Mark Malick is looking for a few heroes.

Malick, of the group Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation, said his organization provides scholarships of up to $100,000 to severely disabled post-9/11 veterans for necessities such as housing, transportation, family support, education or training and employment.

He said although the Western Pennsylvania chapter of the nationwide foundation has existed for almost a year, no veterans have taken advantage of the program as of yet.

Malick said patient privacy laws that went into effect in 2003 preclude the foundation from contacting Veterans Administration hospitals to find veterans who have lost limbs or been burned, blinded, paralyzed, deafened or otherwise severely injured since Sept. 11, 2001.

"Right now, we have the resources, but not the vets," Malick said.

The foundation, which is funded solely through larger foundations and private and corporate donations, has 18 branches nationwide. The local branch, based in Gibsonia, is looking to find up to 10 post-9/11 veterans to assist with four-year scholarships.

"It's a helping hand up," Malick said. "These men and women want to be viable, productive members of society."

He said those who made a life-altering sacrifice during wartime deserve assistance reassimilating into civilian society after their injuries heal, particularly in light of the suffering endured by Vietnam veterans upon returning home some 40 years ago.

"These (post-9/11) vets have not only given up so much to serve us, but to become cripplingly wounded and facing the challenge of getting back into the mainstream of life, they need all the help they can get," Malick said. "Our motto is, 'We shall never leave you; we shall never forsake you.'"

Carla Goulart, developmental director at the three-year-old foundation's base in San Ramon, Calif., said the 55th scholarship was recently conferred on a "sentinel."

Goulart said when a new sentinel comes into the program, he or she is surrounded by a team of volunteer mentors who guide and provide support. She said mentors frequently provide assistance to sentinels in their area of expertise as well.

"If a volunteer is a lawyer, he or she might help the sentinel with a will or other legal matter," Goulart said. "If they are an accountant, they can help with finances."

She said half of the rental housing provided to sentinels in San Ramon is donated by landlords, and American Airlines provides free flights when necessary.

Goulart stressed that sentinels and their families do not receive cash; rather, the foundation pays their landlord or mortgage company and reimburses them for items such as furniture and other household needs.

She said the heroes who pass through the Sentinels of Freedom program are always humbled and grateful for the opportunities provided by the foundation.

"One sentinel said, 'I am so thankful for every day he has had this opportunity. It has made a huge difference in my life.'" Goulart said.

But Malick said it should be the other way around, particularly in the case of veterans who have sustained life-altering injuries.

"It's our way of saying thank you," Malick said. "We just don't want any of them to be forgotten."

John Prichard, adjutant for American Legion Post 117 in Butler, knew about the nationwide Sentinels of Freedom Foundation, but was unaware a Western Pennsylvania chapter had opened.

Prichard also was surprised to learn of the generous scholarships available for local post-9/11 vets.

Upon hearing of the program, Prichard reflected on the reception received by many veterans of the Vietnam era upon their return home.

"When I was in 39 years ago, things like this did not exist," Prichard said. "This is absolutely fantastic."

Paula McCarl of the Veterans Administration in Butler said officials there were aware of the national program, but not the new regional effort.

"Obviously we would like to learn more and refer our veterans who meet their criteria," McCarl said.

More information or donation instructions regarding the Sentinels of Freedom Foundation is available at www.sentinelsoffreedom.org. Local veterans and their families who think they may be eligible for the program can contact Doug and Bea Miller at 724-586-5156.