Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, and the period immediately after separation is a critical time for support. That&rsquo;s why Onward Ops is proud to partner with III Armored Corps, the VA Veteran Sponsorship Initiative (VSI), and the Fort Hood Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to connect Soldiers with sponsors, community programs, and resources that help set them up for success.
Through this partnership, Soldiers gain access to:
<ul>
<li>Peer sponsors to guide them through the transition</li>
<li>Housing, employment, and education resources</li>
<li>VA health care and mental health support</li>
</ul>
These efforts have enabled the initiative to proactively identify and support at-risk individuals with increased VA services, fundamentally shifting the approach from reactive care to preventative intervention.
Together, we&rsquo;re ensuring every Soldier has a strong support network and the resources they need to thrive in civilian life.
<a href="https://forthoodsentinel.com/news/iii-armored-corps-va-veteran-sponsorship-initiative-partnership-supports-empowers-soldiers-after-separation-from-military/article_21f1c6bf-9d83-4579-8179-ab4e9e0461ef.html">Read More Here</a>

Stronger Together: Partnering to Support Soldiers in Transition

2025 has been a breakout year for the Onward Ops program. With an expanding network of partners, rising enrollments, and continued validation that what we are doing works, together we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation&rsquo;s newest veterans. Whether measured by screening more than 28,000 service members for suicide risk or by connecting communities and mentors with those transitioning into civilian life, we are proving that a successful transition is not only possible&mdash;it is achievable at scale.
More importantly, we continue to demonstrate that the vast majority of veterans are not damaged or broken. They are exceptional men and women who build on their military experiences and values to contribute to our country for years to come. With your continued support, we remain committed to reaching our goal of supporting every new veteran as they take off the uniform for the final time and step confidently into civilian life. Our veterans deserve nothing less.

Onward Ops Impact Report

Recently, Brigadier General (Ret.) Mike Eastman, Executive Director of Onward Ops, joined leaders at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation&rsquo;s Business Solves Conference, a premier event where business and community leaders come together to address today&rsquo;s most pressing social challenges.
Mike participated in the panel discussion, &ldquo;The Next Mission: Building Stronger Communities Through Collective Impact,&rdquo; alongside Eric Eversole, President of Hiring Our Heroes. The conversation explored how collaboration across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors can strengthen local communities and ensure that every transitioning Service Member has the support they need to thrive in their next chapter.
For Onward Ops, this mission is personal. Transitioning from military service is a pivotal moment, one that can define a Veteran&rsquo;s success and well-being for years to come. Through our partnerships and community-driven approach, we connect Service Members with trained Sponsors who offer local guidance, mentorship, and connection throughout their first year after service.
At Onward Ops, we believe that transition is a community mission and collective impact makes it possible. By working together&mdash;businesses, nonprofits, government, and individuals&mdash;we can ensure that every Veteran finds belonging, purpose, and support in their new communities.

Strengthening Communities: Onward Ops at Business Solves Conference

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We&rsquo;re honored to be a participating organization and grant awardee in <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Face the Fight&rsquo;s newest round of nonprofit grants<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Together with other dedicated partners, we&rsquo;re working to prevent Veteran suicide by expanding resources, strengthening support systems, and ensuring care is accessible for all who serve.
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Face the Fight&reg;<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, a national initiative launched in 2023 by <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">USAA<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reach Resilience<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and the <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Humana Foundation<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, announced <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">$16.5 million in grants<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to 27 nonprofit organizations nationwide. These investments highlight the power of collaboration and community connection in helping veterans thrive during and after their military service.
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through this partnership, <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Onward Ops<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Team Red, White &amp; Blue (Team RWB)<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are joining forces to support recently separated veterans during their first&mdash;and often most vulnerable&mdash;year after leaving the military. Onward Ops connects service members with trained sponsors who provide local guidance, mentorship, and connection, while Team RWB leverages its nationwide network to strengthen peer support and proactively identify risk factors.
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Together, we&rsquo;re helping veterans build a foundation of belonging, purpose, and care during life&rsquo;s critical transitions.

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Collaboration saves lives<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and we&rsquo;re proud to be part of this vital mission alongside Face the Fight and our fellow grantees.

