Kenneth R. Dahl
US Army, LTG (Retired)

I wholeheartedly endorse Captain Joseph House Foundation as the non-profit organization with the single greatest potential to provide long term assistance to Gold Star Families, those who have lost a loved one in combat. The philosophy and approach at Captain Joseph House is unlike any other designed to provide family members the opportunity to accept their loss, get back on their feet and be a strong, thriving survivor. With this approach there is no doubt many will move beyond just being a survivor but will continue on that trajectory to lead and assist others in similar circumstances. This is a very powerful initiative that will produce long-term positive outcomes.

Fortunately, there are a plethora of quality organizations to meet the needs of our wounded warriors.Unfortunately, as a Nation we are falling short assisting the families whose warrior died. We can do better, and your support of Captain Joseph House Foundation can make a difference.

(These views are my own and do not represent the views of the Department of Defense or the Army)

R. D. Hearney
General USMC (ret.)
February 19, 2019

To a Grateful Nation —

My purpose in writing is to applaud the efforts of Betsy Schultz to provide respite and a healing experience to Gold Star Families, declare my full support and encourage anyone who reads this note to search for ways they might get onboard and lend their support.

Betsy created the  Captain Joseph House Foundation in the months following the death of her son, Army Captain Joseph Schultz in Afghanistan Memorial Day Weekend 2011. She donated her B&B in Port Angeles, Washington to provide a home away from home experience where families who lost a loved one in combat can meet, establish new friendships and where healing and strength can be drawn from sharing their common experiences. The 1910 Home has been under remodel with the help of more than 21,000 volunteer hours in addition to support from local businesses and contractors. Generous donations have also been received along with a state grant. Gold Star Families will be welcomed for the first time this year.

I lost a son (Marine Captain Brenden Hearney) in an aviation accident in 1994 and know first hand the emotional strain and long, difficult healing process a family goes through when losing a son, daughter or spouse who was serving our country in uniform. I am convinced Betsy’s initiative is one that will make a real difference and ease that pain and help families get to what I call ‘turning the corner’ — being able to look back on memories with fondness and a smile rather than a flood of tears.

Betsy deserves our support. Please take time to see how you might help.

Colonel David W. Sutherland
US Army (Retired)
August 26, 2014

To A Grateful Nation:

In my former position as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – Warrior and Family Support at the Pentagon, I met with Betsy Reed Schultz on March 20, 2012 at the suggestion of Admiral Michael Mullen. Betsy compassionately presented the vision and mission of the Captain Joseph House Foundation (CJHF) from the perspective of a Gold Star family.

Sue Roberts, Director
City of Port Angeles
Dept. of Community & Economic Development
PO Box 1150
Port Angeles WA 98362
October 31, 2012

Dear Sue:

Peninsula Behavioral Health (PHB) is pleased to support Ms. Betsy Schultz’s application for an extension of a Conditional use Permit to operate a respite program in the RS-7 Residential Single Family zone.

Converting the Tudor Inn into a program that would assist with the healing of families who have lost a loved one in the armed services would be a worthwhile asset for our community, as well as an invaluable resource for our country’s military families. In addition to reflecting positively on our town, and perhaps even increasing tourism and helping local businesses, it would be a good way to appreciate and honor the many veterans who reside in our area of the country.

Jennifer S Paquette
Executive Director
Green Beret Foundation
March 13, 2012

The Captain Joseph House Foundation has come to our attention and I would like to offer you this Letter of Endorsement on behalf of the Green Beret Foundation (GBF). It is with great honor that we offer our support for this project and our conviction that the Captain Joseph House Foundation in particular with fill gaps in a Community that has sacrificed their warriors for our Nation’s freedoms.

The first two years after the loss of the family’s loved one is a critical time, and an indicator as to how the family will proceed, process, and thrive following the loss of their warrior. The Captain Joseph House Foundation approach to healing is unique and much needed. The Foundation is lead by an individual that can empathize with a family’s needs as they embark on a life long journey without their loved one, and by someone who knows that although some voids may never be filled, simple acts of communal support can accelerate the healing.

Michael Gregoire
First Gentleman
State of Washington

John E. Lee
Director
Washington State Dept. of Veterans Affairs

January 26, 2012

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Betsy Reed Schultz, mother of decorated Green Beret Captain Joseph William Schultz, who died in Wardak Province, Afghanistan on May 29, 2011. During our conversation, she shared with us the plans she has made to honor her son and those families who have also paid the ultimate sacrifice. Betsy plans to renovate her former bed and breakfast to accommodate families of the Fallen for an expense-paid respite on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula.

The Captain Joseph House Foundation (Foundation) was incorporated on August 11, 2011; its application for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status is pending with the IRS. Individuals from around the country with a cross section of interests, varied backgrounds, real world knowledge and expertise in the areas of government, military, finance, corporate planning, marketing, fundraising, non-profits, medical, advertising make up the 15 member Board of Directors. These individuals knew Captain Schultz personally and professionally and have committed their time and energy to make this Foundation happen.

Mary Laureana Aguirre-Garza
Gold Star Mother
Cpl Nathaniel Arron Aguirre
KIA October 22, 2006

On my grief journey I met a most remarkable woman with a vision like no other. She dedicates her time to the Captain Joseph House Foundation which will provide a continuum of healing and respite to Gold Star Families whose loved one died in combat. Betsy Schultz, a Gold Star Mother, is that person with this vision to support other Gold Star Families. I vow to support her in her endeavors to make this a realization.

I got a taste of what will come with a respite stay at the Captain Joseph House in Port Angeles, Washington and the healing it will provide during my stay at her home. She embraced me and respected me with where I was at in my grief. Once all renovation is completed a family can stay for 6 days at no cost in the Captain Joseph House. Airfare will also be taken care of for the immediate family of up to 8.  This respite house is located at the foot of the majestic Olympic National Park.