Team UNBROKEN

Veteran Wellness Initiative

Our Wellness Initiative is dedicated to fostering both the mental and physical well-being of America’s injured, wounded, ill, and aging heroes, as well as their families. Through immersive experiences, community connection, and targeted support the initiative addresses the complex and evolving challenges faced by veterans throughout their post-service journey.

We recognize that the wounds sustained in service to our country are not always visible. Our approach encompasses care for both physical injuries and the less apparent struggles, such as mental health concerns, ensuring comprehensive support for every individual.

The Wellness Initiative is committed to helping participants overcome boundaries and realize their full potential. By providing resources, encouragement, and a supportive environment, we enable our heroes and their loved ones to move forward and thrive.

Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Gretchen Evans

Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans (Ret.) is one of the most decorated female veterans in U.S. history. A distinguished senior military intelligence analyst and paratrooper, she served in high-tempo, high-risk missions across Grenada, Kosovo, Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In 2006, while deployed as a sergeant major in Afghanistan, a mortar blast caused a severe Traumatic Brain Injury and the loss of 95% of her hearing, an injury that ended her military career. For her bravery and service, Gretchen was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and heroism in combat.

Today, as a Purple Heart recipient, Gretchen continues to serve in a new way. She shares powerful, deeply personal stories that illuminate her journey from holding the Army’s highest enlisted rank to rebuilding her life after serious combat injury. Her perspective offers a rare, honest look into the resilience of today’s warriors, delivering lessons filled with courage, hope, humor, and unwavering determination. Through her voice, audiences gain both wisdom and inspiration, reminders of the strength that defines our veteran community.

Gretchen’s story is featured in the new 2020 bestselling book, What’s Within You, and in August 2020, Gretchen and her adventure racing team, Team UNBROKEN, were featured in the “World’s Toughest Race” on Amazon Prime, hosted by Bear Grylls and produced by Mark Burnett. Team UNBROKEN is the first totally disabled team to ever compete in this arduous adventure race. Their desire is to bring awareness that disabilities do not define or limit what is possible with hard work, grit, gumption, and a rope team.

Upcoming Veteran Wellness Events

We are proud to support veterans participating in wellness-focused endurance and community events across the country.The PenFed Foundation provides a limited number of race bibs to eligible veterans as part of our commitment to physical wellness, camaraderie, and personal achievement. Interested in running with Team UNBROKEN?

The Great Saunter

A 32-mile walk around Manhattan that celebrates endurance, resilience, and community.
📍 New York, NY

📅 Date: May 4, 2026

Missoula Marathon

A big local marathon celebrating Missoula’s unique charm

📍 Missoula, MT

📅 Date: June 27-28, 2026

Available race distances: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon