Our vision is to help Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Sailors help one another “Continue the Mission of Life,” in whatever form that may be. We believe that by standing together at home, just as we stood together during war time, we will help each other succeed in getting back to life.

Charlie Mike (CM) is not your typical Veteran nonprofit! CM was created by modern veterans who know the realities of war and the realities of returning to civilian life.

CM was founded by Dustin Gladwell, a 12 year US Army Veteran. Dustin served in Afghanistan as an infantry advisor to the Afghan National Army (ANA), and was operationally attached to the US Army 3rd Special Forces Group, earning a Bronze Star for his selfless service. Transitioning to the civilian world, Dustin completed his Master's Degree in Political Science with an emphasis on International Relations and National Security. Dustin has amassed a team of skilled leaders from various walks of life, many of whom are Veterans, to be apart of the CM team. Military Combat veterans, business professionals, team players, advocates, and more - CM is the true definition of an elite team! CM is 100% committed to helping veterans Continue the Mission of Life.

CANINE BATTLE BUDDY PROGRAM:

Therapy dogs can provide tangible results in creating emotional healing and stability, which can correlate to a reduction in suicides, and create a sense of purpose. We evaluate and rescue dogs from animal shelters, train them to be “Battle Buddies,” and place them with veterans. In this effort, we essentially save two lives: rescue a dog, rescue a veteran.

EQUINE TRAINING + RIDING PROGRAM:

The emotional intuitiveness and connection required to work with horses provide several emotional benefits at the same time - horses are a mirror, and directly respond — or don’t respond — to the emotion and energy we bring to the interaction. Working with horses will compel honest conversations with ourselves as military veterans. It will require positive energy, and putting one’s anxieties, anger, and other struggles in check. Over time, this practice can teach new behavior and new emotional habits, and give a real opportunity for healing.

CM will save lives through a multi-faceted approach to help each veteran “continue the mission of life,” to never quit, and to address their daily challenges. This approach is based on three pillars that focus on creating stability for each veteran we serve. Stability is the key, regardless of the problems or medical needs. Once stability is achieved, the healing can begin.

PILLAR 1 - Mental & Emotional Stability

PILLAR 2 - Stability in Daily Living

PILLAR 3 - Stability by Serving Others

You can learn more about our Pillars - how we utilize canine battle buddies and equine horse therapy at: https://charliemike.org/program

We know you have a lot of choices on where to donate and spend your hard-earned money. To show our appreciation, we want to offer you CM gear in exchange for your generous donations. To see some of the merch you can receive and to learn more about the packages listed below visit - https://charliemike.org/cm-store

$20 - EQUINE DAILY HAY PACKAGE
Receive a hand-written thank you letter & embroidered CM patch

$35 - BATTLE BUDDY PACKAGE
Receive a hand-written thank you letter & 2 embroidered CM patches

$75 - EQUINE GRAIN PACKAGE
Receive a hand-written thank you letter, 2 embroidered patches & beanie

$100 - BATTLE BUDDY FOOD PACKAGE
Receive a hand-written thank you letter, beanie & baseball hat

$150 - BATTLE BUDDY RESCUE PACKAGE
Receive a hand-written thank you letter, baseball hat & t-shirt

$500 - EQUINE MONTHLY MAINTENANCE PACKAGE
Receive a hand-written thank you letter, 2 beanies, 2 baseball hats, 2 t-shirts, a 3/4 length shirt, & gray hoodie

$3500 - BATTLE BUDDY TRAINING PACKAGE
Receive a hand-written thank you letter + paw print, naming of dog if available, 2 beanies, 4 baseball hats, 4 t-shirts, 4- 3/4 length shirt, 2 of each hoodie & name on donor wall of fame

Charlie Mike

The mission of Charlie Mike is to save the lives of military veterans still carrying the unseen wounds of combat.

Team Members