This month, as communities nationwide honor the sacrifices and commitment of our Veterans and service members, I'm profoundly grateful to stand among them. Yet, "thank you" will never be enough. Together, let's commit to more than just words of gratitude. Through our collaborative efforts, we can create a brighter future for all who have served.

As we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, it's important to recognize the incredible sacrifices made by the children of our service members. While military service is often associated with the brave men and women who wear the uniform, it's equally important to acknowledge the families who stand behind them, especially the children who endure unique challenges and experiences.

Veterans Collaborative’s focus on upstream living means addressing the root causes of challenges faced by Veterans and service members, rather than simply addressing the symptoms. We don't want to be merely throwing life rafts to those caught in swift waters; we want to go upstream, where we can create lasting change, and ensure that every Veteran and service member has the opportunity to thrive.

A New Year is upon us and for many this means embarking on the tradition of setting resolutions. A short list of promises to oneself that probably fizzle out before the first blooms of spring. I have participated in them—lofty goals to read more, freshen up on foreign languages, finish a puzzle, eat less chocolate, spend more time with family, travel more, enjoy less wine, and, of course, exercise more. Today, I am in a different mindset, and I have decided to hit pause on the conventional resolutions and explore a different approach to charting a course for 2024.

In our work, we center our focus on access for our community each day—examining who has it, who doesn't, and exploring how those dedicated to supporting our military and Veteran communities can collaborate to ensure its equitable provision. We believe the concept of access stands as a powerful and transformative force. It is not merely about entry or admission; rather, it symbolizes a gateway to empowerment, opportunity, and a brighter future.

As we reflect on the past year, Veterans Collaborative takes immense pride in presenting our Annual Impact Statement – a testament to the collective achievements resulting from collaboration, unwavering dedication, and a shared commitment to empower Veteran and military communities. This Statement of Activities encapsulates the strides made in fostering positive change, building networks, and providing essential support to our Veteran and military communities.

Brotherhood: When West Point Rugby Went To War tells the stories of the rugby players of 2002: how they came to West Point, how they found their game, how they went out into the army and what they did when they got there. It tells the stories of three of those men who died young, two in accidents and one at war in Baghdad. It tells the story of a fourth who died recently, swiftly and sadly of cancer. It tells how the surviving brothers came together to mourn.

Leaving the structured and disciplined world of active-duty service to embrace the civilian landscape is a monumental journey, and there will undoubtedly be both triumphs and challenges. For service members and spouses embarking on this transition, finding value, securing proper employment for diverse skills, and tapping into education and employment resources that build networks and community become pivotal aspects of their civilian evolution.

We are honored to welcome Colonel (R) Jeff Powell as our guest contributor. COL Powell's remarkable service to our nation is both inspiring and invaluable, and we are privileged to have him share his insights with the Veterans Collaborative community.

The Veteran narrative is already a story of champions, and potential employers who want Veterans in their ranks can be a part of this success story. Bringing Veterans into your organization is inviting a rich pool of talent that brings diverse perspectives, unparalleled work ethic, and a commitment to excellence.

Our commitment to community-driven impact is embodied in RADAR, our online resource that puts the spotlight on organizations doing commendable work for veterans and military communities in your local area. We believe that the true heroes are those on the ground, working tirelessly to make a difference. RADAR is our way of acknowledging and celebrating these organizations, bringing them into the spotlight so that their efforts are recognized and supported.

Veterans Collaborative takes immense pride in playing our small role in bringing forward this incredible story. By supporting Brothers and Veterans, we contribute to a narrative that goes beyond the screen—a story that inspires, educates, and fosters a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by our service members and Veterans. We hope that our community sees itself in this compelling portrait and tale of Army Rugby.

We contemplate access in terms of who possesses it, who lacks it, and how we can open the floodgates every single day. We believe plain and simple access is the greatest challenge facing our Veteran and Service Members, surpassing any other, no matter how you slice it. For today’s chat, and all in the name of access for Veterans, service members, and their families, we will dive into the exciting world of fiscal sponsorship and our Ventures.

Today is a day to give thanks, and I find myself in a reflective mood this morning while my turkey smokes and sweet potato souffle crisps-- pondering the meaning of true gratitude. For some it is about turkey, pecan pie, and office closures—there’s nothing wrong with that, but for others it's different. Maybe it’s a time to delve into the depths of gratitude or acknowledge the incredible journeys and struggles we've all faced.

Let us carry the torch forward by actively participating in the collective effort to support mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure that no Veteran or military member fights their battles alone.