Testimonials
Titus Herman, President and CEO of Dogs Inc
The Patriot Fund’s generosity is so much more than a number.
With your $10,000 grant, it’s two veterans ready to rise. To step into worlds they never imagined. And for their families, a bit of relief and a lot of hope.
It’s the start of two new stories – of movement, independence, and trust. Each one made possible by you.
Thank you for funding two student scholarships for veterans, and for giving our nation’s heroes hopeful, more peaceful futures with the care and dignity they so richly deserve.
I’m so grateful for your kindness. We can’t wait to share their journeys with you in the coming months.
Keep the light afloat.
Home Base: Gabriel J. Manchon, Development Services
Thank you for your recent gift of $100,000.00 to Massachusetts General Hospital. With your gift, the MGH team will continue to pursue the most promising and innovative research and clinical opportunities.
As a National Center of Excellence, Home Base operates the largest private-sector clinic in the nation devoted to healing invisible wounds of war. Since 2009, Home Base has served over 40,000 Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen internationally with the world-class care they deserve – and have hearned; and, Home Base Florida has carried out this mission for over a decade in Southwest Florida and more recently in Tampa and Pensacola. As Home Base seeks to expand care to serve more underserved communities, your generosity and belief in our mission helps us heal the invisible wounds of war, at no out-of-pocket cost to our patients.
On behalf of our staff, we thank you for your support and we are deeply grateful for your partnership.
Home Base: Erin B. Northrop, VP at Mass General Brigham
It is a pleasure to thank The Patriot Fund, Inc. for its continued and expanding partnership with Home Base Florida Veteran and Family Care, a Red Sox Foundation and Mass General Program.
Home Base is changing lives by empowering Veterans, Service Members and their Families to heal from the invisible wounds of war by taking charge of both their mental and physical health. Through your steadfast assistance, we remain at the forefront of delivering innovative therapies and developing intensive tools to these Warriors as they manage stress and anxiety, overall wellness, and more complex challenges such as traumatic brain injuries. And these programs are free of charge because of your generosity.
Thank you again for helping us to care for those who have made great sacrifices to protect our country. With the kindness of The Patriot Fund, we will continue to provide evidence-based clinical services to all who seek a healthier life.
Veteran Sierra and Ashlee E. Walls-Pierce, VP of Advancement at HVAF (Helping Veterans and Families) of Indiana
Afterl leaving the military, Sierra found herself couch-surfing, staying in hotels, or even sleeping in her car. It was a cycle that made it nearly impossible to move forward.
Determined to find a way forward, she started calling homeless shelters looking for a lifeline. Her search brought her to HVAF where she was met with an immediate and heartfelt response.
Thanks to YOU, Sierra was quickly housed and, for the first time in years, has a safe and stable place to call home.
Your generous grant of $10,000.00 received on 1/29/2026 is giving veterans like Sierra a roof over their head as they continue to work towards self-sufficiency.
“From that moment on, everything changed.”
Thank you for your partnership in our fight to end veteran homelessness!
Leashes of Valor’s Founder and CEO, Retired Marine Corps Capt. Jason Haag
We would like to say thank you for your generous contributions to our organization in 2025.
Your support allows us to provide service dogs at no cost to wounded and disabled veterans. Your support truly changes lives. From expanding our canine team and providing continuing care for the veterans and service dogs in our program, you helped make 2025 an amazing year. We cannot thank you enough.
Jay Garstecki, President of Operation Healing Heroes Foundation
On behalf of all Operation Healing Heroes Foundation, thank you for awarding our organization a $15,000 grant. We are deeply grateful for your support and partnership, and most importantly, for your belief in the work we do in honor of our Veterans.
This grant ensures that we can continue our vital mission – honoring the service and sacrifices of our military heroes through authentic storytelling that fosters healing, understanding, and connection. It also allows us to educate viewers across the country on what was sacrificed so that we may live a life of FREEDOM. By sharing these powerful stories, we help ensure that the courage, resilience, and dedication of our heroes are never forgotten.
Thank you for standing with us and with the men and women who have given so much in service to our nation. Your partnership makes a meaningful and lasting impact, and we are truly honored to have The Patriot Fund as a supporter of our mission.
Stacia Z. USAF and Amy J. Rosin, Operations Director at Project OVAT (One Veteran @ A Time)
On behalf of Project OVAT and the veterans we serve, I wish to express our sincere appreciation for your generous contribution. Thank you for your donation of $100,555.00 on January 28, 2026.
Through 2025, donations funded 337 veterans and we currently have 20 cases retained for 2026. Our ability to assist these veterans, at no cost to them, is a direct impact of your contribution. Stacia’s testimonial below is evidence that the work we are doing helps those who truly deserve your support.