Onward Ops Awarded Face the Fight® Grant to Support Veterans in Transition

Midway through 2025, the Onward Ops program continues to gain momentum. With an expanding network of partners, rising enrollments, and solid evidence that our approach truly works, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation&rsquo;s newest veterans.&nbsp;&nbsp;So far, over 23,000 service members have been screened for suicide risk. We are helping bridge the gap between military and civilian life - connecting communities and mentors with those who need them most and showing that a successful transition is not only possible but expected.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
More importantly,&nbsp;, we are helping change the narrative: the vast majority of veterans are not broken. They are extraordinary individuals who carry their military values into the next chapter, continuing to serve and strengthen our country in new ways.
&nbsp;
With your continued suppport, we will reach our goal of supporting every new veteran as they take off the uniform and make the leap into civilian life.&nbsp;

Onward Ops 2025 Mid-Year Impact Report

Identity, Purpose and Community. In this episode of the Your Next Mission&reg; video podcast, SMA Tilley is joined by BG (R) Mike Eastman, Executive Director of Onward Ops, and Col (R) Howie Cohen, Principal of Cohen &amp; Associates and Board Member of Onward Ops. Together, they share how Onward Ops is transforming the lives of Servicemembers by helping them uncover their Identity, Purpose and Community as they transition from military service.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7_-L14oNOFo?si=qR6UmvTEGAfZ5AGi" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Your Next Mission® Podcast with Onward Ops

2024 has been a breakout year for the Onward Ops program. With an expanding network of partners, enrollments on the rise, and validation that what we are doing really works, together we are making a real difference in the lives of our nation&rsquo;s newest veterans. Whether that is measured in screening 15500+ service members for suicide risk or connecting communities and mentors with their newest members, we are showing that a successful transition is achievable. More importantly, we are demonstrating that the vast majority of veterans are not damaged or broken. They are phenomenal men and women who build on their military experiences and values to contribute to the country for years to come. With your continued support, we will reach our goal of supporting every single new veteran as they take off the uniform for the final time and make the leap into civilian life. Our veterans deserve nothing less.
&nbsp;
To read the complete impact report click here: <a style="color: #000000;" title="Onward Ops 2024 Impact Report" href="https://partnerhub.onwardops.org/impact-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Onward Ops 2024 Impact Report</a>

Onward Ops 2024 Impact Report 

<h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://abc7.com/post/nonprofit-organization-onward-ops-helping-veterans-transition-to-civilian-life/15190332/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source Article</a></h4>
&nbsp;
LOS ANGELES (KABC) --&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-testid="prism-linkbase">Department of Veterans Affairs</a>&nbsp;is far more than the VA hospital. Through public-private sponsorships, the VA is trying to help with the challenges veterans face as they transition out of the military.
&nbsp;
"The stress is always there," said Terri Tatum, now retired after over two decades in the Navy. "It might not be the same as the person that got out before you but the stress is always there." There are over 40,000 veterans service organizations across the country, but most aren't connected in any way. So, in spite of available resources, retiring service members can feel lost said John Fasano, the Community Coordinator for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn17/vsi.asp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-testid="prism-linkbase">Veteran Sponsorship Initiative</a>.
&nbsp;
"Most of our service members will tell you that they feel like they're on their own," he said. Maurice Wilson spent 26 years in the Navy but now works with Onward Ops, a nonprofit helping unify Veterans organizations nationwide. "It's not as simple as just taking off the uniform," Wilson said. Wilson is the Regional Community Integration Coordinator for&nbsp;<a href="https://onwardops.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-testid="prism-linkbase">Onward Ops</a>&nbsp;which connects veterans with a volunteer who checks in every week to make sure they have access to resources and assure them they are not alone.
&nbsp;
Tatum knows personally how valuable that is. "I have a sailor who got married and his wife got out and she didn't have this... and the loss of community was where... she felt the degrade and so... she didn't know where to go," Tatum said. Peter Lanham was Tatum's "Battle Buddy" with Onward Ops San Diego and helped her navigate her transition to civilian life. "There are many out there that need Onward Ops... once they hear about it and know what it can do as they transition and reintegrate... it's refreshing... nothing like this has existed," said Lanham.
&nbsp;
In partnership with Onward Ops, the Veteran Sponsorship Initiative, or VSI, calls service members long BEFORE they exit the military and begin working with them to ensure they have healthcare and determine any other needs. Wilson pointed out, "Roughly 90% intend to change from the career they have in the military to a new career, but they can't tell you what that is."
&nbsp;
"If we work with them now and start to connect them with resources in the community where they're going to live... the veteran starts to have the mindset of, 'somebody in my community really cares about me," added Fasano.
&nbsp;
According to a study in 2017, on a given night over 40 thousand veterans were homeless. In contrast, research from VSI shows, with a transition sponsor, a veteran is 63% more likely to engage with healthcare and 50% less likely to attempt suicide -- positive numbers in the effort to give retiring veterans the tools needed to reintegrate into civilian life successfully. As Tatum fought back tears she said, "It was that community that Maurice and Pete provided me and helped me integrate back in... that I think... I'm successful today."

