There are times when the individual story actually becomes the focus of the transaction. Frank and Sharon Alters, Realtors with Watson Realty Corp.'s Fleming Island office, discovered that to be true when they found a condominium for one of their clients recently. Colonel John D. Folsom of the United States Marine Corps Reserve from Omaha, Neb., was in the market for a three-bedroom vacation retreat in central Florida near Orlando and all the attractions in that vicinity.

The search in itself isn't noteworthy, but the Alters soon discovered that locating this particular property was very special, indeed. Folsom wasn't interested in a family get-away for himself, there was a greater purpose to his quest.

In March 2003, Folsom founded a non-profit corporation called Wounded Warriors to support personnel from all branches of military service who were evacuated from Afghanistan and Iraq to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for treatment of injuries and wounds stemming from Operations "Enduring Freedom" and "Iraqi Freedom."

Realtors Frank and Sharon Alters

With some financial support, Wounded Warriors was able to support military hospitals in the U.S. and Iraq by purchasing laptop computers and other morale items to be used by patients and staff. But, this is just the preamble to the story. The Wounded Warriors wanted to provide something that many families of severely wounded and injured young soldiers, airmen, sailors or Marines may never be able to afford -- something that many Americans take for granted -- carefree family time together in beautiful surroundings.

"It was never intended, just sort of evolved," Folsom said. "We wanted to focus on the here and now as well as do something for the future."

He was quick to point out that these efforts are not his alone, that Wounded Warriors can reach its goals primarily with the support of ordinary people who want to do something for the men and women who have endured great sacrifice on behalf of all Americans.

Wounded Warriors has purchased two of these three bedroom, two bath condos in Orlando, decorated with a tropical theme.

"It will happen because of people like the [Times-Union] readers who can make it possible," the colonel said.

The Alters became acquainted with Folsom and his organization when the Wounded Warrior mission expanded to include a place where families of these severely injured warriors could spend one week away from hospitals, rehabilitation and all the uncertainties that now crowded their altered lives. Together, the Alters and the colonel found just the right place.

Wounded Warriors purchased a three-bedroom, two-bath, fully furnished condominium in Orlando, at the beautiful Bahama Bay Resort just minutes away from Walt Disney World. The condo accommodates qualified veterans and their families for a week that is so much more than a vacation.

Complimentary family passes to Walt Disney World sweeten the stay. The Wounded Warriors organization revamped features of the condos to make them functional and safe for the handicapped.

The very first guests of Wounded Warriors were James and Keli Lowman and their 5-year-old daughter, Emily, who spent the week prior to Easter just being a family having fun. James, a chief warrant officer in the U. S. Army, suffered multiple spinal fractures in a helicopter crash in Iraq during his third deployment. Just 27 years old, James had already served 10 years in service to his country prior to the accident and considers himself a career soldier.

"I know I'll never be a helicopter pilot again," James Lowman said. "But we are a military family and this is my career. I look forward to being reassigned."

Amenities at the Bahama Bay Resort in Orlando include a playground, pool and shaded picnic tables.

He went on to say that there is no way to explain the emotional and physical strain the injury has had on him and his family during the 12 weeks of rehabilitation at Fort Bragg, S.C. A strain that continues to the present.

However, "this trip is putting my family back together," James Lowman said. "We can focus on the three of us as a family again instead of me being hurt. There's absolutely no way that we could have ever done something like this without the generosity of Colonel Folsom and Wounded Warriors. I am just so thankful."

He added that seeing his little girl smiling all the time and so excited is something that he will never be able to repay. When the Lowman's arrived at Bahama Bay Resort as guests of Wounded Warriors, their "jaws just dropped," James Lowman said. "After such a long struggle, suddenly Col. Folsom has provided way more than anyone or anything ever could."

Keli Lowman and their daughter had to do whatever it took for her husband to begin the long healing process.

"This week is the greatest blessing to all of us," Keli Lowman said. "James is doing so well here and doesn't want to miss a thing. When he gets tired, he sits down while Emily and I wait in line, but she runs back and forth between us to let him know what's happening."

The second family to be given this same opportunity are Peter and Michele Reid from Palm Bay, who will stay at Bahama Bay Resort for a week beginning today. Folsom said that he's familiar with the military presence in the Jacksonville area and has no doubt that military families from this area will qualify for a week at the Wounded Warriors condo, as well. His vision, and that of the Wounded Warriors, is to one day include a ranch in Wyoming that will serve the same purpose for injured military personnel and their families as does the Florida condo.

Complete information, including how to offer financial and other support, can be found on the Web site, www.WoundedWarriors.org or write Wounded Warriors; 1719 N. 60th Street; Omaha, Neb. 68104.

Frank and Sharon Alters plan to continue their relationship with Colonel Folsom and Wounded Warriors, and maintain their real estate business, too. They have extensive experience in the industry and are both members of the Gold Pinnacle Club of Watson Realty Corp. Learn more about them at www.TeamAlters.com.