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Congressman Pat Harrigan Introduces the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act to Extend Concealed Carry Rights to Elite Military Veterans

Sunday, April 26th, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) introduced the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act, legislation that extends federal concealed carry authority to both serving and veteran special operations forces whose firearms training and marksmanship standards match or exceed those of retired law enforcement officers.

“Federal law already trusts retired police officers to carry concealed nationwide. That makes sense. But it makes no sense that an active or retired SEAL or Green Beret, someone who spent a career mastering firearms under the most demanding conditions in the world, has no equivalent recognition under federal law,” said Congressman Harrigan. “This bill fixes that. It does not create new rights or weaken any safeguard. It simply extends an existing, proven framework to the warriors who have earned it more than anyone.”

“Atlas Rescue enthusiastically supports this legislation recognizing Special Operations veterans for their unique skills and service to our country. This recognition strengthens our ability to deploy highly trained operators in the fight against human trafficking, enabling us to more effectively bring that expertise to missions that protect the vulnerable and dismantle trafficking networks,” Sean Williamson, Executive Director ATLAS Rescue.

The Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act amends 18 U.S.C. Section 926C, the statute that currently grants concealed carry authority to qualified retired law enforcement officers, to also cover qualified special operators. Eligible veterans will receive permanent, nationwide concealed carry authority with no annual firearms requalification requirement, while remaining fully subject to all existing federal firearm restrictions. The bill covers honorably discharged servicemembers from paygrade E5-E9, W1-W5 or O1-O10 with verified service in Army Special Forces, the 75th Ranger Regiment, Delta Force, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps Scout Snipers, Reconnaissance Marines, MARSOC operators, and Air Force Combat Control, Pararescue, Special Reconnaissance, TACP, and Special Operations Weather. The legislation also directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a photographic identification program within 180 days of enactment, and requires the Department of Justice to issue guidance to law enforcement agencies nationwide ensuring uniform recognition of qualifying credentials.

Congressman Harrigan is urging his colleagues to support the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act and honor the service of America’s most elite warriors.

This press release was issued on 16 April.

Posted in 2A, Congress, SOF, Veterans | 7 Comments »

2026 Special Operations Wounded Warriors Charity Dinner and Auction

Monday, April 20th, 2026

For Immediate Release

Myrtle Beach, SC – March 13, 2026 – Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to honoring and supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces members wounded in combat or training, is proud to announce its annual Charity Dinner and Auction. This signature event will bring together supporters, veterans, and patriots for an evening of inspiration, fellowship, and fundraising to aid in the healing and recovery of our nation’s quiet professionals.

Set against the backdrop of the stunning Myrtle Beach coastline, the event will feature renowned guest speaker Enrique “Ric” Prado, a 24-year CIA veteran and specialist in paramilitary, counter-terrorism, and clandestine operations. Prado served as Deputy Chief of Station for the original Bin Laden Task Force and later as Chief of Operations in the Counterterrorist Center during 9/11, coordinating missions with elite units like Delta Force and SEAL Team Six. Prado will share insights from his bestselling memoir, Black Ops: The Life of a CIA Shadow Warrior.

Joining as VIP guest is multi-talented entertainer and patriotic Army veteran Craig Morgan. A country music icon with over 2.5 billion career streams and more than 25 Billboard-charting songs, Morgan is also a TV personality, author, and celebrated outdoorsman. He served 17 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, including as a member of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, and in 2023, he reenlisted as a Warrant Officer. Honored with inductions into the Grand Ole Opry and the U.S. Field Artillery Hall of Fame, as well as the USO Merit Award and the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Morgan remains deeply committed to supporting active-duty and veteran service members through organizations like Operation Finally Home and the USO.

Event details:

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Location: Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort at Grand Dunes, 8400 Costa Verde Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC

Attendees can look forward to a live auction featuring unique items and experiences, networking opportunities, and stories of impact from SOWW beneficiaries. Proceeds will directly support SOWW’s mission to provide healing outdoor adventures and targeted therapies to Purple Heart recipients and other wounded Special Operations warriors, having already touched over 1,000 lives since our founding in 2012.

Sponsorships, table reservations, and individual tickets are available now. Scan the QR code on the event flyer or visit SOWW for more information. Room reservations at the venue can be made by calling +1 843-449-8880.

