Military Veteran Project Announces 2026 Strategic Restructuring and Kansas-Focused Mission3/14/2026  The Military Veteran Project returns its focus home to Kansas while launching new programs to strengthen veteran support across communities
The Military Veteran Project (MVP) announced today a strategic restructuring for 2026 that will focus the organization’s efforts on serving veterans and military families across Kansas through community-driven programs and partnerships. Originally founded in honor of Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe, the Military Veteran Project has spent more than a decade connecting veterans with resources, support, and peer networks. As the organization enters its next chapter, leadership is refocusing its mission closer to home, strengthening local relationships and building programs that empower communities to better support those who served. “This next chapter is about bringing the mission home,” said Melissa Jarboe, Founder & Executive Director . “Kansas is where our journey began, it's our home, and we believe communities here have the power to make a lasting difference in the lives of veterans and military families.” ⸻ A Community-Based Approach to Veteran Support As part of the restructuring, the Military Veteran Project is launching several initiatives designed to strengthen connection, education, and community engagement across the state. These programs aim to ensure veterans and military families have stronger networks of support where they live, work, and raise their families. Key Programs Launching or Expanding in 2026 Kansas Prevention Initiative The Kansas Prevention Initiative focuses on building stronger connections between veterans and the local resources available to them. Through outreach efforts across the state, the Military Veteran Project works to connect: • Mental health providers • medical facilities • community organizations • veteran service organizations • local support networks By strengthening collaboration between these resources, the initiative helps ensure veterans can more easily access the care and support they need before challenges become crises. Guardian Network A community training initiative that equips civilians, organizations, businesses, churches, and schools with the knowledge and tools to better support veterans and recognize when someone may be struggling. The Guardian Network helps create local community guardians who understand the challenges veterans face and are prepared to step in with support and connection. Overcoming Trauma A 12-week peer-led course designed to help veterans and military families process trauma, rebuild connection, and strengthen emotional resilience in a supportive group environment. Through guided discussions and shared experiences, participants work together to rediscover purpose, rebuild relationships, and move forward with hope. Flags Forward A statewide volunteer initiative that honors fallen veterans by placing flags on their graves during Memorial Day while bringing communities together in remembrance and service. Flags Forward also serves as a powerful opportunity for younger generations to learn about service, sacrifice, and the importance of honoring those who came before them. MVP Day of Service in Honor of Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe An annual volunteer event dedicated to restoring dignity to veterans’ final resting places while honoring the legacy of those who served. Community members gather each year to clean headstones, remove debris, and ensure veterans’ resting places are treated with the respect they deserve. Strengthening Partnerships Across Kansas A central focus of the 2026 restructuring is building stronger collaboration with local organizations, schools, businesses, faith communities, and civic leaders across Kansas. Rather than operating as a distant support organization, MVP is working to empower local communities themselves to become part of the solution. “Veterans live in every community,” Jarboe shared. “When communities understand their challenges and step forward to support them, we create environments where no veteran feels alone.” Honoring the Past. Building the Future. While the Military Veteran Project continues to evolve, its core mission remains unchanged: supporting veterans and military families through connection, understanding, and community. By bringing the organization’s focus back to Kansas and strengthening partnerships across the state, MVP is working to build a sustainable model that ensures veterans and families have access to support for years to come. Looking Ahead As these initiatives expand across the state, the Military Veteran Project invites community members, volunteers, and organizations to join the mission. Whether through training, volunteering, or community partnerships, everyone has a role to play in supporting those who served. Because when communities come together, healing becomes possible. "Honoring the fallen. Uniting the living. Inspiring the next generation."