“As a female combat veteran, I served with honor while bearing witness to the brutal realities of war; death, abuse, tragedy and trauma. Despite clear documentation for more than two dozen service-connected issues, I was told my experiences didn’t meet the threshold. During my PTSD assessment, I was told that ‘other people had it worse,’ and that ‘women don’t serve outside the wire unless by mistake’ – a statement that erased the reality of what I and many other women endured in combat zones.
Project OVAT stepped in when I was worn down and ready to give up. They believed me. They listened. They saw the truth that the system refused to acknowledge. Because of them, I am finally receiving the benefits I earned – not out of pity or as a consolation prize, but because my service, my sacrifice and my story mattered. This journey should not have been so hard. I am forever grateful to Project OVAT for helping me be seen, heard and honored – not only as a veteran, but as someone who served with strength, conviction, and pride.” – Stacia Z., USAF
The Patriot Fund, please know we are grateful for your help in supporting our veterans who gave so much for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. Thank you for being an outstanding teammate who leads by example!
Emily Westfall, Executive Director of Quantum Leap Farm
On behalf of all of us here at Quantum Leap Farm, thank you for supporting our equine-assisted therapy programs for children and adults with disabilities through your donation of $135,000. Your gift helps support our mission of improving quality of life and inspiring personal growth through equine-assisted therapies.
For over a quarter century, we’ve served veterans, military service members, pediatric cancer patients, kids and adults with special needs, and their family members. This year, your support positively impacted even more lives through our professionally facilitated equine-assisted therapy services including Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Hippotherapy, Mental Health Counseling, Therapeutic Military Retreats, Basic Equine Skills Training and a variety of recreational activities for families.
Thank you for your invaluable friendship – it has enabled us to change the lives of over 26,000 people with physical, emotional and intellectual disabilities, over the last 26 years. With your ongoing support, we’ll continue to change lives and positively impact the Tampa Bay community for years to come! Your support makes all this possible!
“Endless thanks for your impactful support of our military programs! This funding will help so many deserving veterans + their families.”
Matthew P. Stevens, CEO of The Honor Foundation
On behalf of The Honor Foundation Fellows, Staff, and Board of Directors, we want to thank you for your generous gift of $10,000 on 1/29/26. Your gift will help ensure members of the U.S. Special Operations Forces community continue to receive a transition program dedicated to preparing them for success after the military.
We strive to impact those who have sacrificed in defense of our nation, honor their service, and help them continue to realize their maximum potential after their military career. As Special Operators, our Fellows have faced multiple deployments, carried out numerous missions, and acquired unique skill sets valuable to private industry. As they prepare to leave the military, The Honor Foundation is instrumental in empowering them to transition with purpose from an elite past to an elite future.
Thank you for making this mission possible.
Joe Brooks, Executive Director of Veterans Multi-Service Center
On behalf of the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC), I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation.
Your support plays a pivotal role in our mission to serve veterans and their families, and we are immensely grateful for your commitment to our cause. Your donation of $80,000.00 will directly impact the lives of the veterans we serve. It enables us to continue providing essential services such as housing assistance, job training and placement, legal resources, and mental health services to those who have selflessly served our nation.
Your generosity not only provides tangible assistance but also sends a powerful message of support and appreciation to our veterans. We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress we make because of your support.
If you ever have any questions or would like to learn more about the impact of your donation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for standing with us in our mission to serve those who have served us so faithfully. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of our veteran families.
Jim Tignanelli at Defender Mobility
Please accept and share my sincere thanks for the generous donation to our Defender Mobility Foundation! We will be delivering a Trac Fab chair on 2/19/2026 to a deserving veteran, Curtis Sherwood, in Mt. Pleasant, MI. This donation will put us on path for a second chair immediately.
We will put this to good use, certainly. Our next chair will be the 66th since 2013. My original goal had been one chair every three years.
Thank you again, for trusting Defender Mobility.
SOF Missions
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to The Patriot Fund, Inc. for their incredibly generous donation of $10,000! Their support will play a vital role in our ongoing efforts to combat the suicide epidemic within our cherished Veterans and active service members. The Patriot Fund is a remarkable organization dedicated to honoring and supporting those who have served our nation selflessly. Their mission is to provide assistance and resources to veterans and active service members, empowering them to overcome the challenges they face after their service.
The Patriot Fund stands as a beacon of hope for our heroes. They strive to ensure that no Veteran or service member is left behind, especially when it comes to battling the alarming rates of suicide within our community. The Patriot Fund Inc has demonstrated their unwavering commitment to our cause. Their contribution will enable us to implement vital programs, raise awareness, provide counseling services, and support initiatives that save lives and restore hope to those in need.
We are immensely grateful for their compassionate partnership, which amplifies our collective efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of our brave servicemen and servicewomen. Together, we can make a lasting impact and offer a helping hand to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.
