Read the program brochure. - Yellow Ribbon Fund

Eric's Story
Volunteer ambassadors provided customized support to Eric,
his mother Linda, and brother Jonathan.
THE TALIBAN ATTACKED. A young soldier
named Eric survived, but lost a leg. A year later
he was home from the hospital and buckling
under the stresses of combat, disabling injury, and
reintegration. He refused to ask for help.
His mother and caregiver, Linda, was overwhelmed
with frustration and worry. She wrote: “There is
nothing in place for the wounded warrior and/or the
family to help them when they go home!!!!!!
THEN THE YELLOW RIBBON FUND CALLED.
We were checking in. Eric’s older brother Jonathan
later said, “Honestly, it’s like a prayer was answered
for me the day I received the phone call from you.”
IT TAKES A TEAM. Soon one YRF ambassador
was working his network to help Eric cut through
military red tape. Another ambassador advised
him on claiming housing benefits. A third offered
help with physical therapy, while a volunteer lawyer
researched legal issues. The Ambassador Program
director alerted a nurse case manager who resolved a
problem with Eric’s prosthetic.
Meanwhile, yet another ambassador focused on
Linda, helping her update her resume – both she and
Jonathan lost their jobs while caring for Eric in the
hospital. Emailing the Ambassador Program director
gave Linda a safe place to vent, and YRF sent her a
spa gift certificate. Many challenges still lie ahead, but
this family won’t face them alone.
▲
When PTSD forced a veteran to leave
his job to seek treatment, his wife
had to finish her degree to support
the family – but couldn’t afford
the books. Ohio ambassador John
Graber recruited three friends to
help him buy five bags of books
and supplies.
▲
Injured vets celebrate
after passing their first
cybersecurity certification
test, thanks to a training
program launched by
Virginia ambassador
Manny Galvan, who
leveraged his professional
network to make it happen.
“THANKS TO YRF, I HAVE BEEN
GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO
TRY TO SAY THANKS FOR
A DEBT THAT CAN NEVER
BE REPAID.”
– MARIA GALLEGOS,
VIRGINIA AMBASSADOR
To learn more or volunteer, contact:
Amanda Basek, Director
Yellow Ribbon Fund Ambassador Program
PH & FX: 973-810-2595 / Cell: 240-475-1972
amanda@yellowribbonfund.org
THE YELLOW RIBBON FUND
240-223-1180
4905 Del Ray Ave, Ste 500 / Bethesda MD 20814
www.yellowribbonfund.org
Join us on facebook.com/YellowRibbonFund
Follow us on @YRFund
REAL SUPPORT for REAL HEROES...
On their own terms
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Welcoming Our Injured Service Members
in Their Hometowns

“JACK KEPT ASKING, ‘HOW CAN I PAY YOU BACK?’
I TOLD HIM HE ALREADY HAS.”
– JOHN GRABER,
OHIO AMBASSADOR
YRF’s volunteer
AMBASSADORS provide
the hands-on, one-on-one support
injured veterans deserve. They...
■ PROVIDE RIDES to and from VA facilities
■ CHECK IN and watch for signs of depression
■ Facilitate financial or legal ADVICE
■ OFFER REFERRALS for services like
home repair
■ Encourage SOCIAL ACTIVITY through sports
and outings
■ MAKE INTRODUCTIONS for job or
college interviews, assist with resumes
and applications
...and more, NATIONWIDE. Military experience
isn’t necessary for this work. There are no
age limitations or professional requirements.
Anyone who recognizes the potential in their
own networks, communities, and professions
can be of service to those who’ve served.
TOP: Minnesota ambassador Michael Gair (above, right)
uses his inside knowledge of the VA to help new vets like
Zachary navigate the system.
THE NEED
Injured service members spend months or years in
military hospitals like Walter Reed National Military
Medical Center near Washington, DC. There, they
receive world-class medical care, their families have
access to support services, and Yellow Ribbon Fund
staffers get to know them well.
But eventually, they all move on, sometimes with lifechanging
disabilities.
Back home, no battle buddies have got their back
anymore. Their family and community can’t always
provide the support they need to find care, or a job, or
go back to school.
They’re no longer entitled to active-duty military
services. They may live far away from the nearest
Veterans Affairs facility. Or they may want nothing
more to do with the military.
“IT’S EASY TO FORGET
THERE ARE AMERICANS
OUT THERE WHO STILL
APPRECIATE THE MILITARY.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!”
– MATT, INJURED MARINE SERGEANT
Three veterans were the guests of honor at the golf tournament
fundraiser organized by Oklahoma ambassador Ray Carter
(2nd from right) to benefit YRF.
THE MISSION
The needs of injured veterans don’t end when the
wars do. Neither does America’s obligation to meet
those needs. The Yellow Ribbon Fund Ambassador
Program follows up with each injured service
member we encounter. We listen to what they tell us.
If they have a need, we ensure it’s met.
Our mission: Fill the gaps between what the
government can provide...
...and what injured veterans
and their family caregivers
actually need.