5TH SQUAD

5th Squad: A Veteran-Led Mission of Service, Support, and Solidarity

Organizational Overview
5th Squad is a nonprofit, veteran-led organization dedicated to supporting Veterans, their families, and the broader community through a comprehensive range of programs, advocacy initiatives, and direct assistance. Founded on the principle of "Veterans Helping Veterans," the organization is rooted in solidarity, empowerment, and a profound commitment to continuing the mission beyond military service. The name "5th Squad" symbolizes a tight-knit unit where no one is left behind—mirroring the camaraderie, trust, and accountability that define the military experience.

Mission Statement
5th Squad's mission is to support Veterans, service members, and their families through direct action, community building, and comprehensive support programs that promote reintegration, resilience, and personal growth. The organization aims to be a force multiplier in the lives of those who have served by offering peer-based assistance and fostering purpose after the uniform.

Core Values

Service: Continuing the mission by serving others.

Honor: Upholding the highest ethical and moral standards.

Unity: Building connections across Veteran and civilian communities.

Accountability: Taking ownership of outcomes and maintaining integrity.

Resilience: Encouraging personal strength and growth through adversity.

Programs and Initiatives

1. Emergency Assistance Program
At the heart of 5th Squad's operations is the Emergency Assistance Program, which provides direct financial aid to Veterans and their families facing hardship. Whether addressing housing insecurity, utility shutoffs, or emergency travel, the program ensures swift, compassionate responses with minimal bureaucratic barriers. Each request is reviewed with empathy and urgency, reflecting the organization’s commitment to mission-first responsiveness.

2. Peer Support and Outreach
5th Squad recognizes that Veterans are uniquely qualified to support one another. The organization conducts regular outreach events and peer support gatherings designed to foster connection and combat isolation—a known risk factor for mental health crises and suicide among Veterans. Through partnerships with other nonprofits, VA services, and community agencies, 5th Squad connects Veterans to the resources they need, while also offering a safe space to be heard and understood.

3. The Ready, Play, Give (RPG) Program
The RPG Program is a gaming-centered initiative aimed at engaging younger Veterans and military families through tabletop and video gaming. It uses play as a mechanism for connection, healing, and personal development. By building supportive micro-communities around shared interests, RPG empowers Veterans to rediscover purpose and joy in civilian life. The program also hosts events that raise awareness and generate donations for other 5th Squad services.

4. Workforce Readiness Initiative
Understanding that transition to civilian employment is a critical milestone, 5th Squad has launched the Workforce Readiness Initiative. This program provides Veterans with job readiness training, resume building, interview preparation, and career mentorship. By aligning Veterans' military experiences with civilian career paths, the program empowers them to achieve meaningful, sustainable employment and economic independence.

5. Community Service and Civic Engagement
5th Squad believes that continued service is a powerful tool for healing and reintegration. The organization organizes community service projects, disaster relief efforts, and volunteer days that allow Veterans to contribute meaningfully to the communities they live in. These efforts not only foster a sense of belonging but also promote positive public perceptions of Veterans as leaders and assets in their communities.

6. Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Advocacy
Recognizing the alarming rates of Veteran suicide, 5th Squad is committed to being a frontline advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Through peer-led check-ins, partnerships with behavioral health organizations, and public education campaigns, the organization breaks the stigma around mental health and encourages proactive care. The motto "Check on your squad" is more than a slogan—it’s a call to action.

7. Veteran Family Support
Military service affects the entire family. 5th Squad offers targeted resources and events for spouses, children, and caregivers, fostering a holistic approach to support. Family days, educational resources, and referral services strengthen the Veteran support network and promote resilience within the home.

Leadership and Governance
5th Squad is governed by a diverse board of directors, many of whom are Veterans or family members of Veterans. This structure ensures that the organization remains mission-focused and accountable to the community it serves. Leadership within the organization operates with transparency, prioritizing collaboration, and ethical stewardship of donor funds.

Community Partnerships
5th Squad collaborates with local and national organizations to amplify its impact. Strategic alliances with Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), mental health providers, employment agencies, and educational institutions enable 5th Squad to connect Veterans with a broader safety net of care and opportunity. The organization also participates in coalition-building efforts to advocate for Veteran-related policy reform at the state and national levels.

Impact and Reach
Since its founding, 5th Squad has directly assisted hundreds of Veterans and their families, distributed tens of thousands of dollars in emergency aid, and logged thousands of volunteer hours. Its grassroots model emphasizes agility and responsiveness—delivering results without red tape. The organization's reach continues to grow, powered by community trust and the lived experience of those who lead it.

Culture and Identity
5th Squad is more than a nonprofit—it is a community. Veterans who connect with the organization often describe it as a return to the sense of belonging they felt in uniform. The organization's tone is direct, authentic, and mission-driven, reflecting the no-nonsense culture of the military while creating space for vulnerability and growth. Humor, loyalty, and shared purpose define the culture, making it both a safety net and a launching pad.

Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, 5th Squad envisions expanded regional chapters, increased support staff, and the development of a centralized Veteran Resource Center. Future plans also include expanding digital engagement platforms, launching targeted mental health initiatives for women Veterans, and increasing corporate partnerships to fund program growth. The organization is committed to evolving in response to the changing needs of the Veteran community, while staying true to its core mission.

Conclusion
5th Squad stands as a testament to what is possible when Veterans are empowered to lead and support one another. It is a grassroots force fueled by lived experience, moral clarity, and an unshakeable commitment to never leaving a brother or sister behind. With every dollar raised and every life touched, the organization continues to prove that the mission doesn’t end with the uniform—it just changes its form.