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 A New 12-Week Program Helping Veterans and Military Families Rebuild Connection and Strength
The Military Veteran Project (MVP) is proud to announce the launch of Overcoming Trauma, a new community outreach program designed to help veterans, service members, and military families work through the visible and invisible wounds of service. For many who have served, the end of military service does not mean the end of the battles they face. From combat stress and operational tempo to relocation, transition, and the pressures of civilian life, veterans and their families often carry experiences that are difficult to explain to those who have never walked in their boots. These challenges can affect relationships, identity, and emotional well-being long after service has ended. The Overcoming Trauma program was created to help address these challenges by bringing people together in a safe, supportive environment where healing can begin through connection and shared understanding. A Course Built on Community The program will offer a 12-week peer-led course that meets once a week in a small-group setting. Each session is designed to encourage meaningful conversation, reflection, and practical steps toward rebuilding emotional resilience. Participants may include: • Veterans • Active-duty service members transitioning out of the military • Spouses and family members • Caregivers and supporters By bringing veterans and families together, the program recognizes an important truth: trauma does not affect just the individual—it affects the entire family and support network around them. Through guided discussions and shared experiences, participants will have the opportunity to process their stories, reconnect with others who understand military life, and begin building healthier paths forward. Why This Program Matters Many veterans struggle silently with challenges such as: • Combat trauma • Moral injury • Loss of identity after service • Family strain and relationship challenges • Isolation and disconnection Without a supportive community, these experiences can grow heavier over time. The Military Veteran Project believes that healing happens when people come together, listen to one another, and realize they are not alone. As part of its broader mission to support veterans and their families, MVP is committed to expanding programs that strengthen community connection, encourage resilience, and provide resources that help individuals move forward with hope. A Safe Place to Begin Again The Overcoming Trauma course offers a confidential, judgment-free environment where participants can speak openly and learn from one another. While the program is not a replacement for clinical therapy or emergency services, it serves as an important step in helping veterans and families reconnect with support systems and begin meaningful conversations about healing. The goal is simple but powerful: To ensure that no veteran or military family feels they have to carry the weight alone. Join the Interest List The Military Veteran Project is currently gathering interest from individuals who would like to participate in future Overcoming Trauma courses. Those interested can sign up to receive notifications when classes become available in their area. Once enough participants are identified in a region, MVP will begin organizing local course sessions. “Healing begins when people realize they don’t have to carry the weight alone.” For more information about the Overcoming Trauma program or to join the interest list, visit the Military Veteran Project website. Military Veteran Project Launches the Guardian Network to Strengthen Community Support for Veterans1/26/2026  Across the country, many veterans face challenges after leaving military service. While communities often want to help, many people simply don’t know how to recognize when a veteran may be struggling or how to connect them with the right support. To help bridge that gap, the Military Veteran Project created the Guardian Network, a community-based initiative focused on education, awareness, and connection. The Guardian Network empowers civilians, organizations, businesses, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to better support veterans and military families. The goal is simple: ensure that no veteran faces challenges alone. Through the Guardian Network, participants learn how to recognize signs that a veteran may be experiencing stress, isolation, or difficulty adjusting after service. More importantly, they learn how to respond with compassion and connect veterans to appropriate resources and support services. The program emphasizes that suicide prevention and veteran support do not begin in hospitals or crisis centers — they begin in communities. When neighbors, coworkers, teachers, healthcare providers, and community leaders understand the experiences veterans may face, they can help create environments where veterans feel supported, understood, and connected. The Guardian Network also works alongside businesses, medical providers, nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups to expand local support systems for veterans. By building stronger community awareness and education, the program helps ensure that veterans know they are not alone and that help is always within reach. The Military Veteran Project believes that every community has the ability to play a role in supporting those who served. Because when communities stand together, veterans are never left to walk alone. Join the Guardian Network Individuals and organizations interested in becoming part of the Guardian Network are encouraged to sign up and learn more about upcoming training opportunities and ways to get involved. Together, we can strengthen communities and support the men and women who have served our nation.  Why the Guardian Network Matters
