The USO was founded in preparation for World War II by national leaders who understood that maintaining high morale in a fighting force is vital to a nation’s military success. Over time, the USO has become the vital bridge between Americans and their military service members. The USO is a family of volunteers, sustained by the charitable contributions of millions of generous Americans. The USO is united in its commitment to support America’s service members by keeping them connected to the people, places, and things they love. The USO does this through countless acts of caring, comfort, connection, and support. Its work is America’s most powerful expression of gratitude to the men and women who secure our nation’s freedoms.

USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore is the largest chapter chartered by the USO. Ten locations and a “deployable” Mobile USO provide signature USO services to the nearly 300,000 military members and their families living in the region and the 150,000 who travel through our local airports.

USO-Metro is a nonprofit 501c3 organization chartered by Congress, and dedicated to serving those who serve, and their families in Washington D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. It is through the generous financial support of individuals and organizations in the local community that USO-Metro is able to fulfill its mission. With the help of thousands of devoted volunteers, USO-Metro provides programs and services for active duty troops and their families at area military hospitals, six USO Centers, four USO airport lounges and a Mobile USO. Signature programs and services include holiday programs like Turkeys for Troops and Project USO Elf, emergency housing and food assistance, and caring for our wounded, ill and injured troops and their caregivers.

metro.uso.org

Warrior Reunion Foundation supports combat veterans in overcoming the challenges of post-military transition by reconnecting those who served together overseas. They challenge stigma through shared experience, rebuilding essential peer support networks that enable our veterans to live with meaning, purpose and positive impact in their communities.

WRF is operational, not aspirational. They have a proven model and at the close of their third reunion season they will have reunited over 650 combat Veterans and Gold Star family members across 14 reunions, provided at no cost to each unit they’ve served. In recognition of WRF’s impact, in 2018 WRF received the Fisher House Foundation’s prestigious Newman’s Own Award as the “Top Veteran Charity of the Year.”

TAPS offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a military loved one, regardless of the circumstance of the loss or relation to the deceased. Since 1994, TAPS has assisted more than 85,000 surviving families, casualty officers and caregivers with hope, healing, services and programs.

TAPS provides a 24/7 Helpline; Military Survivor Seminars and Good Grief Camps for Young Survivors; a nationwide network of peer-based emotional support groups; case work support, crisis intervention, connections to community-based care; and, grief and trauma resources. All services are provided at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. For information, TAPS.org.

taps.org

Friends of Firefighters is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing free, confidential mental health and wellness services to New York City’s active and retired firefighters and their families. They are headquartered in a revitalized firehouse in Red Hook, Brooklyn with satellite counseling offices throughout the city and Long Island.

Valor Service Dogs is a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization that helps post-9/11 wounded veterans regain their independence, return to civilian life, and maintain successful partnerships through the training and placing of mobility assistance and PTSD service dogs. In addition to aiding their veterans in community reintegration, both physically and psychologically, Valor Service Dogs brings awareness and education to the public on service dogs, their training, and the laws that allow service dogs to be active members of society.

valorservicedogs.org

The mission of the AVC is to guard the legacies and honor the sacrifices of all American veterans. Through oral history preservation, educational programs and civic events, the AVC preserves the stories and lessons of veterans past and present, from which future generations can learn. This year’s grant was used to fund transportation support for the 2017 National Memorial Day Parade. The National Memorial Day Parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across the generations. The parade, commemorating its 12th year, is our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.

The National Memorial Day Parade is a moving timeline of American military history, honoring those who have served and sacrificed from the American Revolution to the present day. It draws on the tradition of Memorial Day parades, going back to the beginning of the holiday just after the Civil War, to create a family-friendly event aimed at calling attention to the true meaning of Memorial Day—honoring our fallen heroes.

americanveteranscenter.org

Founded in 1962, The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children. For more than 55 years, we’ve been providing access to affordable education for the children of Marine and Navy Corpsman attending post-high school, under-graduate and career technical education programs.

mcsf.org

The mission of the IM ABLE Foundation is to remove obstacles that prevent people affected by disabilities from being physically active by providing grants, resources, fitness opportunities and motivation. We change attitudes about the potential of disabled individuals by redefining what is possible.

The AFF is unique in many ways: not least in that it is formed as a joint British-American Foundation pledged to recognize and support the Steadfast Alliance, and specifically those wounded – and the families of those wounded – in the conflicts following 9/11.

