Founder's Blog - Helping One Service Member/Veteran At A Time

This is the time of year when people tend to be more generous and understanding of the needs of others. But we at Operation Hat Trick understand the need and gaps in care every day and try to make a difference one service member/veteran at a time.

There are two times during the year,December and June,when OHT makes donations to several organizations although we do give throughout the year,especially when there is an emergency need. This December we are thrilled to be able to give to 5 different organizations. They have all met and exceeded OHT’s criteria and expectations and we are so happy to be able to make a real difference in their organizations.

Our goal is to continue to help those organizations that are making a difference in the recovery of wounded service and veterans. The need is great so we look to fill some gaps in care. Those gaps continue to get bigger and bigger so we are excited to be able to help-one veteran at a time.

All to whom money is being donated have said,”OHT’s donation helps us grow our veterans programs and in many cases allows us to better support and manage our current programs. In other cases we will be able to do things we have not been able to do before due to our limited resources so we are forever thankful for OHT’s support.”

Liberty House provides homeless, American veterans with a safe, supportive and substance-free housing community. Thanks to dedicated staff and volunteers,Liberty House has assisted over 200 homeless veterans in rejoining their communities. Founded in 2004,Liberty House works to make positive,successful changes in the lives of men and women who have served our country.

Northeast Passage creates an environment where individuals with disabilities can enjoy recreation with the same freedom of choice,quality of life and independence as their non-disabled peers. In the case of veterans,NEP helps those with visible and invisible injuries acclimate back into their communities through recreation. NEP makes a difference one veteran at a time.

The Travis Mills Foundation benefits and assists wounded service members by showing them they can overcome their physical obstacles and emotional challenges and find purpose by staying the course through their recovery. Founded by Travis Mills,one of 5 surviving quadruple amputees,Travis knew that those with unthinkable injuries often gave up on life. While at Walter Reed Travis found a “passion” in inspiring fellow wounded service members to “never give up”. Travis has purchased and is redoing the Elizabeth Arden property in Rome,Maine as a retreat for veterans. His hope is that all who attend will continue their recovery. Out of a hospital setting,veterans thrive and begin to regain their confidence and love of life.

The Adaptive Training Foundation empowers the human athlete,restores hope through movement and redefines the limits of individuals with disabilities.This is achieved by helping wounded veterans and others with life-altering injuries to find a path to life-fulfilling activity and sustained health and fitness through adaptive performance training. Founded by David Vobora,a former NFL player,the ATF provides training that helps those veterans and others in his gym to find a new kind of courage.

Canine Companions for Independence provides highly trained assistance dogs free of charge to veterans and others living with disabilities. CCI helps to enhance independence and quality of life and offers ongoing support throughout the life of the team formed by them and their assistance dog. CCI’s assistance dogs help veterans and service members living with disabilities accomplish everyday tasks. They also provide constant companionship and unconditional love.

Every organization will use OHT’s donation to grow their veterans program.These donations are critical to the ongoing recovery of so many who struggle on a daily basis to return to some kind of ‘normalcy’.

As you know, OHT’s mission is to generates awareness, support and funding for the recovery of America’s wounded warriors, both active service members and veterans. OHT pursues these goals through the sale of OHT branded merchandise, proceeds of which are distributed to selected organizations that provide direct services to our wounded warriors.

THEY PROMISED TO DEFEND WE PROMISE TO SUPPORT

Please join us during the season if Giving by making a purchase or donation at www.operationhattrick.org.

THANK YOU for caring!