks, the founders have one major cause for celebration—obtaining 501(c)3 status, which provides benefits to donors and opens major doors that were previously closed.
FUTURE GROWTH
Michael, a veteran who led 20,000 troops in Iraq in 2007, is being honored by Congressman John Carter with a special Veteran Commendation. Not only will this honor acknowledge his bravery and service, it will also shed state and national light on the Integration Project. They will also have a chance to discuss their goals with the Veteran’s Administration of Central Texas.
GET INVOLVED
This month, the Purple Heart Integration Project is excited to announce their second pickleball tournament scheduled for February 2022. Men and women, age 50 and up, are invited to participate; registration is open now on their website. This event is a fundraiser and proceeds will be donated to the Project to support veteran programs.
Thanks to Congressman Carter and the perseverance of these three friends, a dream previously only in their own hearts is now having a positive impact on some of our nation’s heroes and their livelihood. While this journey has taken many twists and turns, the dream of providing a place for Purple Heart veterans to heal and learn is alive.
Their online fundraising and upcoming pickleball tournament will help raise money for these veterans even as the Project continues to reach for its dream of a facility.
Georgetown rallied together once to make us a Purple Heart City; it is now rallying again to celebrate a project that will provide positive impact for generations. Click for information; registration will be open in November.