DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM

Defenders of Freedom was started in 2004 by Donna Cranston. Her son, Matt, was deployed at the time. She was greeting troops at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport each day as they landed to begin their two week leave from the Middle East. After meeting many troops who were not getting care packages she decided to start Defenders of Freedom as a way to connect the community to the troops. As the wars prolonged and many more were coming home wounded, they started helping the wounded troops with emergency financial assistance as they waited for benefits to start. Today they help many Veterans with unseen injuries and other Veterans who struggle with the transition to civilian life. They will pay necessary bills and are also helping cover the costs of brain treatments with partners they have deemed to be making a difference for brain injuries.