A few years ago, Executive Director Colonel John Folsom and Craig Pirtle were at a Christmas event at Bethesda Naval Hospital, where they had the opportunity to visit rooms and meet soldiers and their families. In one of the rooms was a young soldier who had deployed with the 2nd Infantry Division and attached to II Marine Expeditionary Force in al Anbar Province in 2005.
In a clearing operation, the young soldier entered a house only to have an IED detonate head-high. Although he was fortunate not to lose any limbs, he was severely brain-damaged.
When Colonel Folsom met him, his mother and sister were with him. His mother held his hand. Someone in our group had a guitar, and the group sang to him. Although he could not speak, his eyes registered a joy upon hearing us. In that moment, Colonel Folsom could not help but wonder what would happen to him. Certainly, his parents were young enough to look after him for now, but then what? What happens when they are gone?
The Dunham House will be the first-of-its-kind, transformational initiative for combat-wounded veterans in need of long-term residential-centered care for their wounds. The Dunham House model puts the focus on each veteran’s needs to ensure treatment, socialization, and
independence.
Our facility will sit on an 8.5-acre parcel within a scenic and pastoral 40-acre site in north Omaha, Nebraska, and allows for multi-phase construction. The complex will include housing and amenities to accommodate 30 veterans in a neighborhood center totaling approximately 27,000 square feet.
While serving with the 3rd Battalion 7th Marines, Corporal Jason L. Dunham was conducting vehicle searches at a checkpoint near Husaybah in al Anbar province, Iraq in April of 2004. After a vehicle was stopped, the driver leapt from his seat and attacked the Marines. In the ensuing struggle, the driver dropped a grenade. In a split-second decision, Jason deliberately covered an enemy grenade with his body, protecting those around him and ultimately saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. Jason was transported back to the U.S. and was hospitalized, but tragically, the injuries he sustained were too great, and he passed away 8 days later at the young age of 23. Jason was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. – Medal of Honor Citation
Executive Director Colonel John Folsom recognized that Jason’s selfless act truly embodied the spirit of his mission. He named the Dunham House after Jason to honor his life, service, and sacrifice and to set Jason as an example for future Marines and soldiers.
Colonel John D. Folsom started his career in the Marine Corps as a CH-46 helicopter pilot, serving in multiple overseas deployments in the Western Pacific, including Beirut in 1983. In 1986, he left active duty but remained in service as a member of the Marine Corps Reserves. Colonel Folsom was called back to active duty following the events of 9/11 and served in Iraq as an Air Boss at an operating base, where he oversaw Marine attack helicopters and Army Black Hawk medevac air birds.
During his time there, Colonel Folsom witnessed firsthand how the advanced operations and the dedicated crew and medical staff saved the lives of wounded soldiers, even in such a remote and isolated area, and he is thankful to have been a part of that.
Now retired, Colonel Folsom has turned his attention to a new act of service: The Dunham House. He is the driving force behind the mission to help give wounded combat veterans the dignified and independent lifestyle they deserve.
The Dunham House is an initiative and project development with Wounded Warriors Family
Support (WWFS) and will be part of WWFS programming and operational scope. The Dunham House is an independent nonprofit organization under the direction of a board of directors whose mission is to provide long-term care for combat-wounded veterans with moderate to severe TBIs and other polytrauma conditions. The Dunham House is an IRS 501c(3) public charity, July 23, 2020. WWFS is an independent nonprofit organization under the direction of a board of directors and is an IRS 501c(3) public charity, February 24, 2005.
The Dunham House is supported by proven leaders who make the mission happen.
Husch Blackwell, LLP, Senior Counsel
Independent Voting Member
Omaha, Nebraska
Captain, U.S. Army
2nd Infantry Division, 1968-70
He went on to serve as a member of the U.S House of Representatives (1980-87), mayor of Omaha Nebraska (1995-2001), member of the Social Security Advisory Board (2002) and a regent of the University of Nebraska of Nebraska (2012-19)
True North Hotel Group, Chairman and Founder
Independent Voting Member
Overland Park, Kansas
Liutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
USS Walker DD-517
1964-1968
Vietnam
Continued serving after active duty in Reserves Seabee Battalion 15 and Olathe Naval Air Wing
Art Jetter & Company
Treasurer & Secretary
Omaha, Nebraska
Captain, US Army 1968-1972
1970-1971 1st Air Calvary Division,
2/20th Aerial Rocket Artillery
F/79th Aerial Field Artillery, "Blue Max".
Art was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/393153
Dunham House
Executive Director
Omaha, Nebraska
Colonel Folsome was Called back to active duty following the events of 9/11 and subsequently deployed to Iraq in 2005 with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. As "Air Boss" at Camp Korean Village in western Anbar province, he oversaw all aspects of Marine Aviation, especially the operations of Marine attack and Army MEDEVAC helicopters. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service
https://valor.militartytimes.com/hero/5506
Take action today to support our troops and help us change the lives of combat-wounded veterans.
Donate Now