The Power of Purpose
The core purpose of Live to Give has always been and will always be to support those who serve and sacrifice to keep our citizens safe. The Live to Give Foundation was formed in late 2021 to support the philanthropic efforts of former Green Beret, John Wayne Walding and his team at Live to Give LLC (a for-profit company). The Foundation is funded both through private donations and through the support of the LLC that donates 50% of net profits. Our heroes are there when we need them. We will be there when they need us.
“I am paying forward the amazing charity and grace that I received in my darkest moments.”
John Wayne Walding, aptly born on the 4th of July, lost his leg to sniper fire on April 6, 2008 while fighting in the battle of Shok Valley, Afghanistan. After being hit, John continued to fight next to his fellow soldiers for an incredible four more hours. The numbers that day are the story of legends. Twelve American Warriors. Two hundred enemy fighters. Two Medals of Honor. One Air Force Cross. Eight Silver Stars. Eight Purple Hearts. And the most important number…ZERO. Zero American fatalities.
As John always says, “no one likes to talk about April 7th, though.” April 7th was the day that John woke up in a military hospital knowing that the next moment when he looked down, he would learn he if he had one leg or two. In the days that followed that devastating moment, John and his family were supported by many amazing charities. It was then that John vowed he would find a way to pay forward the grace that he received.
John went on to become the first amputee to re-qualify as a Green Beret Sniper. He medically retired in 2013. He has founded several companies, run marathons, given speeches and donated numerous hours to helping his brothers and sisters in arms.
Live to Give is his way of continuing to serve.