Barry was named Rockland County’s Veteran of the Year in 2009 for his involvement in the community and his work with wounded veterans.

Barry started the foundation to assist veterans who have been severely wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Barry originally intended to fund the foundation with the royalties from his book, Semper Cool: One Marine’s Fond Memories of Vietnam. Barry donates one hundred percent of his royalties. However, The Barry Fixler Foundation began accepting direct donations soon after his book was published because many readers felt inspired to help Barry reach his million dollar goal after reading Semper Cool.

To date The Barry Fixler Foundation has helped wounded troops across the country. Below are just a few examples.

Sgt. Eddie Ryan (USMC) of Ellenville, NY needed $2,000 for traveling expenses to run in the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon. Eddie was a Marine Corps sniper in Iraq who was shot twice in the head in a friendly fire incident. You can find his story in the last chapter of Semper Cool. Eddie completed the Marathon in a specially modified bike/hand-peddled-trike that was pushed by a USMC Staff Sergeant.

Brendon Morrocco (ARMY) of Staten Island needed $60,000 to furnish his new house, and received $5,000 toward that goal from The BFF. Brendon was the first quadruple amputee to survive such a horrific battlefield trauma. There have been many quadruple amputees over years, but Brendon lost all four limbs on the battlefield. He is a great example of the American fighting spirit as he considers himself lucky to to be alive and has a positive attitude that inspires other amputees to remain positive and look to the future.

A Soldier from New York who returned home from Afghanistan to discover that his wife had left him and their two young children. He had no idea how to cope and with the emotional, financial and logistical challenges he suddenly faced and was contemplating suicide. Colonel Jack Hussey (ARMY) who is a friend of Barry’s put out a call and asked if The BFF could help this young warrior with a fast $1,000 to take the heat off until other support organizations could be lined up. The Colonel had a check from the foundation in his had that afternoon. Today that young soldier is doing well.