On behalf of Drew’s family, we would like to thank everyone who visited the American Legion, Post 75 in Crestview on Aug. 6 for the Winkler’s Wish event. It was a benefit for Drew Winkler's boys and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) awareness.
We know Drew would have been proud of how things went. We believe he felt we honored him and every veteran who had their picture displayed as a visual reminder of just a fraction of veterans who lost their fight with PTSD in a matter of a few days.
Each veteran (22TooMany) was so much more than just a number — they had names and answered the call to fight in "war(s)" in another country. Someone here, left behind, loves them.
We believe Drew was smiling about the event — and even laughing during moments of total craziness.
First, we thank the American Legion, Post 75, for use of the entire Legion, including the grounds.
Thank You, Artie Rodriguez, and your band, Country Gold, for an AMAZING concert. Drew would have absolutely loved it.
Thank you, Lisa Ogden and Josiah Everett, for providing additional music for our guests’ enjoyment.
Thank you, Jeremy Fouquet, Jessica Fouquet and Jenilyn Troost-Mowery, who put a ridiculous amount of time into planning and setting everything in motion for this to be the success it was.
Thank you to all of Drew's family members (Rick Winkler, Corey Winkler, Irmma Winkler, Craig Winkler and Anissa Marie Thompson), who helped wherever sent by Mom, and even wore tie-dye shirts (especially the guys).
Thank you, Jamie Custer, for bringing your and Drew's sons out so everyone could see how beautiful and amazing they are (Nana is WAY partial).
Thank you, MaryAnn Basilio and Cris Basilio, for running the raffle, and DJ Mike for walking the grounds doing mobile ticket sales for the raffle.
Thank you to Byron Campbell and his son, Trevor, for coming Friday night to help set up the concert hall for Artie Rodriguez’s concert.
To any of Drew's other friends and co-workers who may have been forgotten by name, we thank every one of you just as much.
Thank you to the Crestview Fire Department for sending a fire truck with Capt. Michael Waterman, Lt. Scott Cook and firefighters Rick Lara-Navarro and David Griggs.
Thank you to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office for allowing Deputies Derek York and Zach Putnam, with their canines and their Strategic Response Team vehicle with Deputy Todd Schrader, to attend.
Thank you, Deputy Tony Rigdon and Bob Grappone, who kept a watchful eye over things.
Thank you to the Airman Leadership School class that showed up at 9 a.m. to set things up, and then did whatever else was needed.
We apologize if there is anyone else we have forgotten, because all your help was definitely appreciated. We had incredible support from several groups and organizations that provide services or support for veterans; these included: Veteran Angel Organization, Healing Paws for Warriors, Inc., Panhandle Warrior Partnership, and 22 Too Many.
We want to send a special thanks to George Eshleman from Unified Warrior Foundation, who set up the Winkler's Wish: 22 to 0 Facebook page for our family, and continues to provide support and encouragement while carrying Drew’s nametape on his trek back from the Appalachian Trail.
We also had an amazing amount of donors for the raffle. They included: It’s All About You Massage & Day Spa; Riviera Fitness Center; Bed, Bath & Beyond; Emerald Coast Harley Davidson; Scentsy; Foxwood; AMC Theatres; Tractor Supply Co.; Aegean Restaurant; Uncle Bucks Fishbowl & Grill; Charidy Krouse Photography; Express Oil Change; Sheraton Hotels & Resorts; Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy Fort Walton Beach; Lowe’s; Joey the Jeweler; Sephora; Johnny O’Quigley’s; G Man On-The-Go; Kevin Hand; Charles Reynolds; Cowboy Eddie; Holly Baez Morris; Baker Block Museum; Rasbeck Family; David Richardson; Space Walk of Crestview and Fort Walton Beach; Wild Willy’s; Rolling Easy; Abraphotocadabra; Effort and Time Massage; Destin Commons; Ohana by Design; Big Red Truck; Bote; Walmart; Pawsitively Scrumptious; Gulfarium; Cash’s, Extreme Concepts; Perfect Fit 24-7; Hideaway Pizza; Stewby’s; DJ Mike; Jami Schaeffer Photography; White Sands Tanning and Hair Studio; The Marquis Cinema; Carrabba’s; Big Kahuna’s; Grey Tactical; Leitz Music; AJ’s; and Float Brothers.
We sincerely hope that this event was just the beginning of many more to come in our endeavor to establish Winkler's Wish Foundation, and bring increased awareness to the battle our veterans with PTSD struggle with every day, often times in silence, feeling helplessly alone.
Drew Winkler, you will never be forgotten, and we will never give up in our mission to keep the promises we made to you.
We will now fight your fight, and that of all veterans needing help. Your future foundation will be there for every veteran who, although seeking help from the VA, still lacks the help and care promised; or finds it nearly impossible to get access to the VA for mental health care appointments, so they may once again be healthy and victorious in taking back their lives.
Drew ~ FLY FREE.
Rebecca Winkler (Drew’s Mom)
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Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that the boy in the photo is Drew's stepson; in fact, he's Drew's son.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Veteran's mom thanks Crestview area for support