ABOUT US
Mission Statement
To provide Combat Veterans and their Families with a Support Team, tools, and training required to successfully transition into their community as a productive and independent survivor.
Purpose
As a combat veteran returns home they are faced with not only the day to day life struggles we all have, but also "dealing" with the effects of war. This can be anything from a severe injury that has left a Warrior in a wheel chair for the rest of his or her life to a Warrior that looks like everyone else but has PTSD and is forced to also deal with the horrors of war and still act "normal". The VA, DOD, and many other Veterans Service organizations work very hard to meet all of the needs of these brave men and women; however there are still many gaps that prevent a Warrior from getting the help they need to transition back into "normal" life.
Buck Up for Wounded Warriors works with a "hand up, not a handout." approach. We strive to bridge the gaps by equipping a Warrior with the tools needed to be a productive independent member of society. Our Programs are designed to meet a variety of housing needs including recreational or outdoor therapy. Our team works with the Warrior and family to develop a plan to meet both the immediate needs as well as long term needs. We require Warriors to actively participate in the development and implementation of their plan. We encourage the attitude of "Survivors not Victims".
History
Buck Up for Wounded Warriors is a Non-Profit, Non-Partisan organization that was founded in the spring of 2009 by a small group of people that were interested in doing a fundraiser to benefit wounded troops. As the fundraiser developed we had the privilege of meeting many wonderful people. While each day brought us closer to what was intended to be the culmination of our project, it became very clear that there is a need for an organization dedicated to meeting both long term and short term housing needs for combat veterans and their families.
We have been very fortunate to surround ourselves with a great team of people that provide a variety of unique perspectives and talents that allow us to operate as the efficient and professional organization required to efficiently serve these Warriors in very difficult economic times. Many people have stated that this is not the right time to start a non-profit organization. Our TEAM believes the purpose of a "Non-Profit" is to serve a specific need. We also believe we do not have the luxury of determining when helping to meet the needs of the men and women that have risked their lives for our freedoms will become convenient.
Montana
We are excited to announce the formation of our Montana team and our new program “Operation Valor”. Operation Valor is a program that provides a outdoor experience in a group setting to individuals that have been referred to us on the basis of their service to our country. This program is a result of a conversation between Rudy Smith (Smith X-Ray) and Carl Mann (Carl Mann’s Montana Experience Outfitters) and Captain Jesse Mann. (United States Army) This is a very strong and committed team that believes in supporting our troops as they return from combat and re integrate back into their communities.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
George Orwell