Veterans Day 2024
Dear Points for Patriots (PfP) Community,
I am writing to wish you a peaceful and reflective Veterans Day. Thank you so much for your steadfast dedication to our mission: to bridge the military-civilian divide, connecting military and civilian families to heal the invisible wounds of war. You are vital to our mission, and we could not do what we do without you.
Together, we have accomplished so much this year, reaching exciting new heights:
Thirty-three high school Patriot Fellows have now joined us from six states, matching with 13 post-9/11 Veteran Mentors from 10 states to bridge the divide in civilian communities, learning lessons of leadership and loyalty through the wellness-based program;
The 3rd Annual NY Volleyball Tournament planned and run by high school Patriot Fellows and their Veteran Mentors raised a record $19,000 with 75+ players and attendees;
Thirteen military spouse entrepreneurs from 9 states have joined our SpouseConnect Fellowship, earning a $500 stipend and access to world-class resources to grow their business through mutual support and connectedness with the civilian innovation ecosystem;
Seven Veteran Mentors, SpouseConnect Fellows, Patriot Fellows, and PfP Coaches pioneered our new gardening program, Battle Buds, to sow the seeds necessary to heal the invisible wounds of war. Our goal is to expand the program in 2025 with a unique hybrid model;
M Science, a world-leading data science firm, established our Corporate Partner program, a consortium of industry leaders who champion military veterans and their families as well as the 3,000+ people killed on 9/11 in remembrance of its 25th anniversary; and
Forty young professionals from 12 states have joined us on the Board of Ambassadors, our young professionals board, to support veterans and their families through networking, mutual support, and volunteering at our annual events.
We have accomplished so much as a community, and we will continue to leave a lasting impact on military and civilian communities by working together as a team. Foundational to our work is meaningful reflection, as beautifully expressed by Veteran Mentor Matt Visnovsky who has mentored dozens of high schoolers through the Patriot Fellowship since 2021:
"On Veterans Day, we pause to honor and express gratitude to all the men and women who have served in our nation’s military. Today, we recognize the sacrifices and dedication of veterans from every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. To those who have served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force, we owe a profound debt of thanks. Each of you has contributed uniquely to safeguarding our freedoms. We would not be the nation we are today without our veterans.
As I reflect on my own service, I am especially grateful for the incredible veterans I served alongside in the 4th Infantry Division and 10th Special Forces Group. The camaraderie, strength, and selflessness displayed within these units have left a lasting impact on my life. I am proud to have served with such dedicated individuals who continually embodied the highest standards of honor, courage, and integrity.
On this day, let us remember the sacrifices made by all who wore the uniform, and let us commit to supporting our veterans and their families, who continue to bear the weight of service long after they leave active duty."
-Matt, Green Beret Veteran
As Matt said, let's continue our meaningful work to serve and support our veterans and their families, learning from their loyalty and selflessness to the nation. We could not do that without you. Together, we honor and never forget those who fought to protect our freedoms here at home.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Patriotically,
Points for Patriots