2. Table of Contents
I. Executive Summary Page 3
II. Mission, Philosophy and Vision Page 4
III. General Foundation Description Page 5
IV. Long Term Goals Page 6 - 7
V. Services and Assistance in Industry Page 8
VI. Foundations Services and assistance Page 9 - 12
VII. Veteran Statistics Page 13 - 14
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions Page 15 - 16
IX. Proposed Chapters Page 17 – 18
X. Executive Staff Page 19
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3. I. Executive Summary
3
Unified Warrior Foundation Inc., a non-profit
corporation, was established to bridge the gaps
where other veteran assistance foundations fall
short. Unified Warrior Foundation Inc. engages in
the operations of veteran assistance and PTSD
mediation practices. Our organization offers
activities for veterans that require the veteran to
engage and bond with his or her brothers and
sisters in arms by attending outdoor challenges
that require them to rely on each other as they
did in combat. This practice of reestablishing the
military relationship we once had is not new;
however, the process before, during, and most
importantly after is what separates our
foundation from others.
4. II. Mission, Philosophy and Vision Statement
4
Our Mission:
Provide emotional support to our fellow veterans
and their families to mitigate the effects of PTSD
while educating the community of this side effect of
service to the country.
Our Philosophy:
Our brothers and sisters are never alone,
never have been, never will be.
Our Vision:
Grow into a national community where
veterans and their families can rely on their
brothers and sisters for emotional and
physical support.
Guiding this mission are our core values.
• Draw from our military heritage; honor, courage,
loyalty, commitment, and Integrity
• Never leave a fellow soldier behind.
• Operate with accountability and transparency
• Complete the mission
5. 5
III. General Foundation Description
Unified Warrior Foundation has been established as a
501 (c) (3) corporation which will engage in delivering
assistance and guidance to veterans with PTSD and
other service related injuries in an effort to bridge
the gaps where other foundations fall short. We
believe the continued support throughout the
relationship from initial engagement to having the
veteran evolve into a support mechanism for other
soldiers is invaluable. Brothers and sisters healing
through our outings and challenges, and then moving
on to become a liaisons and life coach for other
veterans will give that veteran a new mission in life
and provide lasting healing effects.
In treatment of chronic PTSD, Veterans often report
that perhaps their most valued experience was the
opportunity to connect in friendship and support
with other vets. This is unlikely to be different for
returning Iraq War and Afghanistan War soldiers, who
may benefit greatly from connection both with each
other and with Veterans of other conflicts.
Fortunately, this is a real strength of Unified Warrior
Foundation, who routinely and skillfully brings
veterans together.
Our goal is to provide a complete PTSD healing
program for veterans that will continue to challenge
them and give them purpose and mission while
evolving to assist other veterans.
6. 6
IV. Long Term Goals
• Establishing offices in each state where veterans can
get assistance and participate in activities closer to their
home. These locations will be staffed by veterans on a
voluntary basis. Funding for these offices will be
supplemented with donations and corporate
sponsorships as well as fundraising events in that state.
Grants from private and Federal programs will be
applied for.
• Establish a veteran assistance program for those
needing to fill out VA applications and documents. This
has proven to reduce the mistakes in filling out the
forms and reducing wait times. This function will be
staffed by experienced veterans who have knowledge of
these forms and processes.
• Establish a network of veterans who can reconnect
with fellow veterans they have served with in the past;
from WWII to the current conflicts, all in an effort to let
the veteran know they are not alone. This network will
be offered through a confidential web application to
keep the veterans personal information private while
connecting service men and women to long lost
brothers and sisters.
7. 7
IV. Long Term Goals Cont.
• Establish a family support system to better deal with
their loved ones who suffer from PTSD through
education and discussions with other families.
• Create a network of Psychotherapists across the
country that can facilitate a short appointment wait
time for veterans. These Doctors do not prescribe
medicine; they heal the veteran as opposed to treat.
These Doctors will donate his or her service to identify
core issues with veterans
• Establish relationships with property management
companies for discounted rental rates to temporarily
house homeless veterans while they participate in the
foundations jobs network program. A portion of
corporate sponsorship funds will be used for this
purpose.
8. 8
V. Services and Assistance in Industry
Foundations focusing on veterans issues are many;
however, the majority of these foundations and groups
do not network to provide the veteran an avenue when
they do not qualify or fit that specific foundations
objective. This gap in the system is where Unified Warrior
Foundation shines through. Our network of contacts
allows us to refer the veteran to a specific person and
foundation to address their issues. Once they are
referred, we remain in contact with that veteran so as to
bring them into our activities and further repair his or her
mental strength.
The end goal is to have that veteran engaging in social
activities with us and helping their fellow veteran with
PTSD issues they themselves have overcome. Too many
veterans do not qualify for foundation assistance from
other organizations and we want to be that bridge that
gaps that short coming by making sure they get what
they need through networking.
