1ST BN 5TH MARINES ASSOC

The 1ST BN 5TH MARINES ASSOCIATION is a veteran-run, veteran-focused nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of U.S. Marines and their families. Founded in 2024 by Marines who served together and personally experienced the challenges of reintegration, loss, and lifelong recovery, the Association exists to restore the powerful bonds of the Marine Corps community and ensure that no Marine or Marine family ever faces hardship alone.
Rooted in firsthand experience, our organization was created in response to the profound struggles that many Marines face after service—particularly isolation, diminished purpose, PTSD, and the lack of a trusted support network. Our founders witnessed these challenges in their own lives, in their peers, and tragically in the loss of Marines to suicide. Their collective experiences formed the foundation of a mission built on unity, resilience, and lifesaving support. Our charitable purpose is to rebuild the sense of belonging Marines lose after transition, provide access to essential health and wellness resources, and dismantle the stigma surrounding mental and physical health care.
Why Our Work Matters
Studies from the VA, RAND Corporation, and leading research institutions have long affirmed the power of peer support in mitigating PTSD, transition stress, and mental health challenges among veterans. But traditional peer support programs often overlook the unique strength of bonds formed within specific units—bonds forged through shared hardship, deployment, and sacrifice. The 1ST BN 5TH MARINES ASSOCIATION fills this critical gap by focusing on Marines who served together, the families who shared the burdens of deployments, and the Gold Star families who carry the memory of the fallen. This unit-based model offers a level of trust, understanding, and emotional connection unmatched by broader veteran programs.
Guided by Semper Fidelis, we aim to redefine what heroism looks like by championing proactive wellness, mental health awareness, and a culture where seeking support is viewed as a sign of strength—not weakness. We are committed to increasing access to care, normalizing open conversations about invisible wounds, and building a nationwide network that empowers Marines and families to thrive in every stage of life.
Our Core Programs
The 1ST BN 5TH MARINES ASSOCIATION fulfills its mission through three primary program areas: Reuniting & Restoring, Awareness Education & Training, and Collaboration & Resource Provision.
1. Reuniting & Restoring (Primary Program: 75% of operating time)

The transition to civilian life often results in a sudden loss of the team, identity, and sense of purpose that define military service. For Marines, this loss can be devastating, leading to isolation, depression, and decreased resilience. Our Reuniting & Restoring program directly addresses this challenge by reconnecting Marines with those who served beside them—reigniting the camaraderie and support that anchored them through the most difficult moments of their careers.
This program follows a structured three-stage model:

Reignite – We host in-person reunions, unit gatherings, and shared activities designed to rebuild trust, community, and emotional support.
Restore – Marines engage in purposeful service projects within the host community, reawakening the sense of mission and contribution that many lose after service.
Reengage – We facilitate peer connection that extends beyond events, ensuring long-term support networks where veterans can openly share challenges and successes without judgment.
This program receives the largest share of our budget because it produces the most transformative and measurable impact on morale, well-being, reintegration, and suicide prevention.

2. Awareness Education & Training (10% of operating time)

This program combats the stigma surrounding mental and physical health by providing education, training, and accessible information to Marines, families, and leaders. Our awareness initiatives include:

- Online campaigns and social media outreach
- Suicide prevention education
- Mental health literacy resources
- Peer support network development
- Leadership training focused on burnout, PTSD, and crisis recognition

By sharing personal stories, wellness strategies, infographics, and expert insights, we cultivate a community culture where seeking help is normalized and encouraged. This program equips Marines and their families with practical tools to recognize warning signs, access resources, and intervene early.
3. Collaboration & Resource Projects (15% of operating time)
The Association partners with trusted veteran service organizations, mental health nonprofits, and support agencies—including DAV and the Robert Irvine Foundation—to expand the resources available to Marines and their families. Through these collaborations, we provide:

- VA benefits navigation
- Transition and employment assistance
- Education and entrepreneurship support
- Access to mental and physical health services
- Family support resources

We maintain an updated resource hub on our website and invite partner organizations to participate in our events, ensuring Marines receive comprehensive, integrated support. Additionally, we highlight achievements within the Marine community to increase public awareness of the extraordinary skills, resilience, and leadership veterans bring to the civilian world.
Population Served
The 1ST BN 5TH MARINES ASSOCIATION serves:
- Veteran Marines
- Active-duty Marines
- Marine families, including spouses and children
- Gold Star families & Families of the Fallen
- Marine leaders seeking training in mental health support
Our reach is nationwide, and our programs are designed to unify Marines regardless of geographic separation, service era, or current life circumstances.

Impact and Future Vision
Though newly formed, the Association has already demonstrated its potential for powerful impact, including co-hosting a 750-person Reuniting the Brave event that provided suicide-prevention support, transition resources, and VA benefit assistance to our Marine community. This model will be expanded nationally to ensure every member of the 1/5 family has access to connection, care, and purpose.
Our long-term vision is to build a sustainable, nationwide support network that restores belonging, strengthens resilience, and empowers Marines and their families to thrive physically, mentally, economically, and socially.