Two funds with New Braunfels Community Foundation – the SS American Memorial Foundation and the Canada/Kelly Veterans Fund – were established to assist those who are serving, or have served, our country and their families.
SS American Memorial Foundation Fund
Tucked away on a quiet spot of the Guadalupe River near Seguin, the Lazy U Ranch is home to the SS American Memorial Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping wounded warriors, veterans, active duty, first responders, and Americans in need.
The foundation brings military and civilian families together by helping to relieve the burdens of family separation and hardships, through direct assistance for basic needs, historical education, and patriotic avenues.
The mission of the foundation is to memorialize and honor the sacrifices of all those who have rendered loyal, faithful, heroic and self-sacrificing service at home and overseas, while members of our armed forces or through civilian capacity.
The private living war memorial, located on the Lazy U Ranch in Seguin, is one the most unique sites in the state of Texas (if not the United States). No other private property in the United States maintains as many acres dedicated to honoring Americans and helping fellow Americans.
In addition to serving as a place of rest and therapy for Wounded Warriors, the Lazy U Ranch also serves as host to several events and programs throughout the year for veterans and their families.
The historic Lazy U Ranch lodge is open to active duty armed forces chaplaincy for respite care, maximum two-night stays, for chaplains and their immediate family.
Spiritual Fitness Days are offered to help cope with stress in all stages of military life and include BBQ pits, swimming, water activities and recreation for groups.
Active Duty Military Focus Programs Outdoor Therapy include walking trails, fishing, kayaking, BBQ facilities, a covered pavilion, horse shoes and washer pitch.
The next event, Freedom Friday (the second Friday of each month), will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Lazy U Ranch in Seguin. The event is a free outdoor, family friendly event for all ages to relax and have a good time. Food, drinks, live music and cornhole tournament will be available. There will be a large wine selection, domestic and craft beer as well as kid friendly beverages for sale. All drink sales support the foundation whose mission is to honor service members, veterans and first responders.
Learn more at ssamemorial.org.
Canada/Kelly Veterans Fund
The Canada/Kelly Veterans Fund was started in honor of Ben H. Dorcy III (Navy – WW2), Ronnie G. Canada (Army – Vietnam), Ernst A. Schubert (USMC – Korea), and Donald H. Offerman (Air Force – WW2 and Korea), and countless other Comal County veterans of America’s conflicts.
Due to its proximity to many military bases, New Braunfels and Comal County have become home to more than 10,000 veterans and their families. With the rapid increase in our population, the number of veterans in our community will continue to grow.
The Veterans Fund is a charitable fund of the New Braunfels Community Foundation, and its mission is to support and aid Comal County veterans and their family members in need.
Funds are dedicated to providing quality care for veterans’ and their families’ physical and mental well-being and their overall quality of life. The fund also supports existing veterans’ services and attracting new veterans’ services to the New Braunfels area, which will ultimately benefit all veterans in our community.
The fund was created by Cody and Shannon Canada and Ryan and Cate Kelly with the support of many others in our community. Please join them in thanking our veterans and their families who have given so much for all of us.
SS American Memorial Foundation Fund, DONATE TODAY
Canada/Kelly Veterans Fund, DONATE TODAY