Honoring the Fallen

Every military family lives with the possibility that to most people is unthinkable: that someday, their deployed loved one may not come home at all. And for the deployed service member, there is always worry about what will happen to their family, especially their children, if tragedy does strike. A unique non-profit organization, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF), is trying to relieve at least some of the anxiety of deployed personnel by providing “cradle to career” educational opportunities for their children.

“Military units and family support groups do their best to support the families of fallen soldiers, but they must remain missionfocused,” explains Major General (ret.) Clay Hutmacher, CEO/President of the Foundation. “SOWF provides peace of mind to Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel, ensuring that, should the unthinkable happen, their children’s education is taken care of. Our commitment to offering personalized support and guidance throughout their academic journey ensures that families, despite the tragedy of loss, are supported in their healing and growth.

“Each child will receive SOWF’s undivided attention and compassion throughout their academic journey,” Hutmacher adds. “These families have experienced a life-changing tragedy. That peace of mind and membership in a family of organizations dedicated to their well-being cannot replace their lost loved one, but it can help them move forward to honor that loved one.” SOWF now o ers funding for preschool, K-12 tuition assistance, SAT/ACT prep, college visits, college applications, a college prep course, full post-secondary funding (tuition, room, board, fees), internship stipends, and a career transition course. The Foundation also offers unlimited tutoring from preschool through college and advocacy and program funding for students with learning disabilities.

“Currently, 1,157 children are eligible for SOWF’s programs, with 217 enrolled in college or other post-secondary education,” notes Colonel (ret.) Sean Corrigan, Executive Vice President. “SOWF remains relevant not only because of the hundreds of children of fallen SOF warriors from conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan but also for those whose parents died in training, accidents, or illness. In 2023, we added 157 children to our eligible population, and our individualized support for each student ensures they receive the guidance they need to succeed. The SOWF staff considers each student as an individual case, tailoring support and funding to that student’s abilities, talents, and needs.”

Getting the word out to military families, to the public, and to potential donors is important to the success of the Foundation, which is funded through the generosity of individuals and companies. An incredible husband-and-wife team are helping SOWF do just that: U.S. Army Reserve Major David Lemanowicz and his wife, actress Jill Wagner, are making a real difference in heightening the profile of the Foundation, especially through Wagner’s work with the television series Lioness, on Paramount+.

“My husband, David, was introduced to SOWF during his time working at the Pentagon, where he collaborated with Army Special Operations,” Wagner recalls. “It was through these connections that we both became deeply aware of the Foundation’s mission and the important role it plays in supporting the families of special operations. From there, we knew it was a cause we wanted to get involved with and support long-term.

“As an actor and producer on Lioness, a TV show with a strong special operations component, I feel incredibly fortunate to work on a project that mirrors my personal commitment to the military community,” Wagner details. “Playing Bobby, the QRF leader, has opened my eyes to many aspects of military culture that I wasn’t aware of before. It’s been a learning experience that has deeply impacted me, and I’m inspired to use my platform to highlight and support great organizations like SOWF whenever I can. It feels like a natural connection between my work and my passion for giving back to this community.

“Lioness is more than just a TV show—it’s a reminder that there are men and women fighting every day for our national security and interests,” she continues. “Whether in the military or in the intelligence community; these individuals make incredible sacrifices to keep us safe, and I hope that message resonates with everyone who watches the show.”

Hutmacher says the television exposure has been extremely valuable. “At SOWF, we are incredibly grateful for Jill and David’s efforts to elevate the importance of supporting our scholarship program. Their dedication extends beyond the screen, as they continue to champion our mission and bring muchneeded attention to the educational needs of the children of fallen warriors. Their ongoing support helps us ensure that we can provide these children with the opportunities they deserve to succeed in life, honoring the legacy of their parents.

“Their involvement in Lioness has helped bring awareness to the critical role Special Operations Forces play, not only on the battle field but also in their enduring legacy through organizations like SOWF,” Hutmacher adds. “The show’s authentic portrayal of military life resonates with viewers and shines a spotlight on the immense challenges these families face, both during and after deployment. It also helped that David worked at the Pentagon with Special Operations Forces and learned about our work while there.”

Wagner notes that she and her husband are continually looking for ways to elevate awareness of SOWF; currently they host an annual fundraiser called the Patriot Pick. “Our ultimate goal is to make sure more people recognize the critical work SOWF does in providing educational opportunities and support for the children of fallen and severely wounded special operations personnel,” she remarks.

She brings similar goals of raising awareness to the television series. “My hope is that military families who watch Lioness feel a sense of pride in the work that they and their loved ones do,” she comments. “I want them to know that we understand the tremendous sacrifices they make, and that we respect and honor those sacrifices through the stories we’re telling. It’s important to me that they feel seen and appreciated. For nonmilitary viewers, I hope the program serves as a reminder that there are countless military and intelligence professionals—both men and women—who work tirelessly behind the scenes to preserve our freedoms. Their efforts often go unnoticed and I hope this show can shed light on the immense dedication and bravery it takes to serve in these roles.

“It’s critical for non-military Americans to understand what military families endure before, during, and after deployment because it brings a level of appreciation and empathy that is often lacking,” Wagner adds. “As a military spouse, I understand the immense mental and physical challenges service members and their families face, and they deserve our full support when they come home. Developing my character helped me understand the weight of those challenges, and it’s something I think more people should be aware of—so that we can honor and support them in meaningful ways.”

Understanding and support are crucial to the families of military personnel, Hutmacher points out: “SOWF has made an enduring promise to the families we serve, which includes the 70,000+ personnel in U.S. Special Operations Command. Our goal is to continue fulfilling that promise by providing every eligible child with the educational opportunities they need to achieve their dreams. As long as there are Special Operations Forces, SOWF will be here to ensure their families are cared for if they make the ultimate sacrifice.”