OUR STORY
WHO WE ARE
Warrior Family Ministries was founded by Jay and Brenda Swartz in 2013. At first it was a desire to assist our military, Veterans and their families in understanding the effects of P.T.S.D. and how to live with it, keeping the family unit together. This has grown into a valuable resource for active duty, Veterans, their families and some of our First Responders.
As Jay was a medically retired Combat Engineer in the US Army, the Swartz family lived this life. Jay was a Sergeant First Class, Platoon Leader when he was injured while deployed in Ramadi, Iraq. This attack earned him a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. It also ended his 13+ year career.
While Jay was active duty military, Brenda served their Army community as the Youth Minister to the base and the Family Readiness Leader. Later, she helped develop this position to the current GS job used military wide. During Jay’s second deployment to Ramadi, Brenda served as the Family Readiness Support Assistant to the Rear Commander. Part of her job responsibilities included notifications and Memorial Service coordination. She is still a sought-after resource for families and soldiers across the world, and teaches both military and civilians on understanding and living with TBI’s and P.T.S.D., among other topics.
Returning to their hometown of Wilmington, they began learning how to live with a traumatic brain injury, P.T.S.D. and being civilian. After getting settled, they realized the need to continue to be that resource to our men and women who serve and have served; so they founded Warrior Family Ministries. This non-profit serves our heroes: Veterans, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, EMS, 911 Operators, First Responders and their families.
Jay and Brenda started Warrior Family Chaplains because they saw the need to equip and send men and women who are called to serve outside the walls of the church. WFM Chaplains serve within their community and are endorsed. Most are ordained or in the process toward ordination. All of the Chaplains are trained in Crisis & Trauma Response among other educational requirements.
We are building an Army of Chaplains who serve to impact families with hope.
