Programs
Our programs do just that. Over the past 18 years, we have provided services to veterans and their families through a variety of programs.
VETERAN HEALTH
PTS and TBI
Our Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) program started with a program in Chicago, partnered with Dr. Eugene Lipov, a renowned Chicago area pain management specialist. His treatment, termed Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) has been used since 2008 and has successfully relieved PTS symptoms in 70 percent of combat veterans who received it once or more. Due in part to our efforts, the Veterans Administration has approved SGB as a treatment for PTS.
Neurofeedback and Hyperbaric Oxygen Recovery
Starting in 2023, we began to work with organizations to provide neurofeedback treatment to veterans. This treatment is useful in reducing the symptoms of PTS and TBI. Our objective is to again prove the effectiveness of these treatments and gain acceptance of them by the VA.
Cancer and Other Life Changing Illnesses
Patriot Military Family Foundation has also provided support to veterans undergoing cancer treatments and other life-changing illnesses. Our support of other non-medical treatments have included funding the excellent work of such organizations as Eagle Rock Camp, the USO of NC, Warrior Wellness Solutions and Trellis Supportive Care.
VETERAN SUPPORT
Programs for Vets
Working closely with the USO and with Veterans Bridge Home, PMFF has assisted with a variety of veteran support programs and helped to raise money specifically for their mission of supporting veterans throughout the North Carolina. We support veterans at such organizations as Lords Harvest, Operation North State, and the Community Culinary School.
Service Dogs for Vets
Service dogs can mean a lot to a service-disabled veteran, especially those suffering from PTS or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). In partnership with our trainers at All Aspects Service Dogs we have provided 67 veterans with service animals as of the end of 2023.
Homes for Vets
PMFF, in partnership with Purple Heart and Veterans Bridge Home, is building homes in North Carolina for service-disabled veterans and their families and tiny homes for transitioning veterans. The first home was completed in 2014. This is a continuing program that will house service-disabled and transitioning veterans in affordable homes for as long as we have lots available to build them on.
MILITARY FAMILY SUPPORT
Post Deployment and Gold Star Family Renewal
Reconnect weekends allow families of returning combat veterans to spend time as a family in an environment of fun and relaxation. This helps to improve the health and well-being of the veteran and family, and helps to reduce a divorce rate that has exceeded 70% for our returning veterans.
Our support of the North Carolina National Guard Survivor Weekend for Gold Star families (those who have lost a loved one in the National Guard) has been ongoing for multiple years and continues now. These weekends allow these families to get together with others who have the same type of loss and provide them with access to services that they might not otherwise have. It is quite therapeutic, and rewarding to see what this means to these families.
Scholarships
Another program supported is scholarships for the dependents of our military and veterans. In partnership with We Care or NC, PMFF provides one or two $10,000 scholarships each year. In addition, through Organizations such as the Joint Special Operations Command, Night Stalkers, the Navy Seal Foundation, the Ranger Scholarship Fund, the All Ranks Association, the Special Forces Scholarship Fund and the 82nd Airborne Family Readiness Group (FRG), deserving and needy scholars are identified and vetted. This program continues to support several scholarships each year for the military members and their family members.
Holiday Support for Military Families in Need
Each year for the past 12 years we have provided holiday gifts for military families in need. Military units provide us with family information, including the number of children and frequently gifts that they would like. The response of our donors is amazing, and we are always able to provide for each of the families. We had teamed with the American Red Cross when they have military families that they have learned about, and that they can’t find donors for. Over 2022 and 2023, we have helped over 100 families, representing over 300 family members each year.