SOWW

Help Elevare Foundation spread the word about SOWW!

SOWW invites media, corporate partners, and the public to join in celebrating and supporting our Special Operations heroes. For press credentials or interview requests, please contact the above.

About Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW): Founded in 2012 by a group of Special Forces veterans and outdoors enthusiasts, SOWW is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that offers therapeutic outdoor experiences, service dog programs, and mental health support to active-duty and veteran U.S. Special Operations Forces members wounded in service. With a focus on low-recognition sacrifices, SOWW fosters recovery through nature-based activities and camaraderie. Learn more at www.sowwcharity.com.

Special Operations Wounded Warriors | SOWW | SOWW Charity

Posted in Fundraising, Nonprofit, Press Release, Veterans | No Comments »

Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Events Encourage Mobility for Formerly Paralyzed Veteran

Sunday, April 12th, 2026

SNOWMASS, Colo. – The year was 2021, and U.S. Army Veteran Andrew Carpenter was brimming with contentment. He was building a career as a software account executive and embracing life in the ever-changing, yet illuminated daze of first-time parenthood.

Then without warning, everything changed. After 15 years of military service and overseeing countless tactical aircraft missions, Carpenter had grown accustomed to unpredictability. But there was nothing that could have prepared him for the abrupt reality of being paralyzed.

“It pretty much came on suddenly. I got numbness and tingling in my fingers and toes, and that turned into a weakness in my arms and muscles,” Carpenter shared. “Then I woke up one morning, and I couldn’t move anything.”

Carpenter was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that tricks the body’s immune system into attacking its own nerves.

Immediately following the onset of his paralysis, Carpenter was rushed to emergency surgery. He experienced a week-long coma to perform life-saving interventions, followed by two months as an inpatient at United Hospital in Minneapolis, and four months of inpatient care at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

“It was pretty scary. Once the paralysis let up in a certain area, every time I tried to move it was complete pain, because the protective coating around the nerves was all eaten away by this syndrome,” Carpenter shared.

Recovery was grueling. The former aviation operation specialist found himself relearning how to walk and talk, while also managing a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and back and neck injuries from his time in service.

“It felt like being imprisoned,” Carpenter shared. “My son was six months at the time, so it was very important for me to get home and be able to see his first birthday.”

His routine of total independence had been upended by intensive therapy and constant evaluations, but the former Resiliency Trainer was not easily deterred. Early in his recovery, he asked his physical therapist if there was more he could do. That’s when he discovered the Winter Sports Clinic.

“My physical therapist said as long as you got the attitude that you’re going to do it, then we’ll make sure you can get up and down the hill,” Carpenter said. “These [adaptive sports events] where you can really push your body have been just incredible.”

Five years later, Carpenter has regained most of his mobility. Now, during his fifth consecutive trip to “Miracle Mountain,” Carpenter pushed for more independence by training on a mono ski – which is a single, wide ski that allows the rider to position both feet side-by-side and face forward while maneuvering downhill.

“When I found out you can be on the mono ski and go down by yourself on the chairlift, that really got me excited,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter’s positive disposition is both innate and earned, but he wants fellow Veterans to know that, regardless of their current outlook, there is something to be gained on the mountainside.

“Just push yourself and see what can happen,” Carpenter said. “[Recovering] has been a rough time, but [there are] other people who are here at the clinic and have gone through similar things. We all have our own story, and it’s been really great to connect with so many people.”

Posted in Press Release, Veterans | No Comments »

Hidden Wounds Receives $50,000 Donation from Philip Morris International U.S. to Expand Rapid Mental-Health Stabilization for Veterans

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

Funding supports lifesaving crisis stabilization, suicide prevention, peer support, and essential services for South Carolina’s at-risk veterans

SUMTER, S.C., March 9, 2026 — Hidden Wounds, a South Carolina-based nonprofit providing immediate mental-health stabilization and long-term support for veterans, today announced a $50,000 donation from Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.). The funding comes at a critical moment as South Carolina and the nation face rising rates of veteran suicide, with an estimated 17.6 veterans dying by suicide every day, according to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our mission is simple: No veteran should face their darkest hour alone,” said Dr. Lance Newman, Executive Director of Hidden Wounds, CPS, CPT, CSCS (Retired). “The support from PMI U.S. helps us keep our doors open and our hands outstretched to the men and women who sacrificed for us.”