AFF’s motto is: “May All Our Comrades Be Our Cause”

The mission of the Allied Forces Foundation, is to raise funds for Allied comrades wounded in recent conflicts and to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by injured soldiers and their families.

alliedforcesfoundation.org

Code of Vets helps raise awareness and practical solutions to the daily struggles and issues of our veteran community.

The Concussion Legacy Foundation’s mission is to support athletes, Veterans, and all affected by concussions and CTE; achieve smarter sports and safer athletes through education and innovation; and to End CTE through prevention and research.

Friends of Firefighters is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing free, confidential mental health and wellness services to New York City’s active and retired firefighters and their families. They are headquartered in a revitalized firehouse in Red Hook, Brooklyn with satellite counseling offices throughout the city and Long Island.

The experiences of war leave an indelible impact on our servicemen and women. As they return to civilian life, the physical, emotional and psychological challenges they face are often difficult. As citizens, supporting the heroes of our nation is a responsibility each of us must carry. The Gary Sinise Foundation works to ensure the sacrifices of America’s defenders and their families are never forgotten.

In 2012, the Gary Sinise Foundation began building custom Smart Homes for America’s severely wounded veterans through its Building for America’s Bravest partner program. Each Smart Home features automated amenities to ease the daily challenges these heroes face. In 2013, the Gary Sinise Foundation expanded these efforts by establishing its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence & Supporting Empowerment) program.

For more than a decade, Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band have toured the globe in support of our troops. As a part of the Foundation, the band is raising spirits and awareness for military and first responder causes worldwide.

Through its Invincible Spirit Festivals, the Gary Sinise Foundation is boosting the morale at military medical centers across the country. These daylong celebrations provide a respite from the rigors of rehabilitation for the hospital’s patients, staff and families. The Relief & Resiliency Outreach program is providing complete support to those recovering from trauma, injury and loss during times of urgent need. The Foundation is also providing financial support and training to America’s firefighters, police departments and EMTs through its First Responders Outreach program.

Additionally, the Gary Sinise Foundation is showing appreciation through Serving Heroes, a program providing hearty, classic American meals to our defenders across the country. The Arts & Entertainment Outreach program now includes the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago and the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. Each theatre provides dinner and a performance to local veterans free of charge.

In 2015, the Gary Sinise Foundation launched Soaring Valor with The National WWII Museum. The program provides WWII veterans a chance to visit the museum and documents their first-hand accounts of the war for future generations.

garysinisefoundation.org

TAPS provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. Through collaboration with the Robert Irvine Foundation our goal will be to provide much needed assistance to Gold Star families in need by providing gift cards.

Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research.

Since its inception, Home Base has provided care and support to more than 24,000 Veterans and Family Members and provided more than 79,000 training sessions for clinicians, educators, first responders, and community members – all at no cost. Headquartered in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, MA with a satellite location in Southwest Florida, Home Base is a nonprofit organization that operates predominantly on federal, state, and local funding; foundation grants; and donations from individuals and corporations of a grateful nation.

The Homeland Heroes a Foundation is dedicated to the reactivation support of active duty service members veterans and their families in their time of need. Based out of Salem New Hampshire, the homeland Heroes Foundation and to assist veterans in acclimating to civilian life after active duty, helping their families get back on their feet, and assisting Veterans however they can. Through monetary and furniture donations.

The mission of the IM ABLE Foundation is to remove obstacles that prevent people affected by disabilities from being physically active by providing grants, resources, fitness opportunities and motivation. We change attitudes about the potential of disabled individuals by redefining what is possible.

The Two Landstuhl Army Fisher Houses provide a “home away from home” for families and patients receiving medical care at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany. Families served are from all branches of service throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East. They have supported 20,637 families of which more than 2,868 have come from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF- Afghanistan) or Operation New Dawn (formerly Operation Iraqi Freedom OIF).

Liberty House helps homeless and struggling Veterans by connecting them to available resources and providing a safe, substance-free transitional house. Liberty House has provided support and services to more than 300 formerly homeless veterans.

Founded in 1962, The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children. For more than 55 years, we’ve been providing access to affordable education for the children of Marine and Navy Corpsman attending post-high school, under-graduate and career technical education programs.

mcsf.org

To recognize and honor high school enlistees and their commitment to military service and to provide parents/guardians of enlistees with community support as their son or daughter transition into military service.

