Leslie Burger said he has a big soapbox from which to speak.

"There is an incredible need to support servicemembers and their families, active and retired, with health-related needs," the retired Army doctor, past Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC) commander, general officer and past president of the Madigan Foundation said. "There is still a great deal of work to do."

The foundation's current president is Col. David Soma.

Created in 1995, the nonprofit IRS 501(c)(3) Madigan Foundation is unique in military medicine.

Operated entirely by volunteers, its overhead costs are between five and 15 percent per annum.

"We meet the unmet needs. It is why this foundation was created," said Burger, "and the Combined Federal Campaign plays an important role in helping us help others."

The foundation's CFC contribution number is 92486.

Approximately 72 percent of donated CFC money goes into supporting the foundation's mission.

Affable, formidably intelligent and absolutely bulldog determined to continue to provide care to servicemembers and their families, Burger brims with stories about the good work the Madigan Foundation does.

Since the foundation's start, it has provided more than $1 million to families and to MAMC.  

From scholarships, respite care and purchasing car seats to supporting the Warrior Transition Battalion, hosting its Young Heroes program and sponsoring an annual research lecture, the foundation has been and remains a constant source of help for military families.

And then there is the exponential side of what the Madigan Foundation does with the money it receives from the CFC.

"We pay to send young doctors to courses where they can perfect their skills," Burger explained.

In other words, the foundation leverages every dollar it receives from the CFC.

Burger also pointed out that traumatic brain injury (TBI) and behavioral health issues among elementary-age children are challenges that will continue into the future.

The foundation will also play a leading role in facilitating the mission of a National Intrepid Center of Excellence, or NICoE, to be built at MAMC.

"We are here for all services, all active-duty, Reserve, Guard and retired and their family members," added retired Col. Theresa Baker in an email.

For more information about the Madigan Foundation, visit www.madiganfoundation.org, email madiganfoundation@comcast.net, or call 253.627.1071.