A non-profit foundation dedicated to providing free reconstructive surgery to recently wounded and disfigured active service and veteran status warriors: Rebuilding America's Warriors

In the face of daunting challenges, Rebuilding America's Warriors (R.A.W.) is a beacon of hope for over 40,000 wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. This non-profit foundation's mission is to provide free reconstructive surgery to those bearing the physical and emotional scars of war, aiding their reintegration into society. With disfiguring scars from shrapnel and burns hindering their path to a life beyond the battlefield, R.A.W. empowers these soldiers to chase their dreams by nurturing self-esteem and confidence. R.A.W. collaborates with 400 skilled surgeons to make surgeries accessible. Generous donations fund critical aspects of the healing journey, ensuring our young heroes recover and thrive, unburdened by the wounds of war. Support R.A.W. to join this noble cause.

How does RAW connect with and identify these veterans? RAW employs multiple outreach methods to engage with this demographic. RAW collaborates closely with the Wounded Warrior Program, a robust source of referrals. Additionally, the organization forges partnerships with local veteran associations and strategically places newspaper ads in publications near U.S. Army and Marine bases. To support its mission, RAW hosts fundraising events in various locations, including L.A. and La Quinta, CA. Furthermore, RAW has established a valuable partnership with VIP (Veterans in Pain), a national nonprofit dedicated to providing cell therapy for pain relief. RAW actively participates in veterans parades and showcases its military-themed Jeep Wrangler at relevant events. During the Iraq and Afghanistan invasions, RAW prominently featured billboards near Walter Reed and key Army and Marine bases, further underscoring its commitment to the cause.

In conversation with Maggie Lockridge RN, Founder of Rebuilding America's Warriors

Q. What was the motivation behind starting Rebuilding America's Warriors (R.A.W.)?

I am honored to introduce myself as a veteran of the United States Air Force Nurse Corps, a journey that led me to a profound calling. The events surrounding the Iraq war ignited a sense of duty within me, compelling me to ensure that our brave soldiers did not endure the same neglect that had befallen our Vietnam veterans. With a rich background spanning 18 years in the cosmetic aftercare facility business, I had the privilege of forging relationships with more than 60 of the nation's foremost plastic surgeons, all of whom were based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. It was this network that instilled in me the belief that I could make a meaningful difference in the lives of wounded and disfigured soldiers returning from the frontlines of Iraq.

My passion and determination ultimately led me to Founding RAW, Rebuilding America's Warriors, an organization comprising over 420 dedicated surgeons and dentists across 49 states. These compassionate professionals voluntarily offer their expertise to provide free reconstructive procedures, ranging from shrapnel removal and artillery scar revisions to the treatment of burn scars. They even address the harrowing consequences of Anthrax Vaccine infections, a mandatory requirement for our soldiers before deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. RAW's mission is to empower veterans to choose the procedures they believe will help them reintegrate into civilian life, despite the physical scars and disfigurations they now bear. Remarkably, RAW has also facilitated complex procedures like abdominal surgery to repair torn grafts and advanced facial laser treatments for sandblast shrapnel injuries. The organization leaves no stone unturned in its commitment to restore the dignity and self-confidence of our veterans. Notably, RAW extends its support beyond the surgical suite, covering the entire spectrum of care. The organization generously funds transportation to the surgeon, anesthesia, operating room expenses, essential medications, post-operative care, and accommodations. Furthermore, they understand the importance of emotional support during these trying times and ensure that a loved one accompanies the veteran to the surgery, providing reassurance and comfort.

The tireless efforts of RAW and its dedicated network of medical professionals embody the spirit of compassion and service, epitomizing the finest values of our nation. Together, they stand as a beacon of hope and healing for those who have made profound sacrifices for our country. Their mission is a testament to their enduring commitment to our veterans, and I am proud to be a part of this remarkable endeavor.

