It almost seems cheap to thank all of you for such a tremendous experience. Still, you should know I am, and will remain, forever grateful for all you’ve done for us.
"Never in my six combat deployments did I foresee a chance to regain the sense of peace I once knew. I certainly have more work to do, though Warriors & Quiet Waters has provided such a meaningful time in my long walk back to a new/better version of myself. I’m leaving inspired to keep putting in all the work.
"Yours is a special kind of alchemy for inner peace.
"My sincerest thanks,"
Changing veterans' lives for the better
Operation Hat Trick bridges the gaps separating wounded service members and veterans from essential equipment, specialized services, and the recovery that lies beyond. Our work and your generosity are about one thing: NEED!
- Organizations like Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Veterans Count, the Navy SEAL Foundation, the Travis Mills Foundation, , Homes for Our Troops, Hidden Wounds, Jared Allen’s homes for Wounded Warriors, Adaptive Training Foundation, Canine Companions, Warriors and Quiet Waters, Let’s Chow!, Purple Heart Homes-Gold Corner Chapter, Challenge Alaska, Brazos Valley Cares, the Travis Manion Foundation, Seats For Soldiers, Hope for the Warriors, Soldier Strong, Fisher House at the Tucson, AZ Va, Hero Flights among others have all benefited from Operation Hat Trick donations. (See the full list on the DONATE NOW page)
- Provided an irrigation system and golf cart for a Veterans Healing Farm that's off the grid. This organization grows food that feeds veterans in need. Veterans learn how to grow kale and lettuce, grow flowers and do beekeeping
- Paid for 50+ veterans to attend songwriting classes. Veterans wrote sings about their deployments and revealed details that caused their Post Traumatic Stress
- Sponsored an entire week for up to 40 recalibrated veterans and their families at a retreat in Maine
- Paid for ice time for 9 Warrior Hockey teams across the nation providing the "connection" necessary to deal with feelings of isolation and depression
- Paid for teams of veterans to learn how to fly fish in Montana. Fishing is a proven therapeutic activity for many veterans
A significant need
Veterans are at 57% higher risk of suicide than those who haven't served.
- 6,146. veteran suicides in 2020.
- 125K+ veterans have died by suicide since 2001.
- 2nd leading cause of death in veterans under age 45.
- HUD estimates over 35,000 veterans are homeless; this number is down from years past
- The unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans dropped in August to 1.9%, the lowest in more than three years
What People Say about Operation Hat Trick
- Josh, USMC ret. -
Thank you for your belief in us. I can't believe how far we have come since 2019. Still a grassroots organization but with 4 times the reach due to OHT's support."
- Kayla Aristivo, President & Executive Director, Trails of Purpose -
We are so grateful for all you have done for our Warrior Freedom Family! OHT will always be my first donation (memory), as I will never forget the zoom call with you and Dot when I had just been hired! Thank You for making a difference in the Lives of Veterans.”
- Diane McDermott, Development Director, Warrior Freedom Service Dogs -
I wanted to express my MASSIVE gratitude for Operation Hat Trick's unwavering support and generous sponsorship of our Hyper Training Camps. Your commitment to our mission has played a significant role in empowering our service members as they embark on their journey of transformation and healing. Thanks to your partnership, we were able to serve these incredible individuals from Warriors & Quiet Waters with the resources and training to redefine what is possible, both inside and outside the gym - I know these guys left feeling like they could take on the world!
We are truly honored to have Operation Hat Trick as a partner in this work! Thank you for making a profound difference in the lives of our veterans."
- Colin Anderson, Chief of Staff and Special Projects, Adaptive Training Foundation -
Thank you so much for your continued support! Our weekday veteran programs would simply not be possible without OHT’s support! I hope you and your team enjoy the picture of the most recent smile you helped create.”
- Kerri Whalen, Executive Director, Ironstone Farm -
We greatly appreciate your support! It is through generous donations like yours, that we are able to build and remodel fully handicap accessible homes for our injured United States military veterans. We genuinely thank you for choosing to support Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors and we hope you continue your support in the future. Thanks again and God bless.”
- Jared Allen, Chairman, Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors -
Operation Hat Trick’s grant supported an ambitious statewide educational tour in Montana for our veteran suicide prevention program. We hosted eight trainings in four cities and trained 350+ veterans and service members. In just the last six weeks, we have already heard directly from four people who used what they learned at our events to save a veteran’s life. These events would not have been possible without Operation Hat Trick’s donation. Their motto is: “They promised to defend. We promise to support.” -- and they live up to that motto every day. We’re deeply grateful for their support in our shared mission of saving veteran lives."
- Casey Woods, Executive Director, Overwatch Project / FORGE -
Follett chooses to only put OHT merchandise in the bookstore."
