Inspire and unite your community around a cause. Whether it’s running a destination marathon, or hosting a crawfish boil in your backyard, you can help raise support for our mission.
The transition from military service to civilian life can be challenging, and organizations that focus on the well-being of veterans while empowering them to continue their service are important. The Mission Continues (TMC) is a shining example of such an organization, dedicated to transforming communities through the involvement of veterans. With a focus on increasing social connectedness and improving the mental health of veterans, TMC has created a platform that not only empowers veterans but also leaves a lasting, positive impact on society.
TMC celebrated the start of the 2022 NFL football season with Operation Kickoff, in collaboration between NFL-BWF Salute to Service, in Los Angeles. The event centered around the renovation of Compton VFW Post 5394, founded by Black Vietnam veterans in 1965 and supported by the LA Rams, volunteers, and organizations including NFL Green and Verizon Wireless. More than 60 volunteers, including veterans, worked together to overhaul the post, plant gardens, paint walls and a mural.
Building Bonds, Making Impact
The NFL-BWF Salute to Service program focuses on community building, investing in initiatives like The Mission Continues (TMC) Service Platoon Program. Through this program, veterans engage in community service projects alongside peers and locals, fostering camaraderie and belonging. This community support is crucial during the transition to civilian life, and the NFL-BWF grants enhance the impact of the Service Platoon Program, reinforcing our commitment to resilient veteran communities.
The Service Platoon Program is tailored to address the specific needs of partner communities in more than 40+ cities across the country. Whether it’s building planters for community gardens, painting murals, or enhancing parks, each project contributes to the community’s betterment. The program also provides veterans with leadership opportunities. Serving as platoon leaders allows veterans to leverage their unique skills while fostering deeper connections with their peers and communities. This engagement reduces the risk of social isolation by promoting mental and emotional well-being.
Fostering Community for Veteran Wellbeing
“The COVID-19 pandemic renewed attention to the connection between social isolation and mental health. Social support fostered by engagement with programs like The Mission Continues’ Service Platoon Program, is an important protective factor against suicide,” explains Emily Bader, senior director of investments at BWF. “We’re pleased to have The Mission Continues in our NFL-BWF Healthy Lifestyles and Creating Community portfolio, which is full of organizations helping veterans build out their social networks and improving their physical and mental well-being.”
A new 2023 NFL-BWF Salute to Service grant builds on the longstanding relationship across our organizations and will specifically support opportunities for 75 platoon leaders and leadership team members in communities across the country.
In the 22 years since 9/11, Veterans have consistently risen to the occasion, ensuring that we “never forget” the spirit of unity that defined the nation at that pivotal moment. We’ve dedicated ourselves to volunteering in under-resourced communities, lending a hand during natural disasters and serving in food banks to combat food insecurity.
Now, in 2023, the call to serve our communities echoes once more. Let’s come together to pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of our fellow Veterans. By giving back to our community, we not only continue their legacy but also ensure they are never forgotten.
The Mission Continues’ Veteran-led platoons will serve across the country, organizing community projects for Veterans and volunteers to make a tangible community impact and pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed in the wake of 9/11. To get involved, click here for United In Service: Honoring 9/11 projects.
NBC Washington covered Operation District Drilldown, our annual mass deployment event focused on positively transforming DC’s Wards 7 and 8 neighborhoods. The broadcast showcased our veterans and local volunteers’ dedication and the positive impact of the initiative. Click HERE to learn more about Operation District Drilldown.
About The Mission Continues
The Mission Continues is a national veterans organization dedicated to empowering veterans as community-based leaders. We invest in veterans and under-resourced communities, developing new skill sets and equipping a growing veteran volunteer movement with the tools to drive positive change. We deploy veteran volunteers in more than 40 cities nationwide alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, address food insecurity, increase access to parks and green spaces, foster neighborhood identity, and more. Through this unique model, veterans are provided opportunities for personal connection and professional growth while generating visible community impact. This work is made possible through the generous contributions of our mission partners.
CBS 5 highlights the inspiring work of The Mission Continues’ Phoenix Platoon. Focused on battling food insecurity in the local area, the Phoenix Platoon unites veterans in a common cause: nurturing a community garden that brings fresh produce to those in need. Click HERE to volunteer with the Phoenix Platoon
About The Mission Continues
The Mission Continues is a national veterans organization dedicated to empowering veterans as community-based leaders. We invest in veterans and under-resourced communities, developing new skill sets and equipping a growing veteran volunteer movement with the tools to drive positive change. We deploy veteran volunteers in more than 40 cities nationwide alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, address food insecurity, increase access to parks and green spaces, foster neighborhood identity, and more. Through this unique model, veterans are provided opportunities for personal connection and professional growth while generating visible community impact. This work is made possible through the generous contributions of our mission partners.
Fox 54 highlights The Mission Continues’ Columbus GA Platoon and their impactful work for homeless veterans. Their project not only provides aid but fosters a unity between veterans and non-veterans in the community. Tune in to see how compassion bridges divides.
To volunteer with the Columbus GA Platoon go HERE.
About The Mission Continues
The Mission Continues is a national veterans organization dedicated to empowering veterans as community-based leaders. We invest in veterans and under-resourced communities, developing new skill sets and equipping a growing veteran volunteer movement with the tools to drive positive change. We deploy veteran volunteers in more than 40 cities nationwide alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, address food insecurity, increase access to parks and green spaces, foster neighborhood identity, and more. Through this unique model, veterans are provided opportunities for personal connection and professional growth while generating visible community impact. This work is made possible through the generous contributions of our mission partners.
