Built by veterans, for veterans
Our Story
Created by veterans who understand the journey, IHOOT connects generosity
and service to bring rest, reconnection, and renewal to military families.
Built by veterans, for veterans
Our Story
Created by veterans who understand the journey, IHOOT connects generosity and service to bring rest, reconnection, and renewal to military families.
Built by veterans, for veterans
Our Story
Created by veterans who understand the journey, IHOOT connects generosity and service to bring rest, reconnection, and renewal to military families.
Our Legacy of Impact
25+
Years of Supporting Veterans
600+
Donated Resort Locations
41K+
Veteran Families Reconnected
$200
Million+ in Donated Stay Value
25+
Years of Supporting Veterans
600+
Donated Resort Locations
41K+
Veteran Families Reconnected
$200
Million+ in Donated Stay Value
25+
Years of Supporting Veterans
600+
Donated Resort Locations
41K+
Veteran Families reconnected
$200
Million+ in Donated Stay Value
Our STORY
Turning Empathy into Action
IHOOT was founded at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., when service members wounded in the Global War on Terrorism began returning home. While many Americans knew about the lives lost in combat, few understood the challenges of those who survived — the long road of recovery, rehabilitation, and the emotional toll of reuniting with family after war.
Seeing this need, Philip Strambler, a Disabled Vietnam-era Marine Corps Veteran and then Director of Marketing & Commercial Activities at Walter Reed, began developing programs that raised awareness of the difficulties faced by returning service members and their families.
His work led to the founding of IHOOT and, later, the Vacations for Vets Program — a compassionate initiative designed to help veterans reconnect and rebuild their family bonds through donated vacations of gratitude.
“Americans knew that service members were losing their lives in combat. They were unaware of the challenges of transition.”
— Staff Sergeant Charles Eggleston, wounded veteran, recipient of 56 surgeries.
Our Mission
A Bridge Between Generosity and Service
Through donated resort stays, IHOOT helps Active Duty Military, Veterans, DoD personnel, and widows rest, reconnect, and rebuild relationships that deployment, injury, or loss may have strained.
Today, IHOOT continues to serve as a bridge — connecting the generosity of our Resort Partners and donors with the sacrifice of service members. Together, we turn resort donations into opportunities for rest, renewal, and reconnection — a simple yet powerful way to say thank you to those who’ve given so much.
OUR HISTORY
Built on Gratitude
2000
The IHOOT Enclave Project was established to provide housing for wounded veterans and families during rehabilitation.
2002
The IHOOT Golf Classic launched as both therapy and fundraiser, raising awareness for wounded veterans.
2003
The Warrior Transition Program helped veterans gain employment in the food service industry.
2004
Vacations for Vets Program was founded with support from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).
2009
IHOOT became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, continuing its mission to support and honor those who’ve served.
2010–2012
Growth through partnerships with major resort brands — including Hilton Grand Vacations, Shell Vacations, Welk Resorts, Worldmark, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and Wyndham Resorts — expanding access to hundreds of resort locations nationwide. The IHOOT Charity Golf Tour was also launched to fund the growing Vacations for Vets Program.
2013–2015
The program joined the Wyndham Charitable Giving Program, adding over 120 new resorts, and introduced the IHOOT Discounted Accommodations Program to make even more family getaways possible. The IHOOT Charity Golf Tour was also launched to fund the growing Vacations for Vets Program.
Our Mission
A Bridge Between Generosity and Service
Through donated resort stays, IHOOT helps Active Duty Military, Veterans, DoD personnel, and widows rest, reconnect, and rebuild relationships that deployment, injury, or loss may have strained.
Today, IHOOT continues to serve as a bridge — connecting the generosity of our Resort Partners and donors with the sacrifice of service members. Together, we turn resort donations into opportunities for rest, renewal, and reconnection — a simple yet powerful way to say thank you to those who’ve given so much.
OUR HISTORY
Built on Gratitude
2000
The IHOOT Enclave Project was established to provide housing for wounded veterans and families during rehabilitation.
2002
The IHOOT Golf Classic launched as both therapy and fundraiser, raising awareness for wounded veterans.
2003
The Warrior Transition Program helped veterans gain employment in the food service industry.
2004
Vacations for Vets Program was founded with support from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).
2009
IHOOT became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, continuing its mission to support and honor those who’ve served.
2010–2012
Growth through partnerships with major resort brands — including Hilton Grand Vacations, Shell Vacations, Welk Resorts, Worldmark, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and Wyndham Resorts — expanding access to hundreds of resort locations nationwide. The IHOOT Charity Golf Tour was also launched to fund the growing Vacations for Vets Program.
2013–2015
The program joined the Wyndham Charitable Giving Program, adding over 120 new resorts, and introduced the IHOOT Discounted Accommodations Program to make even more family getaways possible.The IHOOT Charity Golf Tour was also launched to fund the growing Vacations for Vets Program.
