The Shining Honor Project enriches lives, creating meaningful, therapeutic opportunities for adults with developmental challenges while paying tribute to Veterans who have served our country.
My name is Erin Wambold, and I’m proud to serve as Executive Director of the Shining Honor Project (SHP)—a mission close to my heart since its founding in 2017. As a longtime advocate for people with developmental challenges and mental health needs, and as someone whose family has served in the military, leading SHP feels deeply personal. Every day, I have the privilege of helping two groups I care deeply about: individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and our nation’s Veterans.
At its core, the Shining Honor Project enriches lives. We create meaningful, therapeutic opportunities for adults with developmental challenges while paying tribute to Veterans who have served our country. Through our partnerships, participants lovingly clean and restore Veterans’ headstones—an act of service that honors the fallen while empowering those who serve them.
Our work is built on two powerful beliefs:
• Everyone deserves the dignity and pride that come from meaningful work.
• Every veteran deserves to be remembered and honored.
Today, SHP proudly partners with incredible Oklahoma organizations including Gatesway Foundation, A New Leaf, Ability Works, Incor, and Home of Hope. Together, we form “Honor Teams”, small groups of dedicated workers and a job coach, who travel to cemeteries, wear SHP uniforms, and bring honor and beauty back to the resting places of heroes. Each team member earns above minimum wage, develops confidence and independence, and experiences firsthand the pride of a job that truly matters.
The results have been extraordinary. Across Oklahoma and Montana, thousands of Veterans’ headstones have been lovingly cleaned, each one a visible act of gratitude and remembrance.
One of my favorite stories is about two Honor Team members who, after several months in the program, proudly announced that they were ready to “graduate.” One applied for a job at an industrial site, and the other at a restaurant. Their courage and confidence were the clearest proof of SHP’s impact.
The gratitude we receive from families of both Veterans and team members keeps me inspired. Every note, every phone call reminds me how powerful this work truly is—it connects people, heals hearts, and restores dignity.
Beyond cemetery service, our Honor Teams proudly march in Tulsa’s Veterans Day Parade, celebrate with group gatherings and appreciation parties, and help place flags on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day.
As we look ahead, we’re hoping to bring this life-changing model to even more organizations and communities. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our donors, volunteers, and partners. Together, we’re honoring Veterans and uplifting lives.
Learn more or get involved at shininghonor.org,
or by email ErinW@shininghonor.org.
Working4Good is a new series highlighting members in our community dedicating their lives to improving our community. If you wish to nominate someone for a Working4Good feature, please contact Sandy Sloan, sandy@jewishtulsa.org.
