Distinguished Honorary Committee Assembles to Raise Awareness of National Dream-Granting Organization for Terminally-Ill Veterans

South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, Secretary, William F. Grimsley Among Esteemed Group

Santa Barbara, Calif. – Dream Foundation, the only national Dream-granting organization for terminally-ill adults, has appointed a highly decorated and distinguished honorary committee as a part of new campaign to raise awareness of its Dreams for Veterans program.

Honorary Committee members include South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Will Grimsley, MG (R) U.S. Army. During his more than 30 years in the Military, Grimsley held command and leadership positions at every level from platoon through corps and served on staffs from small unit levels up to both the Joint Staff and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense; with his last tour as Chief of Staff of United States Strategic Command. Among his many awards and decorations, Grimsley earned the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, multiple awards of the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat.

Joining Grimsley is GEN (R) Scott Wallace, U.S. Army; CSM (R) Dave Davenport, U.S. Army; Col (R) Nicole Malachowski, U.S. Air Force; COL Scott O’Neal, U.S. Army; John Paul DeJoria, U.S. Navy (R); Chris Freeman, U.S. Army (R); Gregg Bigger, U.S. Marine Corps (R); Sandi & Bill Nicholson, U.S. Air Force (R); Priscilla Presley; Kathy Ireland; Fred Gordon; Greg Kushner and Jillian Muller.

Since 1994, Dream Foundation has served more than 32,000 Dreams across the nation, reuniting families, arranging trips that provide a much-needed respite from treatment and an opportunity to create final memories with loved ones, or organizing special hellos with heroes. More so than ever this past year, the foundation has also provided essential items, including iPads to keep Dream recipients connected with family, friends and even their care teams during lockdown, or an adjustable bed that allows a restful night’s sleep.

While Dream Foundation has served terminally-ill veterans since its inception, the Dreams for Veterans program was officially launched in a 2015 and supported by First Lady, Michelle Obama and late Senator John McCain. A special ceremony held in Washington, D.C. was attended by U.S. Air Force Col. Nicole Malachowski, who was at the time, Executive Director of The White House’s Joining Forces Program, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), former Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA), former Congressman Matt Salmon (R-AZ), Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), among other distinguished guests and veteran supporters.

Veterans often request Dreams that reconnect them with aspects of their military service, such as visits to special monuments and pinning ceremonies, bringing them, their families and their caregivers’ inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. More than 1400 veteran Dreams have been served to date.

“We are humbled and grateful for the support and passion bestowed upon the Dreams for Veterans program and our Veteran Dream Recipients by such an esteemed group of highly decorated, highly honored, and remarkably kind individuals,” says Dream Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Kisa Heyer.

“Secretary Grimsley was one of the first to join our committee and we could not be more thankful. His dedication and commitment to this country and his fellow veterans is truly extraordinary. His participation will make a profound impact for the program and the commendable veterans we serve.

“I am humbled at the opportunity to be a part of this very special organization and its service to our Veterans. Giving back to those who have given so much of themselves for our Nation is an honor.”