Continuing to Support Our Wounded Soldiers

 

Ever since Kim and Tim Bartz approached me at an AMBA event back in 2011 about their concept of donating iPads to our wounded warriors, MMT has supported their efforts by promoting this charity on the pages of the magazine as well as at our annual Amerimold trade show. The men and women of this moldmaking community never cease to amaze me with their care and generosity. It’s contagious. I personally believe in their mission so much that my family continues to donate to iWarriors. I encourage everyone to check out iWarriors and learn about what the program is up to today, and then consider giving what you can to those who give everything.

Tim Bartz is well known in the mold making industry as the co-owner of Mold-Craft, but many may not know that he is also the co-founder of a non-profit organization that is very close to his heart. Tim Bartz, along with his wife Kim, co-founded a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization called iWarriors. Since its inception iWarriors has raised nearly $375,000 for severely injured warriors to support them through their recovery.

Tim and Kim started iWarriors in 2011 after they got an opportunity to support the 3^rd Battalion 5^th Marines which is one of the most highly decorated Regiments in the USMC and is commonly referred to as “The Fighting Fifth.” After their 2010 tour of duty in Afghanistan many of the marines sustained injuries and returned home as single, double or triple amputees. One of the battalion member’s fathers happened to be an industry colleague of Tim Bartz. Upon returning from Afghanistan, this young man asked his father if there was a way he could help his injured buddies while they were receiving treatment, which prompted a call for donations.

Tim and Kim answered the call and went on to raise over $10,000 to provide care packages for the wounded soldiers. They decided to gift iPads to help the wounded soldiers stay in touch with loved ones and entertain themselves with movies and music while they underwent months of surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery. Moved by their experience, as soon as Tim and Kim returned home they started the non-profit organization and the rest is history.

Since 2011, iWarriors has been raising funds through 5k runs, golf tournaments, the iSledders snowmobile event, and many more. More than 98% of the $375,000 that has been raised has gone towards paying for nearly 600 iPad gift packages. The iPad gift packages include an iPad Air 2, an Otterbox Defender Series protective case, headphones, and an iTunes gift card for apps, movies, etc. Sargent Charles Caswell of the U.S. Army said “I am completely blown away, I never expected to find all the extras inside the box and the inscription on the back of the iPad had me choked up. Thank you so very much. I never expected anything like this I am truly thankful very for everything.”

Tim and Kim Bartz are passionate about supporting our wounded warriors and they will continue to raise money and support them through their recovery via iWarriors. If you are interested in learning more about iWarriors or donating to help the cause, click here.  Every dollar donated goes towards helping wounded soldiers.