Quantum Leap Farm (QLF) exists to improve quality of life and cultivate human potential through equine-assisted therapies. We believe in the acceptance of everyone, wherever they are right now.

Countless participants have overcome physical and emotional barriers through their therapeutic programs. In their sessions, QLF doesn’t focus on weaknesses, but strengths, not battles, but victories. Their mission centers on recognizing the fact that having an injury or a disability may change the way you experience life, but it doesn’t change who you are.

TAPS offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a military loved one, regardless of the circumstance of the loss or relation to the deceased. Since 1994, TAPS has assisted more than 85,000 surviving families, casualty officers and caregivers with hope, healing, services and programs.

TAPS provides a 24/7 Helpline; Military Survivor Seminars and Good Grief Camps for Young Survivors; a nationwide network of peer-based emotional support groups; case work support, crisis intervention, connections to community-based care; and, grief and trauma resources. All services are provided at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. For information, TAPS.org.

taps.org

The USO was founded in preparation for World War II by national leaders who understood that maintaining high morale in a fighting force is vital to a nation’s military success. Over time, the USO has become the vital bridge between Americans and their military service members. The USO is a family of volunteers, sustained by the charitable contributions of millions of generous Americans. The USO is united in its commitment to support America’s service members by keeping them connected to the people, places, and things they love. The USO does this through countless acts of caring, comfort, connection, and support. Its work is America’s most powerful expression of gratitude to the men and women who secure our nation’s freedoms.

USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore is the largest chapter chartered by the USO. Ten locations and a “deployable” Mobile USO provide signature USO services to the nearly 300,000 military members and their families living in the region and the 150,000 who travel through our local airports.

USO-Metro is a nonprofit 501c3 organization chartered by Congress, and dedicated to serving those who serve, and their families in Washington D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. It is through the generous financial support of individuals and organizations in the local community that USO-Metro is able to fulfill its mission. With the help of thousands of devoted volunteers, USO-Metro provides programs and services for active duty troops and their families at area military hospitals, six USO Centers, four USO airport lounges and a Mobile USO. Signature programs and services include holiday programs like Turkeys for Troops and Project USO Elf, emergency housing and food assistance, and caring for our wounded, ill and injured troops and their caregivers.

metro.uso.org

Valor Service Dogs is a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization that helps post-9/11 wounded veterans regain their independence, return to civilian life, and maintain successful partnerships through the training and placing of mobility assistance and PTSD service dogs. In addition to aiding their veterans in community reintegration, both physically and psychologically, Valor Service Dogs brings awareness and education to the public on service dogs, their training, and the laws that allow service dogs to be active members of society.

valorservicedogs.org

Veterans Community Project is dedicated to supporting every man and woman who took the oath for our country. They are determined to make a difference in the lives of homeless Veterans, a task accomplished by the community for the community.

Warrior Reunion Foundation supports combat veterans in overcoming the challenges of post-military transition by reconnecting those who served together overseas. They challenge stigma through shared experience, rebuilding essential peer support networks that enable our veterans to live with meaning, purpose and positive impact in their communities.

WRF is operational, not aspirational. They have a proven model and at the close of their third reunion season they will have reunited over 650 combat Veterans and Gold Star family members across 14 reunions, provided at no cost to each unit they’ve served. In recognition of WRF’s impact, in 2018 WRF received the Fisher House Foundation’s prestigious Newman’s Own Award as the “Top Veteran Charity of the Year.”

The AFF is unique in many ways: not least in that it is formed as a joint British-American Foundation pledged to recognize and support the Steadfast Alliance, and specifically those wounded – and the families of those wounded – in the conflicts following 9/11.

AFF’s motto is: “May All Our Comrades Be Our Cause”

The mission of the Allied Forces Foundation, is to raise funds for Allied comrades wounded in recent conflicts and to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by injured soldiers and their families.

alliedforcesfoundation.org

The mission of the AVC is to guard the legacies and honor the sacrifices of all American veterans. Through oral history preservation, educational programs and civic events, the AVC preserves the stories and lessons of veterans past and present, from which future generations can learn. This year’s grant was used to fund transportation support for the 2017 National Memorial Day Parade. The National Memorial Day Parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across the generations. The parade, commemorating its 12th year, is our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.