Q. Could you share some notable success stories or case studies where RAW made a significant impact on a client?

Randy Gollinger was in the Army when he was stationed in Iraq at the age of 20. Randy lost his left leg and right eye to an IED, or improvised explosive device. Once back home, he refused to come out of his bedroom, even for meals. Dr. Phil reached out to RAW and asked if we could help Randy with the disfiguration of his eye; he had lost his sight and 1/3 of his upper eyelid. The prosthetic the VA had provided him did not have an ocular implant inserted behind the glass part of the eye, so the eye sat back too far, did not attach to any muscle, and did not move with his functioning eye, and the loss of the upper lid was very disfiguring. RAW appeared on a Dr. Phil Show dedicated to veterans who were not able to receive the care they needed from the VA. Randy’s sister had submitted his story. I was able to tell Randy and his mother, who were guests that day, that RAW would repair his eye. It was a very emotional show. Dr. Michael Groth of Beverly Hills provided the reconstruction of the upper lid and the insertion of the ocular implant. (The ocular implant is a small, round object made of coral with very sharp edges that is placed deep into the eye socket, adheres to the muscle structure around the eye, and creates simultaneous movement with the existing, sited eye.)

The prosthetic eye itself was provided by Strauss Eye Prosthetics of Rochester, NY. Randy sat in their office while an artist painted the prosthetic eye to exactly match his existing eye. It was perfection.

Q. Leadership is critical to the success of any organization. What leadership principles guide you in your role as the key executive of RAW?

I have owned three corporations, beginning with a successful real estate venture in Hawaii during the 1980s. The second was an aftercare facility for individuals undergoing plastic or cosmetic surgery by renowned surgeons in Beverly Hills. For over 18 years I owned a world care after facility, it was comprised of 38 nurses, three limousines, and cared for 40,000 patients before selling it in 2005. My current venture, Maggie Lockridge Inc., involves writing and publishing a book on cosmetic surgery aftercare, creating the Survival Stretcher, and providing nurses with private duty patients.  In 2007, I founded Iraq Star Inc. offering free reconstructive surgery to wounded veterans and expanding to include Afghanistan. Operating under the DBA of Rebuilding America’s Warriors, it remains a vital foundation.

Q. What does the future hold for your company and its customers? Are exciting things on the way?

I am hopeful that RAW will be providing its services to our veterans for many years to come.  As long as donations allow us to perform our Mission our surgeons will continue to help our veterans reconstruct their own lives. You can be a part of this effort and send your donations to P.O. Box 1931, Rancho Mirage CA 92270 and our website:   WWW.rebuildingamericaswarriors.org Phone: 760 568 4039  fax: 760 340 2687  email: infoforraw@aol.com. RAW is under 501c3 which makes your donations tax deductible.

Meet the leader behind the success of Rebuilding America's Warriors

Maggie Lockridge RN, Founder is a resilient and inspiring individual, emerges as a dedicated Registered Nurse and a pivotal figure on the Board of Directors for Rebuilding America's Warriors. Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Maggie's tenure as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps was abruptly halted when pregnancy led to her resignation due to an unjust law signed by President Harry Truman in 1951. Denied the opportunity to become the Air Force's first female General, Maggie persevered through this setback. In 1976, the discriminatory law was declared unconstitutional, thanks to the efforts of Congresswoman Julia Brownley. Maggie's life takes a transformative turn as she channels her grievance into founding Iraq Star Inc., later evolving into Rebuilding America's Warriors. Her unwavering commitment to supporting wounded warriors reflects an extraordinary resilience, showcasing the indomitable spirit of women who overcome adversity to pave the way for change. Maggie Lockridge's journey stands as a testament to the power of determination, illustrating how it can lead to the creation of something impactful and enduring, emphasizing the profound impact of her life story.

“The tireless efforts of RAW and its dedicated network of medical professionals embody the spirit of compassion and service, epitomizing the finest values of our nation. Together, they stand as a beacon of hope and healing for those who have made profound sacrifices for our country.”