LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 08, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Country House was not only the winner of the 145th Kentucky Derby, he is also a reigning champion for severely injured Veterans. Sentient Jet, a Directional Aviation company, sponsored thoroughbreds Omaha Beach and Country House to raise awareness for Homes For Our Troops and its mission to build and donate specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans.
Each thoroughbred donned a blanket bearing HFOT’s logo throughout the event. Omaha Beach, who was a top contender, was unable to compete due to a breathing problem on Wednesday night. Country House had almost the longest shot to win the Derby with 65-1 odds. “The Country House team is honored to have this unique opportunity to support those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country, and we’re proud Country House ran the race of his life on their behalf,” says Guinness McFadden, owner of Country House.
Sentient Jet gave several HFOT Veterans the VIP treatment at Churchill Downs. They got to meet the horses before the race and had front row seats for the Derby. Retired NFL player and longtime HFOT supporter Jacob Tamme and HFOT Veteran Army Specialist Brett Bondurant got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the winner’s circle after Country House’s victory was announced. HFOT home recipients Marine Corporal Travis Echols, Marine Staff Sergeant Matthew Wheeler, Army Sergeant Josh Wetzel, Marine Sergeant Dustin Johns, and Army Sergeant Richard Doyle also attended the Derby events.
“I would like to thank HFOT, Sentient Jet, Country House, and everyone who made this week possible. We loved the Derby, the fun, and all the new contacts. So much fun this week. Loved it all,” says SGT Doyle.
The partnership between Homes For Our Troops and Sentient Jet began last year following a series of successful awareness campaigns surrounding the Triple Crown events and continues to build on the relationship by raising funds for the organization. “Following our introduction to Homes For Our Troops in 2018, the organization has held special significance to the entire Sentient Jet team, and we were thrilled to join forces with Fox Hill Farm and Team Omaha Beach, LNJ Foxwoods and Team Country House to usher in the next wave of awareness around this inspiring nonprofit,” said Andrew Collins, president and CEO of Sentient Jet. “We were thrilled to celebrate Country House’s historic Kentucky Derby win and are looking forward to continuing our campaign for Homes For Our Troops.”
"We are sincerely grateful that once again Sentient Jet chose to bring attention to our severely injured Veterans and Homes For Our Troops at the Kentucky Derby,” says HFOT President and CEO Tom Landwermeyer. “We are a grassroots organization that spends little on advertising to minimize overhead costs, so the awareness raised by this campaign is crucial in advancing our important mission and providing more injured Veterans with the adapted homes they need and deserve.”
Homes For Our Troops is celebrating 15 years of building and donating specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent has gone directly to program services for Veterans. The organization has delivered over 270 homes in 42 states and currently has 85 active projects nationwide.
Learn more about the Homes For Our Troops mission and how to get involved at www.hfotusa.org.
About Homes For Our Troops (HFOT): Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post – 9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents out of every dollar spent has gone directly to our program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. For more information, visit www.hfotusa.org.
About Sentient Jet: Founded in 1999 and now an integral part of Directional Aviation, Sentient Jet is one of the leading private aviation companies in the country. The Sentient Jet Card Program offers clients the flexibility and convenience of flying private for their personal and business air travel needs with industry-leading value. Sentient Jet is known for outstanding service and a commitment to safety programs, including the industry’s first and only Independent Safety Advisory Board. Sentient Jet’s extensive network of certified operators ensures that clients will always have access to executive aircraft that meet their rigorous standards for safety and quality. Visit sentient.com for more information. You can also follow Sentient Jet on social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Download the Sentient Jet Mobile App: iOS | Android.
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