The Greer Foundation is privately funded and focuses on promoting the values of American Soldiers - Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Each year our award programs and advocacy help recognize, motivate, and inspire exceptionally promising individuals to emerge as leaders in America's Armed Forces and other professional disciplines.
The idea for this venture was forged inside war-torn Kosovo. Then a Task Force Command Sergeant Major, Greer spent much of his time winning the hearts and minds of the local children. Their strength, passion, and suffering inspired him. It also reminded him that our freedoms and our children are worth fighting for.
In Honor Of
The Greer Foundation was established in 2003 by Steve and Jennifer Greer in honor of Fatbardh "Mafia" Bajrami, whose father was brutally murdered at his home in 1999 by the Yugoslavian Army. Read more about the founders here.
Mission
Our mission is to inspire a new generation of American Patriots and raise public awareness of the sacrifices of serving our nation and the values under which our soldiers serve.
Logo
Our distinct logo is representative of the first meeting between CSM Greer and little "Mafia" on a small hill overlooking the village of Cernica.
History
Every organization has a history. Ours is rather unique in that it began with a chance meeting in a far away land. While serving in Kosovo, CSM Greer happened upon a young Albanian boy who had a sparkle in his eye. He was unique; different from the others - a natural leader whom other kids seemed to follow. Nicknamed "Mafia," he approached Greer one afternoon and said, “Whas up Sarjant Majhor!” They traded words for several minutes and Greer presented Mafia with a Task Force challenge coin for excellence. Mafia was surprised at the gesture and quickly spoke of repaying the gesture.
Several days later they met with Mafia and his mother at their small home. He drank coffee while his interpreter kept the conversation flowing. From the moment he entered Mafia’s home, Greer couldn’t help but feel saddened at what he saw. Greer listened carefully as his Mom told of the horror of her husband’s killing at the hands of Slovodan Milosevich’s henchmen. She was vividly shaken and Greer wondered what wasn’t being translated.
It was that moment -- sipping on very strong Albanian coffee, looking at Mafia’s expression as he listened to the story of his Dad’s untimely death -- that CSM Greer knew he wanted to help. Greer developed a strong bond with Mafia and his family. The day he departed Kosovo in May 2002 he stopped by their home to say goodbye. He exchanged goodbyes with Mafia and his mother and with tears in her eyes she pleaded in Albanian, “please don’t forget about us.” When Alban began translating her comments, Greer stopped him - “I think I understand Alban, tell her I won’t forget them."
The Greer Foundation © 2002-2010 All rights reserved.
Steven Greer is retired from the United States Army. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.
This page was last updated: September 8, 2010
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