The National Memorial Day Parade is a moving timeline of American military history, honoring those who have served and sacrificed from the American Revolution to the present day. It draws on the tradition of Memorial Day parades, going back to the beginning of the holiday just after the Civil War, to create a family-friendly event aimed at calling attention to the true meaning of Memorial Day—honoring our fallen heroes.

americanveteranscenter.org

Crossroads Corral is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization based in Central Florida that provides Equine Assisted Therapy and learning activities for active military members and veterans who suffer from PTSD, as well as youth and women who have suffered trauma, abuse and neglect.

crossroadscorral.org

A 501(c)(3) non-profit think and action tank with offices in Washington, Oregon and California. Founded in 1991 by Bob Williams and Lynn Harsh as the Evergreen Freedom Foundation, today They are a national leader in winning the fight for freedom at the state and local level.

freedomfoundation.com

The experiences of war leave an indelible impact on our servicemen and women. As they return to civilian life, the physical, emotional and psychological challenges they face are often difficult. As citizens, supporting the heroes of our nation is a responsibility each of us must carry. The Gary Sinise Foundation works to ensure the sacrifices of America’s defenders and their families are never forgotten.

In 2012, the Gary Sinise Foundation began building custom Smart Homes for America’s severely wounded veterans through its Building for America’s Bravest partner program. Each Smart Home features automated amenities to ease the daily challenges these heroes face. In 2013, the Gary Sinise Foundation expanded these efforts by establishing its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence & Supporting Empowerment) program.

For more than a decade, Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band have toured the globe in support of our troops. As a part of the Foundation, the band is raising spirits and awareness for military and first responder causes worldwide.

Through its Invincible Spirit Festivals, the Gary Sinise Foundation is boosting the morale at military medical centers across the country. These daylong celebrations provide a respite from the rigors of rehabilitation for the hospital’s patients, staff and families. The Relief & Resiliency Outreach program is providing complete support to those recovering from trauma, injury and loss during times of urgent need. The Foundation is also providing financial support and training to America’s firefighters, police departments and EMTs through its First Responders Outreach program.

Additionally, the Gary Sinise Foundation is showing appreciation through Serving Heroes, a program providing hearty, classic American meals to our defenders across the country. The Arts & Entertainment Outreach program now includes the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago and the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. Each theatre provides dinner and a performance to local veterans free of charge.

In 2015, the Gary Sinise Foundation launched Soaring Valor with The National WWII Museum. The program provides WWII veterans a chance to visit the museum and documents their first-hand accounts of the war for future generations.

garysinisefoundation.org

Founded in 1962, The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children. For more than 55 years, we’ve been providing access to affordable education for the children of Marine and Navy Corpsman attending post-high school, under-graduate and career technical education programs.

mcsf.org

The mission of the Research and Development Associates for Military Food and Packaging is to provide the safest and highest quality food and food service to the U.S. Armed Forces.

R&DA serves as a focal point to foster communications and cooperation relating to research and development, supply and procurement of food, packaging, foodservice equipment and food service/feeding systems between private industry, government, academic institutions, consultants and technical/trade/professional associations.

militaryfood.org

TAPS offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a military loved one, regardless of the circumstance of the loss or relation to the deceased. Since 1994, TAPS has assisted more than 85,000 surviving families, casualty officers and caregivers with hope, healing, services and programs.

TAPS provides a 24/7 Helpline; Military Survivor Seminars and Good Grief Camps for Young Survivors; a nationwide network of peer-based emotional support groups; case work support, crisis intervention, connections to community-based care; and, grief and trauma resources. All services are provided at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. For information, TAPS.org.

taps.org

Three Hots and A Cot is a 501(c) (3) organization formed by veterans to help veterans – to serve our brothers and sisters who need their help.  Three Hots and A Cot primary mission is to assist homeless military veteran’s transition from life on the streets into a self-sustained lifestyle.

Three Hots and A Cot is not a Homeless Shelter – but a gateway to Independence.  Whatever the need of the veteran – Three Hots and A Cot strives to help them meet it.  “Whatever the road block is – we will help them move it.  Whatever the hurdle in the veteran’s path – we will help them climb over it.”  Three Hots and A Cot’s objective is to be a source of healing and prevention of a national tragedy.

cotsforvets.org

The USO was founded in preparation for World War II by national leaders who understood that maintaining high morale in a fighting force is vital to a nation’s military success. Over time, the USO has become the vital bridge between Americans and their military service members. The USO is a family of volunteers, sustained by the charitable contributions of millions of generous Americans. The USO is united in its commitment to support America’s service members by keeping them connected to the people, places, and things they love. The USO does this through countless acts of caring, comfort, connection, and support. Its work is America’s most powerful expression of gratitude to the men and women who secure our nation’s freedoms.

USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore is the largest chapter chartered by the USO. Ten locations and a “deployable” Mobile USO provide signature USO services to the nearly 300,000 military members and their families living in the region and the 150,000 who travel through our local airports.

USO-Metro is a nonprofit 501c3 organization chartered by Congress, and dedicated to serving those who serve, and their families in Washington D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. It is through the generous financial support of individuals and organizations in the local community that USO-Metro is able to fulfill its mission. With the help of thousands of devoted volunteers, USO-Metro provides programs and services for active duty troops and their families at area military hospitals, six USO Centers, four USO airport lounges and a Mobile USO. Signature programs and services include holiday programs like Turkeys for Troops and Project USO Elf, emergency housing and food assistance, and caring for our wounded, ill and injured troops and their caregivers.

metro.uso.org

Valor Service Dogs is a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization that helps post-9/11 wounded veterans regain their independence, return to civilian life, and maintain successful partnerships through the training and placing of mobility assistance and PTSD service dogs. In addition to aiding their veterans in community reintegration, both physically and psychologically, Valor Service Dogs brings awareness and education to the public on service dogs, their training, and the laws that allow service dogs to be active members of society.

valorservicedogs.org

The mission of the AVC is to guard the legacies and honor the sacrifices of all American veterans. Through oral history preservation, educational programs and civic events, the AVC preserves the stories and lessons of veterans past and present, from which future generations can learn. This year’s grant was used to fund transportation support for the 2017 National Memorial Day Parade. The National Memorial Day Parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across generations. The parade, commemorating its 12th year, is our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.

The National Memorial Day Parade is a moving timeline of American military history, honoring those who have served and sacrificed from the American Revolution to the present day. It draws on the tradition of Memorial Day parades, going back to the beginning of the holiday just after the Civil War, to create a family-friendly event aimed at calling attention to the true meaning of Memorial Day—honoring our fallen heroes. 

americanveteranscenter.org

Received a $5,000 grant from The Robert Irvine Foundation to sponsor busses for The National Memorial Day Parade.

This organization was formed to help families of Naval officers to adjust to life with a caregiver at sea. Since 1965 (when it was called the Navy Wifeline Association) this all-volunteer non-profit provides education, counseling, networking, and other services to naval families, in addition to spreading its message through several publications.

Nsfamilyline.org

Received a $5,000 grant from The Robert Irvine Foundation to help continue its mission.

Valor Service Dogs is a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization that helps post-9/11 wounded veterans regain their independence, return to civilian life, and maintain successful partnerships through the training and placing of mobility assistance and PTSD service dogs. In addition to aiding their veterans in community reintegration, both physically and psychologically, Valor Service Dogs brings awareness and education to the public on service dogs, their training, and the laws that allow service dogs to be active members of society.

valorservicedogs.org

Received a $10,000 grant from The Robert Irvine Foundation to support the purchase and training of a new service dog.

The mission of the AVC is to guard the legacies and honor the sacrifices of all American veterans. Through oral history preservation, educational programs and civic events, the AVC preserves the stories and lessons of veterans past and present, from which future generations can learn. This year’s grant was used to fund transportation support for the 2017 National Memorial Day Parade. The National Memorial Day Parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across the generations. The parade, commemorating its 12th year, is our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.

The National Memorial Day Parade is a moving timeline of American military history, honoring those who have served and sacrificed from the American Revolution to the present day. It draws on the tradition of Memorial Day parades, going back to the beginning of the holiday just after the Civil War, to create a family-friendly event aimed at calling attention to the true meaning of Memorial Day—honoring our fallen heroes.

americanveteranscenter.org

Buddy Cruise is a 501c3 non-profit charity providing educational opportunities and resources for families, while promoting awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and developmental delays through unique venues.