Our strength comes from our all volunteer staff. All our
volunteers have overcome their PTSD or other service
related injury and most have engaged in Life Coach
training courses.. Teaching other veterans the techniques
they used to combat this deadly mindset. We are devoted
to our brothers and sisters and committed to educating
the public of the truth about PTSD. It is not a stigma to be
ashamed of, but a result of heroism and strength.
9. 9
VI. Foundations Services and Assistance
•Hiking:
Hikes on trails located across the country that are
facilitated and guided by volunteers experienced
and knowledgeable of the trails in that region.
These hikes will include; day hikes, section (2 to 3
day duration) hikes and thru hikes (generally 3 to 6
month duration).
•Mountain Biking:
Veterans can participate in one, two, and three day
mountain biking outings.
•Rappelling:
Veterans can come together once again and
support each other in activities that require trust.
Trust is a major factor in dealing with PTSD and
other service related injuries.
•Zip line:
This adventure is designed to strengthen trust and
build self confidence while giving the veteran the
opportunity to spend time with fellow veterans.
10. 10
•River Rafting:
Veterans who have completed a challenge set forth by the
foundation will be rewarded with this adventure (2 day
duration). Once again, building trust through team work as it
was in the military is the goal of this reward.
•Trout Fishing: (2 day duration)
This outing is held in locations across the country in any of the
over 3000 trout streams. These are guided by professionals
who have agreed to volunteer their time for this foundations
adventure. 4 veterans per trip allow us to facilitate the
experience to over 8,000 veterans each year.
•Offshore Fishing Trip: (These are challenge rewards)
Veterans who have completed a challenge set forth by the
foundation will be rewarded with this adventure (2 day
duration). Giving another mission to achieve; veterans can
once again have a purpose each day as it was in the military.
•Sky Diving: (Ultimate challenge reward)
This ultimate challenge reward is for the veteran who has
conquered a milestone in his or her life (verified by one of the
Psychotherapists in our network of professionals). This reward
is for achieving the maximum results from dedication and
devotion to getting better. (Our version of the Silver Star).
VI. Foundations Services and Assistance
11. 11
VI. Foundations Services and Assistance Cont.
•Continued contact and relationship building:
Once the veteran is in the system, they will be
constantly involved with the organization’s mission; to
get the veteran back on top of their game and begin
to help other veterans who suffer from PTSD and
other related service injuries. This approach is proven
in combat as soldiers are promoted for achieving
objectives and tasked with leading others.
•Network of foundations committed to veterans:
Our network of foundations will ensure the veterans is
never left with the question, ”what next and where
can I find information”. We will never leave a veteran
behind, nor will we send them away without knowing
they have the resources they are searching for.
•VA application and document assistance:
Unified Warrior Foundation is currently creating a
liaison department where veterans can verify their
application for VA assistance and appointments is
correct the first time. Over a third of the applications
are returned to the veterans because of mistakes. This
results in wasted time that the veteran goes without
help. This department is staffed with veterans familiar
with the process and experience in S1 administration
while they served in the military. We expect to reduce
the application rejection rate by 100% for those who
use our free service. We do not provide legal advice,
only proof reading and correction advice for the
application process.
12. 12
VI. Foundations Services and Assistance Cont.
•Homeless veteran placement with job placement
assistance:
Through networking with other foundations across the
country and sponsorship funding, we plan to place
homeless veteran families in stable housing for 6 months
with job placement assistance and guidance so they can
get back on their feet. Currently we have had wide
acceptance from management companies who can
discount the rental rates for these veterans and the
foundation.
Placing single homeless veterans will follow a similar
process with job placement and assistance in getting back
on their feet.
These veterans will commit to giving a portion of their time
to volunteering to help the foundation with assisting other
veterans for the help they receive from the foundation.
(Paying it forward).
Network of Psychotherapists:
Our network of Psychotherapists will be available at a
reduced rate for veterans referred to them through the
foundation. Financial assistance will be made available
through corporate sponsorship until we petition Congress
for rule changes and VA billing from Doctors. This is already
being done, except the process is extensive and
complicated through TRICARE. Veterans already receive
disability payments on time each month and that process
can be adopted by the network. An extensive list of
Doctors is already compiled and more are voicing their
interest in being included in the network.
13. 13
VII. Veteran Statistics
The number of Veterans with PTSD varies by service era:
•Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom
(OEF): About 20 out of every 100 Veterans (or 20%) who
served in OIF or OEF have PTSD in a given year.
•Gulf War (Desert Storm): About 13 out of every 100
Gulf War Veterans (or 13%) have PTSD in a given year.
•Vietnam War: About 15 out of every 100 Vietnam
Veterans (or 15%) were currently diagnosed with PTSD at
the time of the most recent study in the late 1980s, the
National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS).