Onward Ops Featured on KABC Los Angeles

Transition Support Through Partnership Renewal
&nbsp;
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">VA identified <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">suicide prevention</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> as its highest priority, and it reflects on this commitment through the nonmonetary partnership renewal with the <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://onwardops.org/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Expiration Term of Service Sponsorship Program (ETS-SP)</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.
&nbsp;
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This partnership, facilitated by VA&rsquo;s <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.va.gov/healthpartnerships/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP)</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, addresses <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">social determinants of health (SDOH)</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that influence mental health resilience and improved health outcomes. The collaboration between VA and ETS-SP and ETS-SP&rsquo;s military transition program, Onward Ops, enhances support for service members and Veterans as they reintegrate into civilian life and communities.
&nbsp;
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">&ldquo;The partnership between VA and ETS-SP helps VA and the community proactively reduce suicide risks and support the health and well-being of Veterans and their families,&rdquo; said Christine Eickhoff, HAP health system specialist. &ldquo;Thousands of Veterans have been served through this partnership, and we are excited to continue our collaboration and serve an increasingly diverse Veteran population.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
<span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Onward Ops reaches more Veterans
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ETS-SP, a community partner within the <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.va.gov/HEALTHPARTNERSHIPS/vspn.asp"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Veteran Sponsor Partnership Network (VSPN)</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and its military transition support program, Onward Ops, is extending its outreach beyond the Army to include all branches of the military.
&nbsp;
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Onward Ops pairs service members with local peer sponsors, offering one-on-one support and guidance through VA benefits and connecting them to essential local and regional community resources. While Onward Ops resources have always been available to all branches of service, they are expanding their outreach efforts to other branches of service to increase awareness of the program&rsquo;s resources.
&nbsp;
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">&ldquo;Expanding the outreach of Onward Ops from Army Veterans to Veterans from all branches of the military is a critical step towards ensuring all transitioning service members and Veterans have the support they need to thrive in civilian life,&rdquo; said Mike Eastman, Onward Ops executive director.
&nbsp;
<span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enhancing Veteran support
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ETS-SP&rsquo;s platform, Onward Ops, is excited to announce new developments in its support programs, including the introduction of a suicide risk calculator, representing a significant advancement in efforts to identify and support at-risk Veterans.
&nbsp;
<a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7489860/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Research</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> shows that suicide rates increase during and after transition to civilian life, but the risk isn&rsquo;t the same for all TSMs. This tool, <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37815485/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">developed in collaboration with researchers in the Department of Defense and academia</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, integrates predictive analytics to better assess risk factors, enabling community organizations, peer sponsors and health care providers to offer individualized services and potentially save lives.
&nbsp;
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For Veterans at acutely high risk, Onward Ops can quickly and easily refer them to the <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Veterans Crisis Line</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and VA mental health providers.
&nbsp;
<span style="font-size: 15pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">VA and ETS-SP: A unified effort
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The collaboration between VA and ETS-SP exemplifies a unified effort to support Veterans. Led by HAP, the VSPN initiative fosters the development of nonmonetary partnerships, such as the one with ETS-SP that offer Veterans access to local, regional and national resources essential for successful reintegration into civilian communities.
&nbsp;
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; color: #000000; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Partnering with VA significantly enhances ETS-SP&rsquo;s ability to support TSMs and Veterans by facilitating seamless enrollment into VA health care through the Onward Ops platform. This collaboration leads to 80% of Onward Ops participants being successfully enrolled into VA&rsquo;s healthcare system by providing them with a handoff to regional coordinators.
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; color: #000000; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">&ldquo;The collaboration between VA and ETS-SP shows how shared efforts can lead to innovative solutions to support Veterans,&rdquo; said Chien Chen, HAP chief officer and nurse executive. &ldquo;Strategic partnerships enhance the reintegration process for TSMs and Veterans, and set new standards for how we collectively address service members&rsquo; evolving needs.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; color: #000000; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the partnership between VA and ETS-SP enters its next phase, the collaboration promises to make an impact on Veterans&rsquo; lives. By using Onward Ops&rsquo; support resources to provide tailored support and leverage innovative tools like the suicide risk calculator, the partnership is set to improve mental health resiliency and outcomes for Veterans nationwide.
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; color: #000000; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;