- All Canes Fan Shop in Miami, FL -
I love OHT and it's the only hat I will ever buy!"
- Student at the University of Miami -
The difference you at OHT and Red River (Charitable Foundation) make is more than you know, and is appreciated beyond words can express!! We love that we have you guys on board and love the continued support for our veterans. You guys are truly amazing!!"
- Derek Hogan, President, Charleston Warriors Sled Hockey program -
I love the fact that OHT is helping those who have been wounded and trying to recover from their visible and invisible injuries. Laura and I will spend the rest of our lives making sure their lives are as good as they can be."
- President George W. Bush -
From my time at Walter Reed to today, Operation Hat Trick has been a true friend and partner in the success of the Travis Mills Foundation. I am so grateful for the continued partnership with OHT because I know that you believe in our success because you are a founding part of it. Without your early support, I could have never made this dream possible, and the Travis Mills Foundation has been able to serve over 200 veteran families because of that dream. Thank you, OHT, for believing in our recalibrated veterans and for supporting the Travis Mills Foundation."
- Travis Mills, SSG-Retired, Quadruple Amputee -
The day in Washington was the best I’ve spent in all my years as an academic administrator. It was inspiring."
- Mark Huddleston, Former University of New Hampshire President, after visiting wounded service members at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD -
The mission of Operation Hat Trick is truly amazing. Thank you for Western Kentucky University’s outstanding efforts in aiding in the recovery of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans. We are inspired by Western Kentucky University’s devotion and commitment to our veterans. Operation Hat Trick, thank you for continuing to bring awareness to our nation’s Military members and veterans.”
- Kate Deyemond, Program Manager, Army Fisher House Program -
Your donation helps us provide grants to cover the cost of equipment to improve the quality of life for service members and their families. Specialized and Adaptive Equipment grants can include optic enhancement devices for those with vision impairments, software programs for those who cannot type, specialized wheelchairs for those who are not ambulatory, and therapeutic mattresses for those with multiple injuries and burns. These grants allow service members to be active participants in their households and communities. Bless you all for this generous donation at such a critical time!”
- Karen Guenther, President, CEO and Founder, Semper Fi Fund -
We could not be more proud to join Operation Hat Trick in supporting veterans and helping them heal from the wounds of war."
- Kim Vacca, Red River Charitable Foundation Director -
Operation Hat Trick is devoted to the same mission that motivates everyone at SoldierStrong: supporting the recovery of wounded service members and veterans to help them move past the traumas of battle so they can live better lives. I've been especially impressed with – and appreciative of – OHT's approach to fill critical gaps in care wherever they exist. It's in keeping with the training our armed forces receive to 'adapt and overcome' and SoldierStrong is proud to partner with such a dedicated and resourceful group of people working for a greater cause."
- Chris Meek, SoldierStrong co-founder -
We’re incredibly proud to be part of OHT and partner our brand with such an important mission. The Fisher House on the historic Tucson VA campus is the only Fisher House in the state, they are a home away from home for families while their veteran family member receives treatment at the VA hospital. It’s rewarding to know our efforts impact local military families during a different time in their life."
- Alixe Holcomb, Director of Trademarks & Licensing, The University of Arizona -
It is truly amazing to see the impact of OHT on Clemson University and our surrounding communities. Through OHT and all of its licensing partners, Clemson has been able to identify and strengthen relationships with local Military organizations and make a difference in the life of veterans. Clemson has a proud Military heritage, and OHT's mission is aligned with what we strive to accomplish in honoring our servicemen and servicewomen, past and present, who have sacrificed so much."
- Mike Money, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing at Clemson University -
Thanks to Operation Hat Trick’s donations over the last few years, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, MacV, in Duluth, has been able to reduce the homeless population and get those in need into liveable, sustainable housing. We are down to the last 20 to be placed. Without your help, this would not have been possible. OHT has truly made a difference."
- Neal Loidolt, Retired General and Executive Director of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans -
I can only say one thing and that is AWESOME … I am amazed at what you have put together for wounded soldiers. Just a wrought iron vision for you … I remember when I got wounded and I was getting a quilt that was sewn together by an old patriotic woman who belonged to a church in Indiana. I have no words to describe what it’s like to receive something that was given from an American to a wounded soldier who is sitting in a hospital bed feeling helpless. It truly is beyond comprehension."
- SEAL teammate of Nate and Mike -
Ma’am, you’ve almost made me feel normal today."