It is estimated that about 30 out of every 100 (or 30%) of
Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime.
50% of veterans do not seek assistance or treatment for
PTSD because of the stigma and potential loss of certain
rights.
PTSD
OIF / OEF %
Gulf War %
Vietnam %
DNR/Do Not
Report
14. 14
VII. Veteran Statistics Cont.
Recent statistical studies show that rates of veteran
suicide are much higher than previously thought, as
much as five to eight thousand a year (22 a day, up
from a low of 18-a-year in 2007, based on a 2012 VA
Suicide Data Report).
PTSD distribution between services for OND, OIF,
and OEF: Army 67% of cases, Air Force 9%, Navy
11%, and Marines 13%. (Congressional Research
Service, Sept. 2010)
More active duty personnel die by own hand than
combat in 2012 (New York Times)
Combat deaths from Vietnam to Iraq War
combined is 53,305 (Department of Defense)
Veteran Suicides from March 1999 up to July
2015 was 108,346. This number is estimated to
have climbed another 740 veterans up to
October 2015.
America has lost more than twice the number of
soldiers to their own hands than in all wars since
Vietnam.
15. 15
VIII. FAQ
Why are you needed? Why doesn’t the government take
care of its veterans?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is funded to take
care of homeless veterans, veterans with PTSD and TBI, and
other service related injuries; however, the scope of the
problem is so vast that no one agency can do it alone.
Reducing homelessness among veterans, mitigating and
treating PTSD and TBI requires partnerships between a
myriad of government and private entities. Think of it like
the American Cancer Society or the American Lung
Association. While the government funds a considerable
amount of medical research, those organizations have
existed for years because of the general public’s desire to
see even more done in the fight against these deadly
diseases. In our case, the fight is against homelessness and
the despair, PTSD, substance abuse, and other factors that
contribute to our brothers and sisters sliding into the dark
area we don’t want them to be in. If you agree that
veterans facing these life-threatening challenges – many of
which are the result of serving in combat – deserve more
help than the government can provide, we ask you to
consider making a donation to Unified Warrior Foundation
Inc.
16. 16
VIII. FAQ
Why are veterans more at risk of becoming homeless
than other people?
In a 2009 study, the National Alliance to End
Homelessness reported that homeless veterans face
different challenges than the general population.
Prolonged separation from traditional supports such as
family and close friends, combined with highly stressful
training and occupational demands, can affect veterans’
personalities, self-esteem, and ability to communicate.
Veterans are also often faced with non-transferability of
skills to civilian jobs. Other contributing factors include
challenges that existed prior to military service, such as
economic hardship, and factors developed as a result of
military service, such as combat-related mental and
physical health problems.
Can civilians participate in activities?
Yes, we encourage civilians to participate and engage in
events. Just the knowledge they are not cast aside after
combat is enough to start that healing process and bring
them back from the solitude of helplessness.
17. 17
IX. Proposed Chapters
Wayne Wood Georgia Alpharetta, GA
Derek Patterson Georgia Calhoun, GA
Charles Belew Georgia Rome, GA
Jill Long Florida
Kat Duggan Florida Deltona,FL
Melissa Hicks Florida
Kyla Herrera Texas Belton, TX
Rick Breare Texas
Pat Texas
Texas
Jamie Bridges Arkansas Rogers, AR.
Shane Robinson Tennessee Elizabethton, TN
Louisiana
Mississippi
Steve Toth Ohio Cincinnati, OH
Barbra Wilkinson Ohio Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Rick McMeechan Ohio Brecksville, OH
Edward Evans Pennsylvania Summit Hill, PA
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Illinois
Indiana
Indiana
Ann Strand Kentucky Elizabethtown, KY
Kentucky
Alabama
Chris Black Washington State Pasco, WA
Megan Denea Joy Missouri Springfield, MO
Jeremy Boyts Missouri Springfield, MO
Yellow highlights are available to begin events immediately
18. 18
IX. Proposed Chapters Cont.
Brandon D Charbonneau Utah Logan, UT
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
New Mexico
Joshua Evans Arizona Tucson AZ
Vanessa Morales North Carolina
North Carolina
Paul Brown South Carolina Greenville, SC
South Carolina
Virginia
Virginia
Wisconsin
Kansas
Joel Andrews Iowa Des Moines
Kathryn Brewer California Humboldt County
California
California
Kenneth McBean Maine Kittery ME
Yellow highlights are available to begin events immediately
19. 19
X. Executive Staff
George Eshleman: Executive Director
US Army Veteran
Melissa Shinall: Chief Operations Officer
US Navy Veteran
Chris Dorsey: Treasurer
US Army Veteran
Shane Robinson: Secretary
US Navy Veteran
Rick McMeechan: Marketing Director
US Army Veteran
** Full Biographies on request
