Our Impact
Making a Difference One Hero at a Time
Our mission to improve the lives of military heroes is best told through 20+ years of success stories. Since 2001, we have been able to support more than 140,000 service members and veterans thanks to donors, sponsors, and veteran service organizations.
The 9:57 Project
Operation CREST – provides young people with memorable leadership experience, inspired by the heroes of Flight 93, and facilitated by America’s Veterans. Veterans and students join forces to unleash a wave of positive impact in their communities through powerful conversations about history, activities that inform and inspire, and community service events that put leadership ideas into action.
wear blue: run to remember
wear blue is a powerful support system for those who have lost a military loved one. It gives them the space to come together and honor their fallen heroes. We are proud to support their Gold Star Youth Mentorship Program as well as the Tribute wear blue Mile.
The Emami Family
Extracurricular activity grants have helped the Emami’s two daughters foster their love of education and the arts while building their self-confidence.
Partnership with Our Military Kids
Terra Arma
Combat veterans. Business owners. Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program (VEIP) graduates. Meet the visionaries behind Terra Arma, an apparel brand built for tough conditions.
Defenders Lodge
In 2022, we continued our commitment to the Defenders Lodge. By providing gift cards, we were able to help guests pay for meals during their stay.
Luis & Claudia Avila
As an Officer with the 720th Military Police Battalion, Capt. Luis Avilla served five combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. When a mounted IED detonated nearby, he suffered grave injuries. Today, Luis and Claudia are recipients of a Military Heroes grant and continue their life of service in the community.
Claudia received the Hero at Home Award for her unending support as a caregiver for her husband. She also serves as an advocate and voice for military families in need.
Anthony Matlock
In 2022, our long-time partner US VETS received our Military Heroes Program grant. They used that grant to provide life-changing services to veterans like Anthony Matlock who, during the pandemic, lost his business and eventually, his home. Hear Anthony’s story and how US Vets helped lift him out of homelessness and gain employment.
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America’s Teaching Times program ensures the stories of service, sacrifice, and valor are passed down to the next generation. Its curriculum provides free standards and character-based lesson plans, projects, and materials that encourage a service component.
David Sissom
Our Military Heroes Grant Program is there for service members when they need us most. Brutally cold winters. Cracked, faulty windows. National Guardsman, David Sissom and his family needed help. Thankfully, a grant from the PenFed Foundation provided warmth in the form of much-needed replacement windows.
SOAR
Military Heroes Program grant recipient Home Base has served more than 30,000 veterans and their family members with life-changing programs like the Skills-based Outpatient and Addiction Recovery Program (SOAR). SOAR supports veterans and service members with both mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Motorenn
VEIP Master’s Program graduate and portfolio company, Motorenn is modernizing the world of used premium vehicles. Founded by Army veteran, David Chou, Motorenn believes buying, owning, and selling your dream car should be easy. Customers can take advantage of their streamlined online process, including zero dealership fees, remote checkout, and more.
Wove
VEIP portfolio company, Wove is a custom engagement ring company that provides exact replica rings for at-home try-ons. Co-founded by Army veterans, Andrew Wolgemuth and Brian Elliot, Wove puts couples first. They match you with your own jewelry designer and deliver your handcrafted ring to your door within 7 days, 3x faster than the industry standard.
Afghan Allies
Our Afghan Allies program ended on September 30, 2024. In three years, the program provided support to these women and their families as they resettled in the United States. Your donations provided support through rental payments, English classes, childcare, transportation, job training, medical and dental care, driver education and car grants, immigration fees, and more. Your donations have truly made a difference, and your generosity will never be forgotten.