Many veterans return home carrying experiences that most civilians will never fully understand. While some transition smoothly into civilian life, others face challenges such as isolation, trauma, relationship stress, or difficulty reconnecting with everyday life outside of the military. Unfortunately, these struggles are not always visible. Friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even family members may notice changes but may not know how to respond or where to turn for help. That is why the Guardian Network is so important. The Guardian Network focuses on strengthening the role communities play in supporting veterans before challenges become crises. By educating civilians, businesses, medical professionals, faith leaders, and community organizations, the program helps create environments where veterans feel supported, understood, and connected. When communities are equipped with knowledge and awareness, they can: • Recognize when a veteran may be struggling • Start supportive conversations • Connect veterans to appropriate resources • Help reduce isolation and stigma • Strengthen the network of care surrounding those who served The truth is that suicide prevention and veteran support cannot rely on institutions alone. Communities play a critical role. When people understand the challenges veterans may face and feel confident stepping forward to help, the entire community becomes part of the support system. The Guardian Network exists to build those stronger communities. Because when communities become Guardians, veterans are never left to face their battles alone.  The Story Behind the Flags Forward Movement On Memorial Day weekend, cemeteries across America quietly transform. Small American flags begin to appear beside headstones-one by one-until entire fields of red, white, and blue stretch across the landscape. Each flag represents a life. A service member. A veteran. A father, mother, brother, sister, daughter, son or friend. Through the Flags Forward movement, the Military Veteran Project (MVP) is working to ensure that every veteran is remembered. But the movement began with something much smaller. A single flag. Where the Movement Began In 2012, Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe passed away, leaving behind his wife, Melissa Jarboe, and their daughters. The following year, as Memorial Day approached, Melissa and her daughters visited the cemetery to bring Jamie an American flag. Like many families, they wanted to honor his service and sacrifice. But as they walked through the cemetery, they noticed something that stayed with them. Some of the veterans buried near Jamie did not have a flag beside their graves. The realization was simple but powerful. If one veteran deserved to be remembered, then every veteran deserved the same honor. So Melissa and her daughters began placing flags not only at Jamie’s grave, but also at the graves of other veterans nearby. What started as a quiet act of remembrance soon became something more. A small movement began to grow. From One Family to a Community Effort Over the following years, the effort slowly expanded as more people joined in. Friends, families, and volunteers began helping place flags at the graves of veterans in local cemeteries. The simple act of placing a flag became a powerful way for communities to honor those who served. By 2016, the Military Veteran Project formally adopted the effort and helped expand it as part of its mission to support veterans and their families. The program became known as Flags Forward. Today, the initiative continues to grow as communities come together to ensure that no veteran is forgotten. Why Flags Forward Matters While large national cemeteries often receive major Memorial Day tributes, many veterans are buried in smaller community cemeteries where recognition can sometimes be limited. Flags Forward focuses on those local cemeteries. Through coordinated volunteer efforts, community members help place American flags at the graves of veterans ahead of Memorial Day so families visiting their loved ones will see that their service is remembered. For many families, that simple flag carries enormous meaning. It tells them their loved one’s service still matters. A Community Movement Flags Forward is intentionally designed to involve the entire community. Participants may include: • Veterans and military families • Schools and youth organizations • Churches and civic groups • Businesses and community teams • Volunteers who want to help honor those who served By involving younger generations, the program also helps educate communities about the meaning of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by those in uniform. A Flag. A Name. A Legacy. What began with one family placing a flag for a loved one has grown into a movement built on remembrance, respect, and community. Each flag tells a story. Each headstone carries a name. And every name represents someone who once stepped forward to serve their country. Through Flags Forward, communities now have a way to step forward in return. Join the Flags Forward Movement The Military Veteran Project invites communities to take part in the Flags Forward movement by volunteering, sponsoring flags, or helping organize local efforts. Because every veteran deserves to be remembered.
 Connecting Kansas Communities to Veteran Support
Program Overview The Kansas Prevention Initiative is a statewide outreach program led by the Military Veteran Project that focuses on early intervention, community connection, and suicide prevention for veterans across Kansas. Through direct engagement with medical providers, mental health professionals, community organizations, veteran groups, and local leaders, the initiative works to strengthen the network of support available to veterans and military families. Rather than waiting for a crisis to occur, the Kansas Prevention Initiative focuses on building relationships, strengthening awareness, and connecting communities with the tools needed to support veterans before challenges escalate. By traveling across Kansas and meeting directly with organizations that serve the public, the Military Veteran Project helps ensure veterans have access to trusted resources, informed professionals, and compassionate communities. Why This Matters Many veterans struggle silently with challenges related to: • Transition from military service • Trauma and combat stress • Isolation and loss of identity • Difficulty navigating healthcare systems • Barriers to accessing mental health care Too often, the people who interact with veterans every day-doctors, counselors, employers, churches, and community leaders want to help but simply lack the information or connections to do so effectively. The Kansas Prevention Initiative bridges that gap by connecting communities with knowledge, training, and trusted support networks. Because suicide prevention starts long