Hidden Wounds fills urgent gaps in care by offering rapid crisis stabilization, peer-led support groups, and warm handoffs to treatment, ensuring that veterans receive fast, practical help when they need it most. In 2025 alone, the organization supported thousands of veterans experiencing PTSD, homelessness, food insecurity, depression, and other invisible wounds – often providing same-day stabilization and ongoing community support.

“Hidden Wounds is meeting veterans where they are, often in moments when they can’t wait days or weeks for help,” said Jake Jacobs, Director of External Affairs, Southeast Region at PMI U.S. “Their team provides immediate stabilization, real human connection, and long-term pathways to recovery, and PMI U.S. is proud to support an organization delivering such pragmatic, lifesaving impact for veterans across South Carolina.”

This gift reflects PMI U.S.’s commitment to pragmatic philanthropy, advancing practical, measurable results by supporting organizations delivering real impact for the military community. Since 2022, PMI U.S. has invested more than $35 million in charitable giving, including over $7M towards organizations serving U.S. service members, veterans, and their families across legal services, housing, mental health support and emergency economic relief.

In 2025, Hidden Wounds delivered measurable impact across South Carolina:

Supported 8,000+ veterans through the food pantry
Provided care to 87 veterans in nursing homes
Helped 15 veterans move from homelessness to permanent housing
Fed 5,800 veterans during Thanksgiving and Christmas
Maintained daily in-person support that keeps hundreds of veterans connected and safe

In partnership with VAlanthropy, Hidden Wounds recently broke ground on Village Alpha, a permanent housing community consisting of 650-square-foot apartments designed to help veterans stabilize, rebuild, and integrate. Construction began in February 2026 in Sumter, South Carolina, with the aim to offer immediate housing for veterans in need in addition to the other offerings and support Hidden Wounds provides.

Posted in Industry, Nonprofit, Press Release, Veterans | 1 Comment »

Armed Forces Bank Earns Top Honors for Advancing Veteran Financial Well-Being

Sunday, March 8th, 2026

Bank Receives Sole Veteran Saves Week “Community Impact Award” and Prestigious “Designation of Savings Excellence” from Consumer Federation of America

Award-Winning Banking Leadership Delivers Meaningful Financial Progress for Service Members and Veterans

LEAVENWORTH, Kan., March 4, 2026 — Armed Forces Bank – a full-service military bank committed to serving those who serve since 1907 – was selected as a Veteran Saves Week “Community Impact Award” recipient and a “Designation of Savings Excellence” Award winner by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA). The awards recognize Armed Forces Bank’s exceptional leadership in improving the financial well-being of veterans, service members, and military families through measurable outcomes, sustained engagement and community-focused financial education.

Veteran Saves Week is a program under the America Saves umbrella, coordinated by the CFA. The campaign encourages veterans to take the Veteran Saves Pledge while empowering organizations to promote savings year-round.

Out of more than 900 participating organizations nationwide, Armed Forces Bank received the sole 2025 Veteran Saves Week “Community Impact Award” and was named one of only two banks to earn the “Designation of Savings Excellence” Award.

Community Impact Award
The Veteran Saves Week “Community Impact Award” recognizes the organization that most effectively leveraged the Veteran Saves Pledge to encourage savings behavior and goal setting within its community during the annual campaign.

According to CFA, Armed Forces Bank’s approach helped translate participation into action by providing veterans with clear, accessible savings pathways – an important factor given that individuals with a defined savings plan are twice as likely to successfully reach their goals.

“We’re honored to recognize Armed Forces Bank with the Community Impact Award for the second year in a row,” said Krystel Spell, program manager at Veteran Saves. “During Veteran Saves Week, Armed Forces Bank demonstrated a thoughtful approach to supporting the Veteran Saves Pledge by ensuring the message reached veterans in ways that felt clear and actionable. That level of care and consistency helped translate participation into real progress toward savings goals.”

Designation of Savings Excellence Award
The CFA also awards the Veteran Saves Week “Designation of Savings Excellence Award” to financial institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance and measurable impact during the Veteran Saves Week. Armed Forces Bank was one of only seven financial institutions nationally – and just two banks – to receive this distinction for the campaign, which took place in November 2025, as part of National Military Family Month and Warrior Care Month.