Project One Vet @ A Time (POVAT)
Jason Searls & Hawkeye of Leashes of Valor
We say it a lot, but it’s true: We’re here because of your support. And you show it in so many ways. Last week (10/10/22), Jason, a Marine Corps Veteran diagnosed with complex PTSD, shared how The Patriot Fund, Inc. is helping us change the lives of Veterans. Of course, his service dog Hawkeye was there to share the moment.
“It was an awesome opportunity to shake hands, look people in the eye, and say thank you for their support. I was able to say thank you not only for myself but for my family and let them know what their help and support mean. The event was full of fun, excitement, stress, anxiety, and old memories. I ran the full gambit of emotions which was fine because I had Hawkeye there with me for the entire ride.” – Jason Searls
Edie Dopking, PhD, Founder & Community Relations Director at Quantum Leap Farm
Your support has helped underwrite the following equine-assisted therapy services for Veterans and their family members:
- Therapeutic Horseback Riding Sessions: 77 sessions
- Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Sessions: 71 sessions
- Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy Sessions: 14 sessions
- Military Retreats: 16 Participants
- Family Fun Days: 1 Family Fun Day serving 70 Veterans and family members
- Total services provided to military Veterans and families in Q1 of 2022 = $48,410
Immense thanks to you, and to all our friends at The Patriot Fund for the opportunity to provide these life-changing services to our deserving Veterans and their families.
Last week I gave a tour to a 25 year old Navy Veteran, Ben. He was very interested in participating in equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions but was concerned about the cost as he is currently unemployed. When I said our services are free for all Veterans, he wept. I told him free services are made possible by generous donors like you. Ben attended his first session today.
Jennifer Wilder, Director of Development at Warrior Canine Connection
Ryan Peters, NJ Assemblyman
Men and women who serve their country spend years of their lives protecting the safety and freedom of every US citizen. It’s nice to know that when we get home, there’s someone watching our backs.
That’s the core of what The Patriot Fund represents. It’s a friend to every veteran and service member that is there to lift us up in our time of need and give us a hand up when we may not even know we need one. I couldn’t be more supportive of The Patriot Fund’s mission and its success in carrying it out.
Tom MacArthur, Former NJ Congressman
I believe we have a moral obligation as a nation to support and care for our veterans and their families.
The Patriot Invitational and The Patriot Fund go above and beyond to uphold that obligation. This organization and event is dedicated to improving the lives of our veterans and their loved ones, while helping other charities that have that same goal. I’m grateful I was able to attend the Patriot Invitational and see firsthand how this event is impacting veterans and their families.
Bernie Flynn, Former President and CEO of NJM Insurance Group
Master Chief (SEAL) and Medal of Honor Recipient Edward C. Byers Jr.
I affirm that The Patriot Fund is a leader in the Veteran charity community. Their ability to forge authentic, provincial and enduring paths separates them from many other organizations out there.
They do this by supporting programs including long-term educational investments for surviving children of fallen Special Operations Forces and equine therapy for Veterans who suffer internally. They embody SOF Truths of quality over quantity and most operations require outside support.
I look forward to supporting them well into the future!
Lieutenant General Frank H. Kearney III
I had the pleasure of speaking at The 2017 Patriot Fund dinner and observed the Invitational golf tournament.
This Fund supports several great organizations which support Veterans and their families. This event is a class act and is both exciting as well as heartwarming as you meet Veterans, gold star families and service members. The funds raised make a difference in the daily lives of the men, women and families who have served this nation selflessly and some in full measure.
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend. You will leave the event feeling patriotic and inspired by the Veterans and service members you meet. Don’t miss it.
Mark Eberle, Army Veteran
I just wanted to take a moment and tell you what The Patriot Fund has done for Paws Healing Heroes last year.
The $25,000 donation first blew me away and after we put the money to use it inspired me to do more for the Veterans we help with service dogs. We were able to provide five service dogs for Veterans with PTSD. We rescue the dogs then have them checked out with our veterinarian. The dog then is handed over to the Trainer for basic and specific training based on the Veteran’s needs. We order all of the equipment including ID and vest. Then, we have the Veteran train with the dog and it usually takes one to two weeks more.
I now have a kennel being built with a 1-acre spot on a farm to train all of the dogs in one spot. The reason behind the kennel is the Trainer can only house one dog at a time and the kennel will allow 3-4 dogs at a time to be trained. In the near future, I will be paying one Trainer that can do 26-32 dogs per year at $50,000. If we pay per dog like we have been doing, it would cost us $80,000 to $120,000 for the same amount of dogs per year.
This extra money saved can be turned into more dogs in the future. Thank you to everyone at The Patriot Fund. What an amazing thing you guys did for us!
Rick Yount, Executive Director & Founder of Warrior Canine Connection
We are honored and thankful to have the support of The Patriot Fund, an organization that is wholeheartedly committed to helping our nation’s Veterans and their families. This gift is not only a magnificent gesture of support for our programs, it’s also a testament to all this amazing organization is doing in support of our Service Members, Veterans, and their families.