The Green Beret Foundation (GBF), an organization dedicated to supporting soldiers of the U.S. Army Special Forces and their families, is pleased to announce its accreditation by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a Veteran Service Organization (VSO), and recognized by the Department of VA Office of General Counsel for the purpose of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims under laws administered by the VA. VA-accreditation is a rare distinction, and GBF is now the sole special operations benevolent organization serving as a VA-accredited organization.
Brent Cooper, GBF Executive Director states, “No other benevolent organization solely dedicated to supporting Green Berets and their families has the ability to provide the level of assistance as the GBF. The VA benefits and claims process is one of the most critical phases of a Green Beret’s transition from military service, and while the GBF has been providing guidance through this arduous process for many years with the assistance of some of our program partners, we will now have the ability to handle claims and appeals firsthand for active duty, separated, and retired Green Berets. The overall health and wellness of a Green Beret and their family is our priority, and this accreditation is a testament to our expertise and level of support as the premier benevolent organization in the Special Forces community.”
The Green Beret Foundation’s mission focus has always been, in part, to provide “unconventional resources for unconventional warriors.” As a VA-accredited organization, this mission now expands to encompass providing advocacy within all the stages of the VA claims process, tailored specifically to address the unique needs of our nation’s Special Forces soldiers. Beginning with the Next Ridgeline program and a highly specialized team of experts especially well-versed in the specific concerns of the Green Beret community, the GBF will now be legally empowered to accompany Green Berets through every step of the VA disability claims process from start to finish. John Armezzani, GBF Veterans Services Director states, “This process, which may range from initiating claims to carrying them through VA and Board of Veterans Appeals hearings when necessary, will greatly enhance the capability of the GBF and its Next Ridgeline program to provide unique assistance throughout the life of our Special Forces veterans from their discharge through the twilight years of their lives.”
With the support of generous donors and through future fundraising efforts, the GBF’s long-term goal for the expansion of this program is to provide a representative at each installation where a Special Forces Group is based to meet the needs of each wounded, ill, or injured Green Beret, and further enhance the reach of these services.
About the Green Beret Foundation
Founded in 2009, The Green Beret Foundation is a Charity Navigator 4-Star rated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing Special Forces Soldiers and their families with emergency, immediate, and ongoing support. The Foundation provides casualty support, extended care support, family support to include Gold Star and Surviving Families, and transition support. For more information, visit: www.greenberetfoundation.org.