Measurable Impact During Veteran Saves Week 2025
During Veteran Saves Week 2025, Armed Forces Bank executed a comprehensive, multi-channel outreach campaign that delivered meaningful and measurable results, including:

50,642 individuals reached through email, social media, branch communications, website promotion, flyers and community events
100% retail branch participation nationwide, reinforcing a unified, organization-wide commitment
$1.9 million+ in savings account growth, driven by deposits from 6,776 individuals
85 new savings-type products opened, contributing more than $1.75 million in new deposits
55 Veteran Saves Pledges completed
44,792 emails sent and nearly 4,000 social media engagement views

Collectively, the work of all Veteran Saves Week award winners and participating organizations contributed to significant financial progress for service members and veterans. During the four-day period leading up to Veterans Day (November 4 to 7, 2025), these institutions reached more than 1.5 million individuals nationwide, encouraged nearly $1.9 million in deposits into new and existing accounts, and inspired veterans to pledge $370,000 toward future savings goals.

Leadership Perspective
“These recognitions reflect our long-standing commitment to helping military families build financial confidence and resilience,” said Tom McLean, senior vice president and regional military executive for Armed Forces Bank. “We understand the unique financial realities that come with military life, and we work every day to meet service members and veterans where they are – providing practical tools, trusted guidance and consistent support no matter where duty takes them.”

“It is truly a privilege to serve the military community,” said Paul Holewinski, CEO of Armed Forces Bank. “Every product, service and education effort we offer is designed with their unique needs in mind. We appreciate the recognition from the Consumer Federation of America, but the greatest reward is seeing our clients strengthen their financial footing and achieve the goals that matter most to them.”

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Veterans | No Comments »

Delta Three Oscar Announces Official Partnership with The Dirt Therapy Project to Support Veterans

Sunday, February 22nd, 2026

(Huntington Beach, CA – 02/19/26) Delta Three Oscar, the ballistic arm of impact protection brand D3O is showing its commitment to supporting those who serve, by announcing its official partnership with The Dirt Therapy Project, a non-profit dedicated to supporting military Veterans through mountain bike experiences and community connection.

With a mission to save lives and bring home troops safely, Delta Three Oscar will be supporting The Dirt Therapy Project’s Veteran rides throughout the year, helping promote the organization, enhance safety, and strengthen the sense of community that helps Veterans reestablish life after service.

Delta Three Oscar was founded on a simple but powerful mission: to save lives, by delivering advanced protection solutions to military, law enforcement, and first responders. The company engineers the world’s best ballistic helmet suspension systems, ballistic protection pads to reduce back face deformation for chest plates, as well as impact protecting knee guards and underfoot shock absorbing mid soles.

By extending its commitment to safety from the frontline and into veterans’ everyday lives, the brand is combining its 20 years of expertise in protective technology with its leadership in mountain bike protection. As a key ingredient used by leading bike brands including Troy Lee Designs, Fox, ODI, Specialized and Dakine, it is uniquely positioned to bring the best protection to Veteran mountain bike riders. By bridging these two industries, Delta Three Oscar is helping Veterans reconnect through mountain biking an activity that the team at The Dirt Therapy Project has proven to support mental wellbeing and help alleviate stress associated with active deployment.

“Whether protecting troops on the frontline or mountain bike riders on the trail, our mission to deliver the best protection possible and bring people home safely is the same.” said Serena Thynne, Head of PR at Delta Three Oscar. “That’s why we’re proud to support The Dirt Therapy Project. We have seen first-hand the life-changing impact they have in helping Veterans transition back into their communities.”

The Dirt Therapy Project hosts community events and mountain bike experiences which offer their members therapeutic benefits, community support, and confidence as they transition to civilian life. Through this official partnership, Delta Three Oscar will:

• Support Veteran Ride events throughout the year

• Provide advanced protective solutions to enhance rider safety

• Collaborate on awareness initiatives highlighting Veteran challenges and wellbeing

• Offer exclusive opportunities for the Veteran community to participate in select events

“This partnership strengthens our ability to serve Veterans in meaningful ways,” said Jonathan Hagerman Founder of The Dirt Therapy Project. “With Delta Three Oscar’s commitment to protection and performance, we can continue expanding our reach and impact.”

