GUARDIANS OF THE PURPLE HEART

The Guardians of the Purple Heart is a registered 501(c)3 that specializes in obtaining items or services for Connecticut and Rhode Island veterans that have been wounded in combat where other organizations and establishments need to leave off due to their limitations, like the VA. By reaching out to the community, working with our vast network of supporters, and bringing the community together as a whole, we are able to focus on improving the overall quality of life for these Heros.

Throughout the year we host and attend multiple events fundraising and bringing awareness to our mission. Our biggest event is the Purple Heart Poker Run which is an all day motorcycle event where 100% of the days proceeds are allocated to complete our mission. Combine that from donations and selling merchandise we are able to step in and help.

To this day we have 6 Vietnam Veterans and 2 Afghanistan/ Iraq War veterans in a variety of ways. We have replaced a boiler in a home, obtained a riding mower with dump trailer, obtained a self propelled snow blower, a recumbent bike for in home physical therapy, installed an electrical outlet for a power lift chair, assisted in back payments to ones mortgage and then paid the next 6 months to assist in financial stability for him and his family. We took on the nearly impossible task and raised enough money to pay off the remaining balance due for a roof replacement. This is all done with no cost to the veteran. After we "vet the vet", verify their service, we interview them to get a better idea of where we can improve their quality of life for them, and their family as well.

We are in the process of casting a wider net and including the entire veteran demographic. We are aware that not all wounds are visible and those who suffer from PTSD, depression and anxiety stemming from the trials and tribulations of war but weren't given a Purple Heart. These veterans too face those same struggles and far too many times do not have the proper resources to utilize. This could be in the realm of assisting with minor car repairs, a new suit for an interview, to helping with first months rent.

The organization is run by veterans and Active Duty Navy personnel but includes family members, friends of veterans, and veteran supporters. We pride ourselves on the fact that we are all volunteers and do not take a paycheck; including the CEO. We as an organization feel if we are compensated for our time then there is less monetary resources to support our mission. Even after working our full time jobs, caring for our families and managing our lives, this dynamic team steps up and puts in the work.

We also have a Podcast called Cover Down which is hosted by myself, the CEO, and another organization member. Our producer is the CT chapter president and has graciously gave up a spot in his home for a studio and taught himself how to use the equipment. Our Podcast will be taking a different approach in the coming weeks where we will focus on a particular topic like stress management, reintegration and coping mechanisms but from two different approaches. One from the Army world and one from the Navy Submariner world. As we cover these topics we will focus on mental health and have a strong sense of focusing on mens mental health. Our mission behind this is to monetize the YouTube channel and put all revenue back into the organization to further our mission.

We might be small in numbers but we are big in heart. Between Connecticut and Rhode Island we have a team always shows up, and always delivers.