Read more about Donna Cranston

Donna is the Founder and CEO of Defenders of Freedom.  She founded the organization in September of 2004 during her involvement with the Welcome Home a Hero program at the Dallas/Ft. Worth (Texas) Airport.

At that time her son, Matt, was in Iraq. She was sending him care packages and if felt natural to get the addresses of the Soldiers she met at the airport to send them care packages.  That was the beginning of Defenders of Freedom.

In 2008 she was asked to help a wounded Soldier at Fort Campbell, Kentucky which opened a door of helping wounded Troops.  She helped with financial assistance until 2019, when she asked the board to shift their mission to treating TBI’s because, so little was being done to treat the injury.

She actively helps recruit and vet post 9/11 Veterans who need brain treatment.  She oversees all income and expenditures that come to Defenders of Freedom. She also oversees all grant proposals and expenditures for grants, ensuring funds are used according to the purposes they were given for.

Donna operates simply on the belief that our freedoms are not free, and that we owe it to the men and women who have stood in the gaps for our freedoms, the best care and treatment when they are transitioning to civilian life.  She believes in making a positive difference for every Veteran who crosses their path.

Donna and her husband, Tim, have been married for 48 years.  They have 3 sons and one grandson.