Onward Ops Partnership with the VA

The PenFed Foundation Partners with Onward Ops to Empower
Veterans Transitioning from Military Service to Civilian World
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<p class="prntac" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 35px; text-align: center; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8; color: #373737; font-family: Montserrat, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff;">Program is offered at no cost to service members up to a year before they depart the military.
TYSONS, Va.,&nbsp;April 23, 2024&nbsp;/PRNewswire/ -- The&nbsp;<a style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: #063369; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;" href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4147389-1&amp;h=1607225639&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D4059598-1%26h%3D3180808370%26u%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.penfedfoundation.org%252F%26a%3DPenFed%2BFoundation&amp;a=PenFed+Foundation" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">PenFed Foundation</a>, a national 501(c)3 founded by PenFed Credit Union, announces a life-changing partnership with Onward Ops that is empowering veterans making the challenging transition from military service to the civilian world. The program is offered at no cost to service members up to a year before they depart the military and provides the option to choose a self-guided transition with personalized resources and tools or a sponsor-guided transition with personalized, hands-on support from experienced sponsors.
"The PenFed Foundation is so proud to partner with Onward Ops to empower transitioning veterans. We both believe in the potential of veterans as community leaders," said PenFed Foundation President&nbsp;Andrea McCarren. "They have an extraordinary work ethic, unparalleled resilience, and an array of skills that can benefit communities across the country."&nbsp;
The program enrolls more than 1,200 transitioning service members and their families monthly with enrollment expected to double this year.
As the program grows, Onward Ops needs everyday community members like you to volunteer as a mentor. Mentors come from diverse backgrounds, similar to the transitioning service members they assist. For just a few hours a month, you can make a big difference in a transitioning service member's success by offering your support and being there for them every step of the way. Learn more about being a mentor&nbsp;<a style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: #063369; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; font-weight: bold;" href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4147389-1&amp;h=1382552834&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fpenfedfoundation.org%2Fhow-we-help%2Fonward-ops%2F&amp;a=here" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">here</a>.
"Veterans bring tremendous skills and experiences with them from their military service," said Onward Ops Executive Director Brigadier General US Army (Ret.)&nbsp;Mike Eastman.&nbsp; "We are so grateful for this partnership with the PenFed Foundation.&nbsp; Together, we are connecting local mentors with our newest veterans and engaging the entire community in helping them succeed."
Onward Ops provides support to active-duty service members as they navigate their way back into civilian life. They connect new veterans with trained sponsors from their destination community, focusing on the 12 months between leaving the military and reintegrating into civilian life. They offer the tools to achieve their goals and a supportive sponsor to guide them through the process.
To learn more about Onward Ops visit&nbsp;<a style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: #063369; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; font-weight: bold;" href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4147389-1&amp;h=3689445777&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.onwardops.org%2F&amp;a=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.onwardops.org%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.onwardops.org/</a>.
About Onward Ops Foundation The Onward Ops Foundation exists to support military members in their transition out of uniform and into life as Veterans. The Foundation is exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and is a public charity. It is qualified to receive tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106 or 2522.
About PenFed Foundation Founded in 2001, The PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that supports veterans in their transition from service to success. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has provided more than&nbsp;$50 million&nbsp;in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members and military families. The credit union funds the Foundation's personnel and most operational costs, allowing 99% of incoming donations to go directly to our programs. To learn more, please visit&nbsp;<a style="box-sizing: border-box; background-color: transparent; color: #063369; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; font-weight: bold;" href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4147389-1&amp;h=2737609261&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penfedfoundation.org%2F&amp;a=www.penfedfoundation.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.penfedfoundation.org</a>.
SOURCE PenFed Foundation

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