About Us
The mission of Students Helping Heroes Foundation is a multi faceted approach to caring for the needs of our military troops and their families while educating and training our high school students in the acts of charity and philanthropy.
A non-profit 501 (c) (3), Students Helping Heroes Foundation provides financial assistance to families as a result of a fallen soldier or a soldier who becomes 100% permanently disabled while serving in active duty. In honor of their sacrifice, the primary focus of the foundation is to provide educational scholarships to the children and spouses of the fallen or permanently disabled, thus, promoting their legacy.
How We Operate:
Students Helping Heroes is a unique non-profit 501 (C)(3) charitable foundation that is operationally driven by high school students who are in the process of learning about charity, philanthropy and fundraising while serving the needs of our Heroes in the Armed Forces.
Students Helping Heroes Foundation was formed by Jim Bodor as a result of the tragic loss of a personal friend Lt. Colonel John “Dukes” Spahr. John was the Executive Officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA-323 (Death Rattlers) when he was killed in action over the skies of South-Central Iraq in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM on May 2, 2005. John left behind a 9 year old daughter (Chandler). John was a very loving and committed father who wanted the world for his daughter.
A motivation of wanting to do something to remember John by turned to how we could honor John’s life and ensure Chandler’s full potential as John would have had it if he were still alive. These were the thoughts that Jim, a father himself, struggled with for years to try and answer. Then one day the thought occurred to Jim that his son Joshua and Chandler had been best friends since 4 years old…
What if…They could do something together that could honor John and minister to the sacrifice Chandler has made in losing her father?
What if…They could help educate their communities to the growing needs of our Military Heroes and raise awareness to the sacrifice being paid daily for our freedom?
What if…As young adults, they could lead by example a life of “selfless” living, learning and understanding the importance of charity and philanthropy and applying what they learned to lead a world class charitable foundation that serves the TRUE American Heroes, our military troops and their families?
What if…Under the banner of their High School Alma Mater, students could become involved by adopting a local squadron, battalion or ship who is stationed locally and represent them in their community fundraising activities raising awareness of their job functions and their active role in our military objectives.
What if…They could compete against each other in a spirit of good will and present their fundraising successes to the Students Helping Heroes Foundation on behalf of their adopted squadron, battalion or ship?
What if…Those funds could be used to fund educational scholarships for the children and spouses of the fallen or permanently disabled?
What if…Once a year in a stadium like environment, the Troops and Community could come together to witness the presentation of these funds earned by the High School Students on behalf of their schools and their adopted squadrons, battalions or ships to the Students Helping Heroes Foundation in a day of celebration and honor of our Heroes both active and fallen?
What if…We could assemble a Board of Directors and Professional Executives who already understand these principles and live them out daily to guide and counsel them every step of the way?
What if…Has become Why Not!
Today, Students Helping Heroes is comprised of a governing Board of Directors including seasoned professional executives and military personnel experienced in business management, finance, legal, sales, leadership skills and fundraising abilities. A lean, yet effective Executive Administrative staff possesses the same qualities and capabilities to drive and oversee the day to day operations of the foundation.
An additional Student Board of Directors and Student Executive Staff are in the process of being established. Chandler Spahr, a freshman at Scripps Ranch High School has been appointed Chairman of the Board and Joshua Bodor; a freshman at Santana High School has been appointed Executive Director. Chandler and Joshua will be responsible for building their team of Directors and Executive Staff under the guidance and counsel of the Senior Board of Directors.
Please join us in welcoming Chandler and Joshua to their new positions and remember them in your thoughts and prayers as they embark in creating a foundation worthy of the Heroes they serve and represent.