The Wounded Heroes Fund (WHF) will bring the community together on Saturday, October 10, at 6 p.m. at The Horse Ranch for its annual signature event, “An Evening with an American Hero.” The special evening will honor courage, service, and sacrifice while raising support for local veterans and their families.

This year’s honorary speaker is Wesley Leon, the first veteran the WHF helped 17 years ago. His story represents bravery and resilience, and he has spoken at more than 1,000 events, inspiring others. Today, he is a business leader, public speaker, philanthropist, athlete, and community leader.

At 18, Leon joined the U.S. Army. He served three tours in Iraq with the prestigious 101st Airborne Division as a machine gunner and team leader. During his final deployment, an improvised explosive device (IED) changed his life forever. Wesley lost both of his legs. His story reminds us that the hardest battle isn’t always fought overseas. Sometimes, the battle begins after coming home.

Twenty-five years ago, following the attacks of September 11, thousands of Americans answered the call to serve. For many veterans, military service changed their lives, and returning home brought new challenges. Veterans may need help accessing resources, managing new circumstances, supporting a family, finding financial well-being, and adjusting to civilian life. WHF supports local veterans and their families through these transitions.

The organization’s history began in early 2009, when Mike and Wendy Porter invited a handful of close friends to dinner. Around the dining room table, they shared an idea: help a local veteran and his family. The group planned a one-time dinner-and-concert fundraiser called “Salute to Our Local Heroes.” What was intended to be a single event became something much larger. Mike, Wendy, their friends, and the community recognized a significant gap in support for young veteran families moving from military to civilian life.

For Wendy, the mission is personal. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, she grew up knowing firsthand what it was like for a veteran and his family to receive little support. That experience fueled the organization’s pledge to ensure today’s veterans have a community they can turn to. WHF’s core values—Integrity, Personal Fortitude, Professionalism, Respect for All, and Commitment to Community—are at the center of everything it does.

WHF provides a variety of programs designed to support veterans and their families. Therapeutic opportunities include outdoor retreats with Regimen Ruck and equine therapy through Stable Forces, and support groups. Family programs include three to four family-focused activities each year, four date nights, and a female veteran group. The organization also provides financial assistance and financial management education.

At its heart, WHF seeks to be a helping hand for veterans returning home who may not know whom to trust or where to turn for assistance. The organization is also taking active measures to help prevent veteran suicides by creating connections, providing resources, and reminding veterans that they have not been forgotten.

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IF YOU GO:

OCTOBER 10, SATURDAY, 10 PM

The Horse Ranch, Bakersfield, CA

To purchase tickets or make a donation, text HONOR to 366283, visit www.thewoundedheroesfund.com, or call 661-328-8600.