- Severely burned patient at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center upon receiving an OHT hat -
Operation Hat Trick Donations have made an impact in many location, including these fantastic organizations:
MARSOC (U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command) is the Marine Corps service component to the U.S. Special Operations Command . Dating back to to the Marine Raiders of WWII, MARSOC trains, equips, and deploys task-organized, scalable, and responsive Raider teams in support of Combatant Commanders and other agencies. Raiders conduct foreign internal defense,special reconnaissance and direct action mission across the globe. Operation Hat Trick helps support the MARSOC Tragedy Assistance program through the MARSOC Foundation. In 2017, OHT’s donation provided the following for wounded and recovering active service members and veterans:
- 3 therapeutic mattress toppers for three very badly injured service members. These toppers help with severe back injuries.
- 1 recliner lift chair
- Lodging for a Raider undergoing cancer treatment
- Mentor support for a Raider who is now legally blind.
Operation Hat Trick is proud to be making a difference-one service member/veteran at a time.
The Adaptive Training Foundation exists to empower the human athlete, restore hope through movement and redefine the limits of individuals with disabilities. ATF creates customized training programs that RESTORE, RECALIBRATE, and REDEPLOY. One significant group at ATF is the Veterans group where often “broken”, depressed and pain filled veterans have given up hope that they will ever return to being a contributing member of society. ATF takes these veterans and through their specialized programs, teaches them how to achieve their weight, pain reduction, strength, flexibility, mobility and cardiovascular-goals giving them once again a sense of purpose.Operation Hat Trick has help fund the ATF Veterans program enabling them to grow and serve more of those in need
The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, MACV, is an organization that provides assistance to veterans and their families today and tomorrow and the need continues as veterans have returned home from Afghanistan and Iraq. Operation Hat Trick has specifically helped MACV in Duluth, MN with their homeless population and those veterans who suffer from PTSD.
- 2,000 inquiries for assistance each month are received by MACV offices, almost 25,000 annually
- Over 1,800 veterans were directly assisted with comprehensive services
- Since 1990 MACV has been able to help 10,000 veterans and their families
As one veteran commented, “Words cannot express what your help has done for me and my family. I am not use to asking for help,but you put my fears to rest and I now have hope in my heart”.
Northeast Passage – Through a partnership with NEP and their PATH program, which helps recovering veterans throughout New England acclimate back into society, OHT pays for part-time staff enabling the program to grow from five clients to 68 in two years. Thanks to PATH and OHT, John, a former sniper and sharpshooter with a career-ending shoulder injury and PTSD, was able to leave his home where he had been a recluse and join archery classes. OHT paid for a custom-made bow that allowed John to replicate his sharpshooting skills and return to being a productive member of his community.
Semper Fi Fund – Because of donors like you, the Semper Fi Fund has helped thousands of service members over the past 13 Yrs. There are still many more military families who need equipment, resources, and mentorship. Your ongoing financial support is essential to our efforts. You continue to be a catalyst for change in the lives for our service members and their families and we sincerely thank you for your dedication to those in need. You’ve helped us uphold our sacred responsibility to care for those injured or ill while in service to our Nation. In small part OHT has helped us provide the following:
- 741 Critical Care Illness Support grants
- 902 Caregivers Retreats grants
- 1,169 PTSD/TBI grants
- 141 Adaptive Home and Modifications and Repairs/Equipment grants
- 254 Veteran Reunions
- 737 Canine Companions grants
Veterans Count – In the last year, Easterseals New Hampshire’s Military & Veterans Services (MVS) has provided the following critical supports thanks to the generosity of philanthropic partners like you and OHT:
- 1,443 Service Members/Veterans and their families (2,623 individuals) have been served.
- Care Coordinators intervened in 3 instances of significant suicide risk.
- Homelessness has been prevented for 37 at-risk families and 22 homeless families secured permanent housing.
- 64 individuals were successfully engaged in treatment for a mental health or adjustment problem.
- 2,377 referrals were made to community and military resources.
- 59 program participants obtained employment.
- $253,537 has been distributed in emergency financial assistance.
Armed Forces YMCA – The Armed Force YMCA at the Naval Hospital in San Diego is designed to help service members recovering from the visible and invisible wounds of war. Everyday items like shoes for prosthetic legs or food for the simulated kitchens where arm amputees go to learn how to peel an apple or cut a potato are not provided by current benefits. Treatment goes far beyond shoes and food in a simulated environment, however. As patients begin to recover they need therapeutic care, fine and gross motor skills training, mental health services throughout patient, and many suffering from PTSD and TBI are in need of service dogs. Together this is where OHT and the Armed Forces YMCA have been able to fill some of those gaps in coverage. OHT has contributed to the YMCA’s efforts, which have provided assistance with in-patient and therapeutic services to 17,278 and recreational services to almost 3,154 more. It has also provided items such as adaptive clothing and gasoline cards to 2000-plus veterans, making up for gaps in their benefits