The programs offered by Buddy Cruise are not only beneficial for families touched by Down syndrome but other special needs as well. A Buddy Cruise gives participants the opportunity to gain information through educational workshops and events, and to network and form lasting bonds with other families from across the globe who are in similar situations. Families who have a hard time finding a scenario to meet all family members’ needs are accommodated with a variety of activities for all ages and abilities.

buddycruise.com

Crossroads Corral is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization based in Central Florida that provides Equine Assisted Therapy and learning activities for active military members and veterans who suffer from PTSD, as well as youth and women who have suffered trauma, abuse and neglect.

crossroadscorral.org

The experiences of war leave an indelible impact on our servicemen and women. As they return to civilian life, the physical, emotional and psychological challenges they face are often difficult. As citizens, supporting the heroes of our nation is a responsibility each of us must carry. The Gary Sinise Foundation works to ensure the sacrifices of America’s defenders and their families are never forgotten.

In 2012, the Gary Sinise Foundation began building custom Smart Homes for America’s severely wounded veterans through its Building for America’s Bravest partner program. Each Smart Home features automated amenities to ease the daily challenges these heroes face. In 2013, the Gary Sinise Foundation expanded these efforts by establishing its R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence & Supporting Empowerment) program.

For more than a decade, Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band have toured the globe in support of our troops. As a part of the Foundation, the band is raising spirits and awareness for military and first responder causes worldwide.

Through its Invincible Spirit Festivals, the Gary Sinise Foundation is boosting the morale at military medical centers across the country. These daylong celebrations provide a respite from the rigors of rehabilitation for the hospital’s patients, staff and families. The Relief & Resiliency Outreach program is providing complete support to those recovering from trauma, injury and loss during times of urgent need. The Foundation is also providing financial support and training to America’s firefighters, police departments and EMTs through its First Responders Outreach program.

Additionally, the Gary Sinise Foundation is showing appreciation through Serving Heroes, a program providing hearty, classic American meals to our defenders across the country. The Arts & Entertainment Outreach program now includes the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago and the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. Each theatre provides dinner and a performance to local veterans free of charge.

In 2015, the Gary Sinise Foundation launched Soaring Valor with The National WWII Museum. The program provides WWII veterans a chance to visit the museum and documents their first-hand accounts of the war for future generations.

garysinisefoundation.org

Semper K9’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for wounded, critically-ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families by providing them with assistance dogs. Using rescued and donated dogs, Semper K9 provides service dogs for psychiatric alert and mobility challenges free of charge to wounded service members. This year’s grant from the Robert Irvine Foundation was used to retrain a service dog to meet the new needs of his veteran.

semperk9.org

TAPS offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a military loved one, regardless of the circumstance of the loss or relation to the deceased. Since 1994, TAPS has assisted more than 85,000 surviving families, casualty officers and caregivers with hope, healing, services and programs.

TAPS provides a 24/7 Helpline; Military Survivor Seminars and Good Grief Camps for Young Survivors; a nationwide network of peer-based emotional support groups; case work support, crisis intervention, connections to community-based care; and, grief and trauma resources. All services are provided at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. For information, TAPS.org.

taps.org

The USO was founded in preparation for World War II by national leaders who understood that maintaining high morale in a fighting force is vital to a nation’s military success. Over time, the USO has become the vital bridge between Americans and their military service members. The USO is a family of volunteers, sustained by the charitable contributions of millions of generous Americans. The USO is united in its commitment to support America’s service members by keeping them connected to the people, places, and things they love. The USO does this through countless acts of caring, comfort, connection, and support. Its work is America’s most powerful expression of gratitude to the men and women who secure our nation’s freedoms.

USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore is the largest chapter chartered by the USO. Ten locations and a “deployable” Mobile USO provide signature USO services to the nearly 300,000 military members and their families living in the region and the 150,000 who travel through our local airports.

USO-Metro is a nonprofit 501c3 organization chartered by Congress, and dedicated to serving those who serve, and their families in Washington D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. It is through the generous financial support of individuals and organizations in the local community that USO-Metro is able to fulfill its mission. With the help of thousands of devoted volunteers, USO-Metro provides programs and services for active duty troops and their families at area military hospitals, six USO Centers, four USO airport lounges and a Mobile USO. Signature programs and services include holiday programs like Turkeys for Troops and Project USO Elf, emergency housing and food assistance, and caring for our wounded, ill and injured troops and their caregivers.

metro.uso.org

Valor Service Dogs is a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization that helps post-9/11 wounded veterans regain their independence, return to civilian life, and maintain successful partnerships through the training and placing of mobility assistance and PTSD service dogs. In addition to aiding their veterans in community reintegration, both physically and psychologically, Valor Service Dogs brings awareness and education to the public on service dogs, their training, and the laws that allow service dogs to be active members of society.

valorservicedogs.org