Warrior Family Ministries was founded by Jay and Brenda Swartz in 2013. At first it was a desire to assist our military, Veterans and their families in understanding the effects of P.T.S.D. and how to live with it, keeping the family unit together. This has grown into a valuable resource for active duty, Veterans, their families and our First Responders.
As a medically retired Combat Engineer in the US Army, the Swartz family lived this life. Jay was a Sergeant First Class, Platoon Leader when he was injured while deployed in Ramadi, Iraq. This attack earned him a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. It also ended his 13+ year career.
While Jay was active duty military, Brenda served their Army community as the Youth Minister to the base and the Family Readiness Leader which later she helped develop this position to the current GS job used military wide. During Jay’s second deployment to Ramadi, she served as the Family Readiness Support Assistant to the Rear Commander. Part of this job included serving with the notifications team and Memorial Service coordination. She is still a sought out resource for families and soldiers across the world and teaches both military and civilians on understanding and living with TBI’s (traumatic brain injury) and P.T.S.D. (post traumatic stress disorder) among some of the topics. She is also an advocate for Veterans, especially our younger ones – the Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran.
Returning to their hometown Wilmington, they began learning how to live with a traumatic brain injury, P.T.S.D. and being a civilian. After getting settled they realized the need to continue to be that resource to our men and women who serve and have served. Warrior Family Ministries was founded and is now a recognized force nationally for training men and women who are called to serve outside the walls of the church – be that ministry of presence, a Chaplain.
Warrior Family now has companies of Chaplains across the USA. They are trained and endorsed to serve in their communities. WFM has 2 National Deployment Teams, a Rapid Response Team and a Crisis Response Team. Among its many programs, you will find Chaplain Centers, C4 and Warrior Works. Each one impacts the lives of those who serve or have served to protect us and includes their family members.
You can keep up with all the happenings of Warrior Family Ministries by listening to the Warrior Family Podcast, join our mailing list to receive a quarterly Magazine, find us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.