Family Assistance Program
Military and Veteran Families
Supporting Our Nation’s Heroes
Thanks to advances in battlefield medicine and protective technologies, more of our Heroes are surviving combat. However, once they return home, many Warriors face a different kind of battle—coping with visible and invisible wounds that can contribute to a heightened risk of suicide.
While managing recovery and transitioning into civilian life, many are forced to navigate a backlogged and broken system. The VA claims process can take over a year or more to complete, leaving them without the resources to provide for their families. Living on a fixed income, even a minor emergency—like a vehicle repair—can push a family into financial crisis.
These are proud Warriors doing their best to rebuild their lives. But when they are unable to support their families, many feel defeated and forgotten. The emotional toll can be overwhelming, as they face painful memories, survivor’s guilt, nightmares, depression, and anger. Too often, these struggles lead to substance abuse, unemployment, divorce, incarceration—and tragically, suicide.
📊 Impact Statistics:
- Since 2013, military suicides have exceeded combat deaths from Iraq and Afghanistan.
- 22 Veterans die by suicide every day — a tragic statistic that underscores the urgent need for support.
- Veterans experiencing financial hardship are 2.5 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts.
- The VA backlog for claims processing often exceeds 12 months, leaving families without support during critical times.
- Over 50% of post-9/11 veterans report difficulty adjusting to civilian life.
💬 Veteran Voices:
“I didn’t know how I was going to keep the lights on, let alone feed my kids. OFR stepped in when no one else could. They gave me hope again.”
— SGT. James R., U.S. Army Veteran“When I was at my lowest, struggling with PTSD and a mountain of bills, Operation First Response reminded me that I wasn’t alone.”
— SSGT. Maria T., U.S. Air Force Veteran“It’s not just financial help—it’s dignity, it’s knowing someone still believes in you.”
— CPL. David L., U.S. Marine Corps Veteran“OFR helped me bridge the gap when the VA couldn’t. That support probably saved my life.”
— SPC. Kevin M., U.S. Army Veteran
Our Mission: Standing in the Gap
Our answer is to provide meaningful assistance throughout the VA claims process and beyond. We strive to ensure our Heroes are financially and emotionally secure, empowering them to reintegrate into their communities with dignity and hope.
Through critical assistance—groceries, clothing, housing support, utility bills, and vehicle payments—we stand by our Warriors on their journey toward healing and stability.
Together, we can prevent crisis, restore hope, and honor the sacrifices our Heroes have made for us all.
First Responder Families
Every day across our great country, brave men and women risk their safety to serve our communities.
As First Responders, they stand ready at a moment’s notice—running in when others are running out.
When we see the uniform they proudly wear, we are reminded of the sacrifices they make to be prepared for any emergency. We are deeply grateful for their selfless service and unwavering commitment. Their courage comes with great personal cost, often met with little recognition or thanks.
When injury, illness, or the ultimate loss impacts a First Responder, we must stand by their families—just as they have stood by us.
At Operation First Response (OFR), we walk alongside our Heroes and their families throughout their journey—until they are stable and no longer in need of assistance. For some, the road to recovery is long, and we are committed to being there every step of the way, for as long as they need us.
We serve in honor of a grateful nation—where freedom abounds, and we must never forget the price that was paid to secure it.
For the past 21 years, Operation First Response has proudly served over 37,877 Heroes with emergency financial aid. Your support helps us continue this vital mission—providing help, hope, and healing to America’s Finest.
Together, we are a lifeline for those who serve our communities so selflessly.
