Helping America’s wounded warriors from all generations and all wars overcome challenges of disabilities and aging with quality long-term care at 147 State Veterans Homes.

Remembering Those Who Have Protected Our Freedom

Thomas Haass had been in the U.S. Marine Corps for almost seven years before that fateful day when Japanese aircraft attacked Pearl Harbor without warning. Just one year later, he earned the first of many honors he would receive for exceptional valor. Assigned to the 6th Regiment of the 2nd Division of the U.S. Marines, Mr. Haass received the Purple Heart after being wounded in Guadalcanal in 1943 - and then again in Saipan in 1944. Each time he returned quickly to battle, despite enduring life-threatening injuries.

But it was what happened next that has Mr. Haass thankful for his own good fortune. While advancing into Garapan, he was shot in the head by a sniper. The bullet traveled through his helmet, entered his skull just above his left eye and exited near his left ear. Unconscious and bleeding heavily, Mr. Haass was airlifted to a hospital ship, and after hours of surgery, doctors installed a permanent seven-inch metal plate inside his head, a procedure that saved his life. By V-J Day, Mr. Haass had been awarded his third Purple Heart and was getting reacquainted with civilian life.

Mr. Haass is a resident of the Veterans Home of Wyoming, a state in which $65 per month - or $2.10 per day - is allotted for personal discretionary spending. That's why a few extra dollars go a long way in helping Mr. Haass and his fellow residents afford clothing, personal hygiene products and items from the Home's "canteen." But beyond providing for the basic daily needs of the residents, additional outside money, such as can be provided by the Foundation, helps provide hobby shop supplies, indigent dental and eye care and more - all of which makes a significant difference in the quality of life of these honored veterans.