Our Mission
A Bridge Between Generosity and Service
Through donated resort stays, IHOOT helps Active Duty Military, Veterans, DoD personnel, and widows rest, reconnect, and rebuild relationships that deployment, injury, or loss may have strained.
Today, IHOOT continues to serve as a bridge — connecting the generosity of our Resort Partners and donors with the sacrifice of service members. Together, we turn resort donations into opportunities for rest, renewal, and reconnection — a simple yet powerful way to say thank you to those who’ve given so much.
OUR HISTORY
Built on Gratitude
2000
The IHOOT Enclave Project was established to provide housing for wounded veterans and families during rehabilitation.
2002
The IHOOT Golf Classic launched as both therapy and fundraiser, raising awareness for wounded veterans.
2003
The Warrior Transition Program helped veterans gain employment in the food service industry.
2004
Vacations for Vets Program was founded with support from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).
2009
IHOOT became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, continuing its mission to support and honor those who’ve served.
2010–2012
Growth through partnerships with major resort brands — including Hilton Grand Vacations, Shell Vacations, Welk Resorts, Worldmark, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and Wyndham Resorts — expanding access to hundreds of resort locations nationwide. The IHOOT Charity Golf Tour was also launched to fund the growing Vacations for Vets Program.
2013–2015
The program joined the Wyndham Charitable Giving Program, adding over 120 new resorts, and introduced the IHOOT Discounted Accommodations Program to make even more family getaways possible.The IHOOT Charity Golf Tour was also launched to fund the growing Vacations for Vets Program.
The Voice of Our Veterans
Stories That Inspire, Leadership That Listens
Board of Directors
Leading with Purpose and Compassion
PHILIP STRAMBLER
CEO / PROJECT CHAIRMAN
DR. ALVIN (AK) WILKINS
DIRECTOR / PROJECT LIAISON
MICHAEL WILKINS
DIRECTOR / PROJECT MILITARY LIAISON FUNDRAISING
DR. CHARLES GROCE
DIRECTOR / PROJECT WELLNESS LIAISON
CHARLES EGGLESTON
DIRECTOR / PROJECT WOUNDED WARRIOR LIAISON
CLAUDE BOUSHEY
DIRECTOR WOUNDED WARRIOR LIAISON
Stronger Together
Our Community of Support
IHOOT’s impact is driven by the generosity of our resort sponsors, corporate partners, and community programs. Together, we bring healing opportunities to thousands of veterans and their families each year.
Partner Programs
Discover how organizations work with IHOOT to support veterans
STAY CONNECTED
Join our community of supporters, veterans, and partners who believe in the power of healing through charitable giving. Follow us for updates, stories, and new resort opportunities. Subscribe to the monthly newsletter to receive the latest programs, partner news, and ways to give back.
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CONTACT US
Phone: 202-538-7831 (voicemail)
Email: admin@ihoot.org | Fax: 410-496-7668
Be Part of Our Giving Network
IN HONOR OF OUR TROOPS (IHOOT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping Active Duty Military, DoD, Widows and Veterans reconnect with their families through the gift of donated resort stays.
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WHO WE ARE
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Copyright © 2026 In Honor of Our Troops Foundation, Inc. Designed by WeMakeLeads
Copyright © 2026 In Honor of Our Troops Foundation, Inc. Designed by WeMakeLeads
Copyright © 2026 In Honor of Our Troops Foundation, Inc. – Designed by WeMakeLeads
IN HONOR OF OUR TROOPS (IHOOT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping Active Duty Military, DoD, Widows and Veterans reconnect with their families through the gift of donated resort stays.
Share Your Story, Spark Another Donation
JOIN OUR MISSION
WHO WE ARE
VACATIONS FOR VETS
VETERAN PORTAL
Copyright © 2026 In Honor of Our Troops Foundation, Inc. Designed by WeMakeLeads
Copyright © 2026 In Honor of Our Troops Foundation, Inc. Designed by WeMakeLeads
Copyright © 2026 In Honor of Our Troops Foundation, Inc. – Designed by WeMakeLeads
IN HONOR OF OUR TROOPS (IHOOT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping Active Duty Military, DoD, Widows and Veterans reconnect with their families through the gift of donated resort stays.
Share Your Story, Spark Another Donation
JOIN OUR MISSION
WHO WE ARE
VACATIONS FOR VETS
VETERAN PORTAL
Copyright © 2026 In Honor of Our Troops Foundation, Inc. Designed by WeMakeLeads
Copyright © 2026 In Honor of Our Troops Foundation, Inc. Designed by WeMakeLeads
Copyright © 2026 In Honor of Our Troops Foundation, Inc. – Designed by WeMakeLeads