As the partnership rolls out across 2026, supporters can expect collaborative content, community-led ride days, and exclusive engagement opportunities that bring together veterans, riders, and the top mountain bike brands who share a commitment to protection, performance, and purpose.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on Delta Three Oscar Announces Official Partnership with The Dirt Therapy Project to Support Veterans

VA Undoes Decades-Old Wrong and Protects Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights

Saturday, February 21st, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced a major new step to protect Veterans’ Second Amendment rights. Effective immediately, VA will not report Veterans to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System as “prohibited persons” only because they need help from a fiduciary in managing their VA benefits.

This corrects a three-decade-old wrong that deprived many thousands of Veterans in VA’s Fiduciary Program of their constitutional right to own a firearm without a legal basis.

After a thorough review, VA recognized that many Veterans had been deprived of their Second Amendment rights without hearings or adequate determinations that they posed a sufficient risk of danger to themselves or others. In consultation with the Department of Justice, VA has determined this practice violates both the Gun Control Act and Veterans’ Second Amendment rights. According to federal law, a decision by a judicial or quasi-judicial body is needed before someone can be reported to NICS.

A determination by the VA that a fiduciary is needed to help manage a Veteran’s VA benefits falls far short of this legal standard.

In addition to immediately stopping the reporting of VA Fiduciary Program participants to NICS, the department is working with the FBI to remove all past VA reporting from NICS, so no Veterans are unfairly deprived of their Second Amendment rights based solely on participation in VA’s Fiduciary Program.

“Many Americans struggle with managing their finances, and Veterans’ Second Amendment rights shouldn’t be stripped just because they need help in this area. But for too long, Veterans who needed the services of a VA fiduciary were deprived of their right to bear arms,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Under the leadership of President Trump, we’re correcting this injustice and ensuring Veterans get the same due-process and constitutional rights as all Americans.”

The Department of Justice supports this action.

“It is both unlawful and unacceptable for Veterans who serve our country to have their constitutional rights threatened,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “It has been my pleasure to partner with Secretary Collins on this project, and I am directing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to review its regulations and propose changes that will prevent current and future violations of our Veterans’ Second Amendment rights.”

– Veterans Administration

Posted in 2A, Guest Post, Veterans | Comments Off on VA Undoes Decades-Old Wrong and Protects Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights

AltaPointe Health Launches Weekly Online Veteran Peer Support Group

Sunday, January 25th, 2026

MOBILE, Ala., Jan. 23, 2026 — AltaPointe Health is launching a new weekly online Veteran Peer Support Group designed to help veterans navigate the transition from military to civilian life in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.

The virtual group will meet every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST via Zoom and is open to veterans who may not feel comfortable attending in-person appointments or visiting a clinic.

The group is built on a simple but powerful concept: By veterans. For veterans.

According to AltaPointe Veteran Program Coordinator Ron Olmsted, the meeting is a peer-led forum where participation is completely based on each individual’s comfort level.

“This is a peer meeting where veterans are helping other veterans who may not want to come to a clinic,” Olmsted said. “They can be anonymous, or they don’t have to be. They can just listen to the forum and chime in with their comments, or just listen. One hundred percent of the participation level is going to be based on your comfort level.”

Participants are not required to turn on their cameras or use their real names. Veterans can simply listen, share experiences, or actively participate — whatever feels right for them.

“You don’t have to turn your camera on, you don’t have to give us your real name,” Olmsted said. “If you just want to sit and listen, that’s fine. If you want to participate, that’s great. We’re not trying to force anything on anybody. We’re just trying to expose people to things that will hopefully make their lives a little bit better.”

The Veteran Peer Support Group is designed to help reduce isolation and create meaningful connections among veterans who understand military culture, service, and the challenges of transition. The group offers a judgment-free space to talk about topics such as PTSD, depression, stress, and other life challenges.

Benefits of the group include:

Shared understanding with fellow veterans
Community and connection to reduce isolation
Mental health support in a safe, confidential setting
Renewed purpose and engagement in civilian life
Access to resources tailored to veterans’ needs

Meetings are online, confidential, and veteran-only, allowing participants to engage at their own pace in a supportive environment.

To register or learn more, call (251) 450-5956 or email veteransupport@altapointe.org.

Posted in Medical, Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on AltaPointe Health Launches Weekly Online Veteran Peer Support Group