On a warm, sunny day in the spring of 2014, while sitting on a childhood friend’s front porch swing, inspiration struck; we had an idea that would forever change the lives of veterans, their families, and an entire community, and with that little spark, the Appalachian Warrior Foundation was born. 

David Horne, Adam Thorsen, and I grew up in the small Appalachian mountain town of Wytheville, VA, which we often visit simply because we genuinely love our hometown and the people who live there.

We grew up together, went to George Wythe High School together, and have continued our friendship through all the years, which includes meeting up regularly at the cottage in Wytheville to enjoy conversations on the front porch, see old friends, and reminisce about days gone by. 

We had a plan. A plan to create something bigger than ourselves that would provide us the opportunity to support our hometown and beyond, while allowing us to spend more time together and give back to our community. 

How can we attract our friends, families, and local supporters to gather and raise money to support our community and beyond? How do we make it sustainable, so we can do it on a yearly basis? The answer seemed obvious, at least to us; you create a golf tournament, one which supports student veterans continuing their education at Wytheville Community College and provides career development, and that is exactly what we did. 

We created Appalachian Warrior Foundation (http://www.appalachianwarriorfoundation.org/ ); a charity that assists military veterans and related organizations. AWF, along with local communities helps support and raise funds to assist our servicemen and women with educational, employment and financial opportunities. We knew this would be difficult without a community partner, so we reached out to one of the best connectors in the area, Wytheville Community College, which led to a wonderful relationship. 

My Father, Dr. Thomas L. Barnes, was not only the Dean of Students for 27 years at WCC, but a retired Naval Officer of 35 years as well. In light of that, it became obvious that we needed to create the Dr. Thomas L. Barnes Veteran Scholarship Fund in his honor. The golf tournament raises funds for student veterans and their families to continue their education at WCC (https://www.wcc.vccs.edu/barnes-scholarship-golf-tournament).  

The tournament is now in my Father’s memory, and since 2014, we have raised over $50,000 to support our mission and help change the lives of veterans and their families. My Father enjoyed golf, but most of all, he enjoyed helping student veterans achieve their highest potential, while giving back to their community and beyond. 

It’s hard to believe that a conversation between hometown buddies on their front porch has turned into an annual event that draws participants from multiple states to raise money for something bigger than themselves. 

Since then, the scholarship has enabled student veterans to quit their second job due to the scholarship support, and in turn, focus on their education. We have seen veterans follow their dreams of serving in another capacity to help others, through a degree or certifications, provided by the scholarship. We have also seen student veterans reenlist in the military, knowing they wanted to continue to serve their country and give back to their community, like three childhood friends did with AWF. Like Isaac Hall, Army National Guardsman who said “Receiving this scholarship took financial stress off me and helped me focus more on my academics. Thank you for the contribution in helping me reach my goals.” Or Elizabeth Coparanis, Army Reservist who said “It is a privilege to receive the scholarship from a fund that is directed toward veterans,” said Coparanis, “I hope to gain employment at the Veterans Hospital, so that I can give back and continue to serve my country by serving fellow veterans.” These are life changing experiences and AWF is proud to play a role in making them happen. 

The golf tournament is held annually on the 1st weekend in October at the Wytheville Golf Club in Wytheville, Virginia. We meet, have a buffet lunch, play golf, and raise money for student veterans and their families. We will continue to do this in order to give those who are financially challenged an opportunity to continue their education at WCC. Please join us. 

It was through my wife, Tammy Barnes, and her support for the Appalachian Warrior Foundation, my board membership with Veterans Bridge Home, and other non-profits, that inspired our two sons, Beckham and Brodan to help co-create an apparel brand called Appalachian Warrior. 

Appalachian Warrior’s mission is to support our All-American Warriors that believe in Faith, Family and Freedom. A veteran owned and family operated apparel company. Our family’s distinct values have been fueled over the years by our faith, the incredible bond of family and an understanding and appreciation for freedom. Raised in a military family that instilled selfless service and love for our country, we believe that Appalachian Warrior mirrors the same. 

Beckham is 15 years old and is the CEO of Appalachian Warrior. Beckham has a deep desire to give back to the community and beyond. Beckham also has a passion for playing sports and gaming with friends. Beckham plays soccer, basketball and golf and you can find him on the pitch, court, or course almost every weekend. 

Brodan is 12 years old and is the COO. Like his older brother, Brodan has a desire to serve his community. Brodan is very involved in sports as well, playing soccer, basketball and baseball. You can always count on Brodan to make you laugh with his hilarious one liners and upbeat personality. 

The Barnes brothers helped to build the Appalachian Warrior apparel brand after watching their parents’ community service to those who believe in the same values. I was a Navy Seabee and Tammy, a military spouse, carry on the same passion to support communities, non-profit organizations and educational initiatives. 

It started with three hometown friends, Andrew Barnes, Adam Thorsen and David Horne, that wanted to find a way to spend more time together and create something bigger than themselves…the Appalachian Warrior brand and Foundation! 

You can be a Warrior in your community and beyond as well by supporting our mission, following your passions and creating positive change in the community you live in and beyond. It’s the Warrior Way.