The Beginning.
Impact A Hero was started in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2004 by persons who were interested in supporting our heroes coming home post 9/11 with combat wounds, both physical and emotional. Founder Richard “Dick” Lynch had recently authored a book with an underlying principle of the importance of service to others, and he realized his calling was to help the many men and women coming home with the new set of challenges they faced in transition to civilian life. He rallied his friends and colleagues to garner support and Impact A Hero (then Impact A Player, Inc) began its long legacy. The first Impact A Hero event was held in New York City at the New York Athletic Club. Heroes from the War on Terror were honored, including Dr. Dick Traum, who became the first leg amputee to complete the New York City Marathon
Houston.
Impact A Hero expanded to Houston a few years later during a book signing event, where Mr. Lynch met Jim Hoelker of Sugar Land, Texas, and Neil Bush of Houston. With their help and the help of many volunteers, the first Impact A Hero Weekend was hosted for severely wounded veterans in Sugar Land in 2005, and included a 5K, gala and golf tournament. The Impact A Hero annual weekends that followed helped to foster and strengthen relationships, support common bonds and experiences, healing, and fellowship.
“We are all here in one fellowship expressing our deepest gratitude to those who have served for our freedom”. – Richard Lynch, IAH founder.
Mr. Lynch’s legacy continued after he retired from the IAH board in 2015. The most recent IAH weekend was held in 2019 prior to the covid19 pandemic, yet the services to veterans continue through IAH’s mission of making an impact in the lives of veterans, active service members and their families through personal growth and leadership initiatives, referrals, and collaboration with other veteran service organizations. Impact A Hero receives volunteer and financial support from community leaders, corporations, and veteran-owned businesses. The organization is the beneficiary of generous community events.
Volunteers commit a huge amount of time, energy and talent to Impact A Hero. They are the cornerstone of the organization.” – Dick Lynch.
We Support
For other events which also provide support to our Heroes, click below to see our schedule.