Jordan’s Initiative is a non-profit foundation providing aid and support to currently deployed troops and returned veterans and their families. The Initiative primarily relies on direct monetary donation’s to continue their efforts. This year Dan’s Papers has named Jordan’s Initiative the beneficiary of the Dan’s Papers PotatoHampton 5K run/walk to be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012. Proceeds from runner’s registration fees will be donated to Jordan’s Initiative to help them continue their valuable work.
Jordan’s Initiative was established by Michelle Severance and Jordan’s father, Christian Haerter, as a way to honor the life of a heroic young man. The organization helps keep the spirit of Jordan Haerter alive through charitable works within the community, providing care packages for our troops, community spirit awards, family housing aide, funding for rehabilitative programs, direct monetary aide and medical assistance funding, as well as family financial support.
Due to their close connection to the issues, Jordan’s Initiative understands all too well the hardships that many currently deployed troops, veterans and their families often suffer in providing us with the freedoms that we take so much for granted. By eliminating red tape and bureaucratic processes, Jordan’s Initiative has been able to act quickly and flexibly in providing family and individual support when it is most needed.
About LCpl Jordan Christian Haerter
On April 22nd, 2008, LCpl Jordan Christian Haerter, a rifleman with the 1st battalion 9th marines of the US Marine Corps, was killed in Ramadi, Iraq when an explosive laden tanker truck bound towards an Entry Control point ignored all warnings and flares to stop. When it was clear the truck had no intention of stopping, Jordan and fellow Marine Cpl. Jonathan T. Yale opened fire until the 2,000lb blast claimed their lives. This heroism saved the lives of 52 marines and Iraqi Police sleeping inside the compound in which the tanker was headed. Jordan was posthumously awarded The Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism, the highest medal for valor in the Marine Corps.
On Saturday, November 15, 2008, local, county and state officials joined Sag Harbor and other East End residents for the dedication of the Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter Veterans Memorial Bridge. The former “Sag Harbor Bridge,” a part of Route 114, which spans Sag Harbor Cove, is the gateway to the hometown of Lance Corporal Haerter.
