What happens to a wounded soldier after he or she is discharged from a military hospital and returned to civilian life?

That is a question Sentinels of Freedom Gwinnett helps many veterans answer.

The Gwinnett based 501(c)3 organization’s mission statement is “We can make a difference in the life of a returning wounded veteran.”

Founding member Jess Vics said the organization is committed to helping wounded warriors return to the community by providing four-year long life scholarships.

“We totally commit to helping them get back into the community with college, a residence, a vehicle, help for the family, mentoring, tutoring and financial planning,” he said. “We teach them how to budget, how to manage money, how to put it in savings. Hopefully, when they are finished with the four-year program, they’ve got enough saved that they can put a down payment on their own personal home.”

Sentinels of Freedom partners with Georgia Gwinnett College to provide up to four years of college. The group also provides social support through the VFW and other organizations.

Project participants are located at rehab centers, the Atlanta Veteran’s Administration Hospital and by referral. Vics said participants are interviewed to determine if they are an appropriate match for the program. Participants must be willing to relocate to Gwinnett County and must be committed to participating in the program.

Sentinels of Freedom is a non-profit organization financed entirely by donations and fundraisers. Vics said community support is not only welcome, but critical to the success of the program.

“The community is behind us 100 percent,” Vics said. “Everybody wants to do something for the troops that come back and are wounded.”

Vics said 99.9 percent of all donations go directly to support wounded warriors as they transition back to civilian life.

“We’re just a bunch of amateurs who want to help,” Vics said.

Dacula resident Staff Sgt. Jeremy Wilczek is one of the many veterans helped by the Sentinels of Freedom project.

Wilczek was injured during his third tour of duty when he suffered a rifle round to his ankle. After the 29-year-old veteran and his family suffered a series of setbacks, Vics said the Sentinels of Freedom offered to help.

“After the VA finishes their rehab, they kind of take their hands off and say ‘OK kid, go back to civilian life.’ So they do without having a clue what to do or how to do it,” Vics said. “That’s where we step in.”

After being medically retired, Wilczek had a difficult time adjusting.

“Getting back to the swing of things was very hard for me,” Wilczek wrote in an emailed response to questions. “I wasn't used to not having the military. I had made so many life-long friends and so many life-changing experiences that it was very difficult for me to realize it was over. I was out and I didn't know what to do. I wasn't used to having an injury and other problems hold me back from living my life. I wasn't used to not working. Plus trying to get back everything I lost with my family proved to be a lot more than I could handle. Mentally and physically I was falling apart.”

Unable to work due to his injury, Wilczek and his family were about to lose their home when Sentinels of Freedom came to their rescue. According to Wilczek, everything changed the day the organization became involved in their lives. Wilczek said Sentinels of Freedom helped them find a home, provided financial support and is helping him return to school.

“They have done so much in such a little time,” Wilczek wrote. “They have been there for us from day one, keeping us motivated and staying positive. What they are doing is wonderful and such a blessing.”

Wilczek praised the organization for everything they have done and everything they continue to do.

“They have accepted us into this program with open arms,” he wrote. “We have truly been blessed and are very thankful.”

To learn more about the Sentinels of Freedom organization or make a donation, visit their website at  www.sofgwinnett.org.