Retired Marine Corps Staff Sgt. John Jones knows all about second chances. That’s why he’s hopeful for a successful fundraiser Thursday night for the Warrior Poker–Celebrity Poker Tournament fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City.
Jones, 33, runs a nonprofit foundation that trains disabled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan for a career in the financial services industry. The Wall Street Warfighters Foundation selects disabled veterans to help prepare for the securities licensing exams. It also helps place veteran students into internships for eventual employment with Wall Street firms.
"We’re trying to rebuild Wall Street, one veteran at a time," said Jones, himself a disabled veteran. In 2005, during his second tour in Iraq, Jones was blown 25 feet into the air when his Humvee drove over a double-stacking anti-tank mine. He lost both legs.
In 2009, Jones was part of the foundation’s first graduating class. Shortly afterward, Peter Pace, a retired Marine Corps Gen., former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and head of the WSWF’s advisory board, asked Jones to be the foundation’s executive director.
The foundation takes its place among the many nonprofit organizations that have emerged from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Jones said. Though many of those organizations ensure that injured service members have what they need to go through rehabilitation, WSWF tries to help them find jobs afterward. In this, the foundation plays a vital role for returning disabled service men and women, he added.
"It’s definitely needed for coming back into civilian life with a disability, or with the desire to live and still be productive in the workforce," Jones said. "They give the stepping stones to get there. We’re just taking over where they leave off."
Now the WSWF is looking for a few good men and women to help it hit the fundraising jackpot. That’s why it’s hopeful Wall Street pros will reach out to give a hand to veterans who would like to come back to the country in a new role-as civilians working in financial services. Thursday’s 6:30 p.m. event at the Intrepid–at Pier 86, W 46th St. and 12th Ave., in New York–should draw an interesting group of celebrities, besides Wall Street pros.
Some celebrities include: Tony Sirico, of The Sopranos; journalist Geraldo Rivera; model and poker pro Lacey Jones; MSNBC anchor Contessa Brewer; Heisman Trophy winner Pete Dawkins, "The Apprentice" winner Kelly Perdew and several others.
The top four finishers of the tournament share in the biggest prizes. They include: a diamond-encrusted watch worth more than $10,000, donated by Jacob & Co.; tickets to the Notre Dame vs. Army football game, at Yankee Stadium; "Day at the Races" luxury box seats at Monmouth Park; a football signed by New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and more.
Space for the event is limited. Attendees must sign up online in advance at: http://www.wallstreetwarfighters.org/news-events.html. Those who cannot attend can still donate to WSWF by registering at the Web site.
