Local Organization Gives Back to Military Veterans

Sharon Hyland Keyser of Pottstown, Montgomery County, founded A Hero's Welcome so that all service men and women would receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve for their service. 

Her family, who has a long tradition of military service, understands the sacrifies made by soldiers and their families and wants to give back. 

How It Started

A Hero's Welcome was founded five years ago by Keyser with the help of her family.  Keyser recently left her job, completed officer candidate school and currently serves as a Marine Corp 1st Lt. of Public Affairs in Quantico, Virginia. 

Keyser's brother, father, grandfather, and uncles have all served in the Marines and her husband is in the Army. 

Maria Hyland, Keyser's mother, is the National Director of A Hero's Welcome, which is headquartered in Frederick, Montgomery County. 

"I decided that no Veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will come home to the same treatment our Vietnam Veterans came home to," said Keyser on A Hero's Welcome website. "So with my life savings and the vision of the hardships our military members have to endure in my head, I left my job and I started A Hero’s Welcome."

Supporting Local Hero's

A Hero's Welcome is always in need of volunteers to support their "missions."

"We are always looking for volunteers," said Hyland. " We can't do what we do without helpful, smiling faces to join us in welcoming our troops home."

To raise awareness, the organization recently attended at .

Eighty five World War II veterans will be honored by A Hero's Welcome on September 9 in Broomall. On October 7, A Hero's Welcome will welcome Master Chief Lewandowski of Wynnewood, Delaware County, and celebrate his 20 years of military service. 

Click here for a list of upcoming events.

Thank You Notes

A Hero's Welcome impacts the lives of returning troops, their families, and their communities. Some family members have taken the time to let the organization know what a difference they make.

"I just wanted to thank you for all your support in welcoming my son home from Afghanistan. Brian was surprised and very touched by the whole day and events," Janice O’Connell, mother of Lt. Brian O’Connell, told A Hero's Welcome. 

"I truly hope that everyone is this organization realizes the impact this had, not only for the returning soldier, but the entire family and community! You welcomed home, Spc Jeffrey Short, this weekend and it was so powerfully emotional that you will forever be in our hearts," said the sister of Spc Jeffrey Short.

Join A Hero's Welcome

"A Hero's Welcome organizes large and small gathering, based on requests from the family," said Hyland. "Some veteran's are injured, have PTSD, or have recently lost friends so we want to make sure each event is customized to their needs." 

If you would like to schedule an A Hero’s Welcome event for a military member in your family, email Maria Hyland.

A Hero's Welcome is actively seeking volunteers to participate in welcoming events and individuals who would like information on starting their own chapter of A Hero’s Welcome. Email Maria Hyland for more details. 

You can also support this nonprofit organization through the purchase of A Hero's Welcome merchandise. 

Have you particiated in any A Hero's Welcome events? Do you have family or friends in the military? Let Patch know your thoughts in the comments.