PATRIOT MODELS

Patriot Models is a 501(c)(3) public charity that uses scale modeling therapy to better the lives of veterans and servicemembers of the U.s Military who suffer from symptoms of stress, anxiety, P.T.S.D., suicidal tendencies and other issues. Scale modeling is the building of a smaller version of something that is as accurate as possible (typically cars , planes, tanks). We connect veterans to a meaningful hobby that engages them in not only an activity which creates calming and centering practices as well as a social network in which to communicate about, learn from, and or compete with and against. Models come in all shapes and sizes, and for those who find meaning in them there is a "flow" that you reach while modeling. This is what most athletes know as being "in the zone". It is where a welcomed challenge is met by your creative force and it seems every move you make only enhances things. Modeling is not for everyone. many people don't believe they have the patience for it. I didn't believe I did and many I have spoken with also did not believe they did either. But if you can slow down just long enough to want to do it right, you take your time and... when you look back you have created a little mini masterpiece. The patience is always there for the things we really want to do well.

At Patriot Models we meet participants one at a time or in small groups. With veterans, we always know the conversation will be easy. "Where did you serve? How long were you in? So what we do is sit down and have a conversation while we teach the basics of putting a starter model together. Then we meet again in a couple of weeks to attempt to finish the model. If after finishing the model the participant decides they feel modeling is a hobby they wish to pursue, we send them a starter set with three models and all the tools needed to complete them as well as a paint set, sanding sticks and other assorted supplies. The beauty is that we only send starter kits to those who have been through two therapy session and they feel it is helping too. For those who do not feel it will help them we thank them for their time, and resources are used to help those that can be most positively affected according to a recent study in Great Britain (2025). The kit is provided at no cost and we highly reccomend joinging the monthly zoom. You can join from anywhere as well as monthly hard target modeling expos where you can come model with us live too!
Here is the real deal. The latest numbers from the VA (2022) say we are losing more than 17 veterans every day to suicide in this country. If we can find just one veteran that finds a reason to stick around through this hobby (it is quite compulsive) and the associated social aspects, then it was worth every penny. I am a veteran and Patriot Models will not rest until every veteran has had the opportunity to try this therapy. One soldier at a time, no soldier left behind!