Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County
Nurturing the Dreams of Fallen Heroes’ Children
In this heartwarming episode of "Beyond the Dais," host Scott Anderson sits down with Joe Lewis, the founder and CEO of Angels of America's Fallen, who was recently honored as the 2023 El Paso County Veteran of the Year. The conversation delves into Joe's inspiring journey and the remarkable impact his organization is having on children who have experienced the profound loss of a military or first responder parent.
The Genesis of Angels of America's Fallen: Joe Lewis's deep connection to the military began at a young age. With a father who served in Vietnam, followed by his own service in multiple branches of the military—including the Army National Guard, the Marine Corps, and the Air National Guard—Lewis knows firsthand the sacrifices made by military families. It was the loss of his friends in various branches and witnessing the struggles their families faced that ignited the idea for Angels of America's Fallen.
In 2013, Lewis turned his vision into reality by establishing the organization as a 501(c)(3), with a mission to support the children of fallen military and first responders. His goal was simple yet profound: to help these children pursue their dreams and passions despite the tremendous loss they had suffered.
Building Strong Foundations through Community Connections: The foundation of Angels of America's Fallen is built on collaboration with other supportive organizations. Throughout the interview, Lewis highlights key partnerships that have been instrumental in aiding their mission. The Fort Carson Survivor Outreach Services Office and Mount Carmel Veteran Service Center are just a few examples of the vital connections that help families when they need it the most.
One of the standout collaborations mentioned in the episode is with Victory Service Dogs. Together, they provided a service dog to a young girl who had gone through a traumatic experience. This partnership underscores the holistic approach taken by Angels of America's Fallen to support both emotional and physical healing.
Supporting Dreams and Passion Projects: One of the defining features of Angels of America’s Fallen is their commitment to nurturing the dreams of children through enrollment in activities they're passionate about. Whether it's sports, music, arts, or other healthy pursuits, the organization ensures continued support up to the age of 19.
Host Scott Anderson shared his own experiences of how sports and music played a crucial role in his life after losing his father. This personal connection resonated deeply with the mission of Lewis's organization, emphasizing the importance of maintaining engagement in meaningful activities for these children.
Stories of Hope and Resilience: The interview is rich with touching, real-life stories that exemplify the impact of Angels of America's Fallen. From a boy who courageously sang the national anthem to a girl who started her own baking company, each narrative underscores resilience and the transformative power of support.
Lewis recounted the inspiring journey of a girl pursuing forensic psychology and global security at Embry-Riddle University. Despite pausing her successful cookie business, she exemplifies how the support from Angels of America's Fallen can propel children towards ambitious goals, providing them with the tools to create bright futures.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, another young girl in Georgia developed severe anorexia. Through the support and new interest in personal chef endeavors fostered by equestrian therapy, she found a path to recovery, highlighting the organization’s ability to adapt and provide crucial support during challenging times.
Veteran of the Year: Joe Lewis was humble yet deeply honored to be named the 2023 El Paso County Veteran of the Year. He attributes this recognition to the collective effort of the supportive community in El Paso County, including the military, local businesses, and first responders. His story about a young boy whose father, a police officer, was killed in unusual circumstances further illustrates the comprehensive support that Angels of America’s Fallen extends beyond military families to include all first responders.
An Ongoing Need for Community Support: Lewis passionately emphasized the continued need for community involvement and support for the families served by Angels of America’s Fallen. He called on listeners to engage in various ways, from sharing social media posts to providing necessary resources. The organization’s work is a testament to the power of community and the collective commitment to uplift children as they navigate their grief and pursue their passions.
The episode is a poignant reminder of the profound impact that focused support can have on families who have lost a military or first responder parent. Through engaging in sports, music, arts, and other meaningful activities, Angels of America's Fallen provides hope and fosters resilience.