The servicemen and servicewomen who have laid their lives on the line in the pursuit of a better and brighter tomorrow often return home from the war they fought to find themselves facing a new, internal battle. Within 4 months of returning home, nearly a third of all soldiers will develop mental health problems; these problems commonly include anxiety disorders, clinical depression, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).  These mental health problems, on top of all of the difficulties and emotional burdens of war, led 20% of returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan to develop drug or serious drinking problems, and saw 22 veteran suicides per day in 2010.

Because of the long-term emotional and psychological burdens that accompany those who return from combat, it is often difficult for our servicepeople to hold jobs or properly take care of themselves. This means they often rely on public services and programs like the VA to help them in times of need. They can also turn to the aid of some of the philanthropies and charities around the country who work to help those who have served. Here are just a few of the organizations whose efforts help to benefit our nation’s veterans.

• Adaptive Sports Foundation
  • Although this group was created for children with cognitive and developmental disabilities, a branch of the ASF organization called Warriors in Motion works in conjunction with the Wounded Warrior Project to offer veterans relaxation and rejuvenation packages that include golf programs, ski and snowboard excursions, sports retreats, and more.
• Fisher House Foundation
  • The Fisher House Foundation was established to help the loved ones of military servicemen and women while the veteran is receiving medical services. The homes are located nationwide, nearby VA medical centers and hospitals to allow the families all of the amenities of living at home for free close by.
• The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
  • This fund, established in the year 2000, has provided the families of military servicepeople with over $200 million worth of benefits and support in the years since. They also offer assistance for medical care to help the soldiers continue to lead fulfilling lives, in or out of the line of duty.

The caregivers of these soldiers have their own battles and challenges to face; while their husband, wife, son, or daughter has sacrificed for their country, the caregivers must sacrifice themselves, too. These caregivers stand by their soldiers’ sides through the pain and struggle of recovery, often turning their lives upside-down in the process. They will experience pain and heartache themselves, and may be forced to shift their priorities and put their hopes and dreams on hold so that they can be there for their loved one. The support systems and financial assistances available to these physically and psychologically injured men and women are, without a doubt, commendable services, but the caregivers of these soldiers tend to be overlooked. That is, until now.

Lloyd Claycomb, a Colorado businessman and philanthropist, founded “Our Warriors at Home,” a non-profit organization whose mission is to give support to the wives and mothers of post-9/11 active duty, National Guard, and reserve service members and veterans across all branches of the military by taking some of the burden of care from them and allowing them a day to enjoy life. Each person who qualifies will receive an entire day of rest and relaxation or recreation paid for by the organization. Recipients can choose from a day at the spa, a fully accommodated stay at a luxury hotel, skydiving, and many other options.

“There seem to be many avenues by which our injured veterans can receive assistance,” said Claycomb, “but my heart aches for the wives, mothers, and caregivers of those suffering from service related injuries and how their lives are forever changed by their loved one’s willingness to courageously serve their country. While there may not be much I can do to permanently change their difficult situation, I felt compelled to find a way to bring some joy into their lives.”

While Lloyd Claycomb is already involved in a number of charities, “Our Warriors at Home” is his next step to making a difference in the lives of others and a positive impact in his community. While the organization was created to offer assistance to the wives, mothers, and caregivers of wounded soldiers in Colorado specifically, Claycomb hopes that one day this organization will grow to encompass the nation.

Claycomb, along with the United Builders Service Inc. board of directors, last year decided to donate 10% of their profits in 2016 to charities including “Our Warriors at Home,” and Claycomb himself has said that he will personally match the UBS donations to the organization and has already set aside $100,000 to get the organization up and running.

Learn more here.