Dynamic Logic COO Tom Deierlein unveils details about his foundation for helping Iraqi children at this week's iMedia Agency Summit.

The interactive marketing industry was surprised to hear in 2005 that one of its own, Dynamic Logic COO Tom Deierlein, was called from the U.S. Army's Ready Reserve into active duty. But the industry would be shocked when it later heard he had been seriously wounded by a sniper round in Iraq.

Following rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center, Deierlein returned to his post at Dynamic Logic and launched the TD Foundation to help Iraqi children with basic humanitarian aid like clothes, school supplies, medical aid and vitamins. 

At this week's iMedia Agency Summit in Austin, Deierlein explained how crucial the Foundation's cause is. In Iraq, the war has forced a "mass exodus of the middle class," said the Iraq vet. "There's no real middle class…no clothes, no shoes, no food on the table." And while government organizations exist to provide support, Deierlein said getting help from them was very frustrating.

With his foundation, Deierlein has cut out the middleperson and given people a way to help Iraqi children in need. "Even if it's just one child, one needy family we can help, it's going to make a huge difference," Deierlein told a sold out Agency Summit crowd.

Already, the TD Foundation has raised $60,000 with donations from across the interactive marketing industry at the Summit, but more is still needed. To donate, visit the TD Foundation's website.

On donating, iMedia CEO Rick Parkill told summit goers, "There are few opportunities in life to do something that will make you feel this good."

Mario Sgambelluri is associate publisher, iMedia Communications, Inc. Read full bio.