Gratitude in Action

Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure the military community has the tools to redefine success and relentlessly pursue it. The mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. We’re shooting for success beyond service and we don’t miss.

Why This Matters Now

Veteran unemployment is ~3.0%, slightly lower than the civilian rate, but veteran underemployment averages 33%, which is over 15% higher than the non-veteran population.
Military Spouse unemployment hovers around 21-22%, and underemployment mirrors that of Veterans at 33%.
The first year after separation is critical, the veteran suicide rate spikes to 46.2 per 100,000, showing how vulnerable this transition period truly is.
Military Spouses bear a heavy burden too, with suicide rates around 11–12 per 100,000, significantly above the general population baseline for women (~4–6 per 100,000).
Families pay the price: in 2022, 146 family members, including spouses and children, died by suicide.

What We’ll Do with the Funds Raised
We’re building two critical pillars:

Education - Providing a photography 101 course (a $250 value) and a photography masterclass (a $2,500 value), both of which are backed by a combined 14 years of experience and ~$25,000 in education. (please note: more education will be provided in the future; however we are currently an all volunteer organization and are limited, for the time being)
Professional Development – Including photography services, branding, mentorship, entrepreneurship training, and networking opportunities to get veterans and spouses back in the game.
Wellbeing & Holistic Health – To rebuild identity, purpose, community, and provide real support when it’s needed most, particularly during the dangerous transition off active duty. (please note: this pillar needs to be built out, with your support we will be able to do so and change the lives of our military families)

Why This Should Matter to Donors

In 2012, a VA study revealed that from 1999 to 2010 an average of 22 veterans a day were dying by suicide. More than a decade later, people are still repeating that same number. But the truth is, when you dig deeper, the number is closer to the 40s every single day.

That means for over 26 years, nothing has changed. And that’s unacceptable. We’re stepping up and breaking away from the old playbook. After billions of tax payer dollars have been wasted and little progress made, it’s time we stop talking about change and start driving it, for our veterans, active duty service members, and their families.

"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one." - Marcus Aurelius