Military Family Assistance Program
Thanks to advances in protective technologies and battlefield medicine more of our Heroes are surviving combat. However, once home our Warriors are struggling with the wounds of battle both visible and invisible which can contribute to the risk of suicide. While attempting to manage their recovery and transition into the civilian world they are entered into a backlogged and broken system. The VA process can take over a year or more leaving them with the inability to provide for their families. Financial issues continue to escalate for our Heroes living on a fixed income, issues as small as a vehicle repair can send the family into financial distress.
These are proud Warriors struggling to recover from their injuries and when they realize that they cannot support their families they feel defeated and forgotten. They often deal with the complex feelings a Combat Veteran struggles with such as: painful memories, survivor’s guilt, reoccurring nightmares, depression and anger. For many, these issues have led to alcohol/substance abuse, unemployment, criminal activities, divorce and suicide.
The suicide rate has reached unprecedented numbers, since 2013 statistics have shown that Military suicides have exceeded combat deaths from Iraq and Afghanistan. That is a daunting fact and the heartbreaking reality of suicide is that it is a permanent solution to a temporary issue and only leaves a trail of broken hearts that spans generations. Warriors need to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not of weakness. It takes courage to ask for help.
Our answer is to provide them with the amount of assistance they will need to continue on throughout the VA Claim Process. Our goal is to ensure they are financially and emotionally sound and on the path to becoming productive members in their communities, by providing financial support for basic needs such as groceries, clothing, mortgage, rent, utilities, and vehicle payments.
OFR travels with the Veterans and their families throughout this journey until they are stable and no longer need our help. Due to the severity of injuries some of our Heroes may need our help for years to come and we are here to provide that support.
For a grateful nation where there is abounding Freedom and we must never forget the price that was paid for that Freedom.
For the last 16 years, Operation First Response has successfully served over 21,840 Disabled Veterans with emergency financial aid and your support in our program would enable us to continue to effectively serve all Veterans in our communities.
Our aim is to be a constant aid and positive force in the future of America’s Disabled Veterans.Â
We need your help!
