Bo Derek reflects on giving back to American veterans: 'There's just so much we don't do for our heroes'

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Bo Derek on giving back to nation’s heroes

Actress Bo Derek discusses her work with America’s veterans on ‘Fox & Friends.’

One of Bo Derek’s passions has been giving back to our veterans.

And for the actress, who became a sex symbol overnight with her 1979 film "10," the cause hits close to home. Her father, Paul Collins, was a radio operator during the Korean War. Both her stepfather and her late husband, actor/director John Derek, were also veterans.

"I remember I ran into the [former] secretary of veterans affairs, Anthony Principi, and he tells me about the rehabilitation events for disabled veterans," the now-66-year-old told Fox News Digital. "These are incredibly moving events. And yet they were having trouble going because some people, perhaps, maybe were uncomfortable — we’re talking about 400 people with all kinds of disabilities."

Bo Derek appears with disabled veteran Jim Wallack at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in New York City on July 4, 2001. The actress was the honorary chairperson of the games. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

"But when I went to my first Snowmass event, I was moved," she continued. "Just seeing 400 disabled veterans and the volunteers who were there… [The volunteers made] sure that they would offer them whatever they needed, whatever they wanted to do in winter sports, no matter their disability. Even if it required adapting some equipment, it didn’t matter, it could be done. That does something to you."

Derek skyrocketed to fame after appearing in the 1979 movie "10." (Alan Band/Keystone/Getty Images)

The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, which takes place in Snowmass Village, Colorado, encourages veterans to push their limits and discover their capabilities through a variety of winter sports.

The clinic, which began in 1987 with just 90 participants, has grown to assist nearly 400 disabled veterans. Those with traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments, orthopedic amputations, neurological conditions and other disabilities are empowered to take on adaptive sports with instructors to improve their overall health and outlook on life.

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Army veteran Joseph Smith chats with Derek after a surfing lesson during the 2nd National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego, California, on Sept. 25, 2009. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

The star said her first event was in 2001 and it forever changed her life.

"They say ‘miracles on a mountainside,’ but it really is," said Derek. "I ended up becoming a chairperson for all the events. It was just so much fun. I did that for seven years. It’s more than just sports, although they’re incredibly fun. You really get to sit down and get to know these heroes on a personal level. It was an honor."

Derek appears at the 48th Annual AFI Life Achievement Award Honoring Julie Andrews at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on June 9, 2022. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TNT)

Over the years, Derek has kept busy pursuing projects that allowed her to personally say thank you. In 2003, Derek was granted the highest award offered by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for her efforts supporting American veterans. She also went on USO tours to support American troops and has worked with the Special Forces Association, which named her an honorary Green Beret.

Derek gets suited up in a harness to jump from an Army parachute practice tower while on the USO Holiday Tour. (Greg Mathieson/Mai/Getty Images)

The VA also shared that Derek previously received the Communicator of the Year Award from the National Association of Government Communicators. The VA Secretary’s Award also recognized her dedicated advocacy.

Derek once admitted she initially didn't consider becoming involved with the USO because "I don't sing or dance," American Warrior Radio revealed. However, when Wayne Newton became the head of the USO, he encouraged his pal to participate in a special European holiday tour.

According to the outlet, Derek later jumped with the Army Golden Knights parachute team. The actress considered it one of the greatest honors she has ever received. Currently, Derek encourages her fans to seek out local military and veteran charities in need of support.

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Derek chats with Army veteran Bill Johnson after a kayaking session in 2009. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Derek and her longtime love, John Corbett, have also shown support for the American Hometown Heroes Initiative, a program dedicated to helping veterans find work after returning home from service.

"I remembered there was a side project going on with the Library of Congress of getting these veterans to tell their stories, their war stories," Derek recalled. "I remember there was one veteran from World War I. That was incredible. He hadn’t even talked to his family about his experience, but for some reason, there was this atmosphere of being around other veterans that allowed him to be comfortable and share his story. It was very moving to hear his story and the conditions he endured."

"You didn’t have the medical or communication advances we have today," she shared. "And yet there was that courage. That’s the one message I always try to share whenever I get involved. There’s just so much we don’t do for our heroes."

Army veteran Greg Reynolds learns to surf as Derek supports him. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Derek insisted there are several overlooked organizations that are determined to support veterans.

"There are some great ones, but just be careful with anything that attracts scammers," she advised. "There’s a special place in hell for those people who scam people out of money from veterans. But, thankfully, there are many other organizations that aim to genuinely help. You just have to do some homework. But it’s so rewarding."

"As for me, I’ve always worked directly with the Veterans Administration," she explained. "My brother, who passed away, loved the games and what they meant to our veterans. We created a family fund to support those veterans and help pay their expenses to go to these events."

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Army veteran Anthony Davis, left, learns sailing with the encouragement of Derek. The actress supported the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in 2009 as a volunteer. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Derek has also discovered another way to give back. The star, who is a proud animal lover, continues to lend a helping hand to causes that raise awareness about wildlife trafficking. Her shampoo line for canines named Bo Derek Pet Care also supports retired military working dogs. The VA noted she helps the nonprofit organization Canine Companions for Independence, which provides assistant dogs free of charge to wounded veterans, as well as children and adults with disabilities.

"Our military has gotten so much better in how they handle these dogs when they retired, but there are still some things that fall through the gaps," she said. "But there are some great organizations that help fill that in. We like to give a portion of our profits to some of those organizations."

Derek said she continues to be thankful for the "blessings" she's been given in life.

Derek visits with hospital patient Chris Palus of the 224 Aviation Co as part of the USO Holiday Entertainment Tour. (Greg Mathieson/Mai/Getty Images)

"My mother embedded into my psyche a long time ago how fortunate I am and how many blessings I have received in my life," she reflected. "There’s contentment in my life. My glass is looking half full. I know we all go through grief, and I have certainly experienced some pretty heavy grief… But all I can do is appreciate the blessings I was given."

This interview was originally published in 2020.