News & Updates
The Grand Opening
On Dec 1, 2008, the Warrior & Family Support Center completed it’s evolution — from it’s 1,200 square foot room in the Powless Guest House to what it is now, a 12,000 square foot building. Judith Markelz, program manager for WFSC, dream of a stand-alone building became a reality that day. The new $4.5 million privately funded building included the following:
- Large social gathering area
- Kitchen facilities
- Dining Room
- Learning facility for computerized training
- Private counseling rooms
- Business center with high speed internet access
- Entertainment room
- Large open front and back porch areas
- BBQ Pavilion
- Butterfly Gardens providing tranquil personal space
Part of the cost for the Entertainment room was funded with $18,000 that David & Judy Donica collected in a fund in memory of their son, Dustin Donica.
“The center is awesome!! Everything from the building, landscaping, which is so very Texan, to the interior design, of course the game room, computer center for teaching computer skills, the fully stocked kitchen, the two story great room with fireplace, the covered barbeque outside area and the walking paths is absolutely fantastic, so well deserved, and we just love it all. Les Huffman, one of the developers, told me it is obvious that the gaming room is going to be the most popular room in the center. In fact, they will probably have to set one hour time limits. One of the soldiers asked if there would be any way the gaming room could be open 24/7. Lots of luck with that request! I don’t think we could have picked a more fitting benefactor for Dustin’s memorial fund. I think Dustin would have approved wholeheartedly with the way the funds have been used. Dustin’s memorial plaque is on order and I will have the photo of it included with this post as soon as it is added to the game room. This place is simply amazing.” -Judy Donica
The Bob Woodruff Family Foundation, which had donated $100,000 for the center, announced a second $100,000 donation. ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff, the dedication's keynote speaker, said the center represents long-term community backing. “That's why we've got to have a permanent building like this,” he said.
Butterfly book markers where given to the guests of the Grand Opening as a token of appreciation. The butterfly has been as the symbol of hope and rebirth by the family members and care-givers of our wounded warriors.
Your continued support is greatly appreciated and will go towards the remaining balance of paying off the building and also plans for the creation of a $1 million green Recreational/Therapeutic Garden park behind this facility.