before a crisis. It starts with informed communities. What the Initiative Does The Kansas Prevention Initiative focuses on three core actions: Community Outreach Military Veteran Project representatives travel across Kansas to meet with: • Mental health providers • Medical facilities • Hospitals and clinics • Veteran service organizations • Churches and faith communities • Businesses and employers • Schools and universities • Community nonprofits These visits help introduce available veteran resources and strengthen local support networks. Resource Connection The program connects organizations with tools and support such as: • Veteran suicide prevention education • Community awareness materials • Connections to trusted partner organizations • Veteran support referrals • Military culture education The goal is to ensure professionals interacting with veterans understand how to recognize warning signs and where to direct veterans for help. Building Community Guardians The Kansas Prevention Initiative works alongside the Guardian Network program, encouraging communities to become active participants in veteran support. Through education and training, community members learn how to: • Recognize when a veteran may be struggling • Start supportive conversations • Connect veterans with available resources • Help prevent isolation Because every veteran deserves a community that understands them. Who This Program Serves The Kansas Prevention Initiative supports: • Veterans • Active duty service members • National Guard and Reserve members • Military families • Community professionals serving veterans While the focus is on Kansas communities, the knowledge and resources provided benefit veterans across the region. How Communities Can Participate Organizations interested in participating in the Kansas Prevention Initiative can: • Host a community outreach visit • Participate in Guardian Network training • Share veteran support resources • Become a community partner Together, we can create stronger support systems for the men and women who served our country. Program Goals • Increase awareness of veteran suicide prevention in Kansas • Strengthen connections between veteran support organizations • Educate communities about military culture and trauma • Improve access to resources for veterans and families • Build a statewide network of communities committed to veteran wellbeing Long-Term Vision The Kansas Prevention Initiative aims to build a connected network of informed communities across Kansas where veterans are recognized, supported, and never left to struggle alone. Through education, partnerships, and community leadership, the Military Veteran Project is working to ensure every Kansas community is equipped to support those who served. SAN ANTONIO – A decorated U.S. Navy veteran died by suicide outside the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital earlier this week.
Mark Miller, 54, killed himself on Monday afternoon outside the front doors of the hospital. Steve Troudt, a chaplain with American Legion Post 300 who was a friend of Miller’s, said the veteran felt neglected. “My heart dropped because it was so unexpected,” Troudt said. “But he was so let down by the Veteran Health Administration and the military system.” Miller’s father shared an emotional post on Facebook after his son’s death, saying, “I lay the blame for my son’s death on the VA system and the psychiatrist who drugged him instead of helping him.” Miller and his father co-authored a book in 2021 titled Suicide Stalks the Sniper. The novel details Miller’s struggle with suicidal thoughts and his efforts to heal. Those who knew Miller described the suicide as a desperate plea for help and a call for change in veterans’ mental health care. Mark wanted help. He wanted somebody that would understand his pain and give him more than five minutes,” said Texas State Rep. Josey Garcia, who mentioned Miller’s death on the House floor while advocating for mental health legislation. “His life was not in vain. This was his own personal sacrifice to try and save somebody else.” Troudt echoed the need to turn tragedy into action, saying that every veteran who died by suicide leaves a lasting impact. “Every time someone makes that decision, they’ve affected a minimum of 135 people right away in their social circle,” he said. “To all the veterans out there — when it comes to your frame of mind, I do have your six,” Troudt added. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, call 988 or text TALK to 741-741. You can also reach out to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) or the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) at 210-223-7233 (SAFE) or 800-316-9241. You can also text NAMI to 741-741. The Brief:
To highlight this, the non-profit organization compared each of the 50 states across three key dimensions: veteran community support, veteran health and wellness, and veteran employment and finances. SmileHub evaluated the dimensions using 21 metrics including the share of veteran-owned businesses to total VA spending per veteran to the share of homeless veterans. The organization found that the state of Virginia cared most about veteransin 2024 with a score of 67.42. The state ranked highest in the categories of community support and employment and finances. Florida took the runner-up spot with a score of 63.08. The state ranked second in the health & wellness category, right behind California. According to the results, Texas came in third, South Carolina in fourth and Pennsylvania in fifth. Most veteran friendly states
States with the most veteransAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, the three most populated states in the nation – California, Texas and Florida, have the highest populations of veterans. The least populous states in America – Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota and Alaska, rank near the bottom for the number of veterans living there. RELATED: These states have the most veterans Veterans account for over 6% of the population, but there are at least four states – Alaska, Montana, Virginia and Wyoming – with a veteran population above 10%, according to Census data compiled by 24/7 Wall Street. All of those states except Montana house the largest military bases in the U.S. The Source:
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health struggles often require support that is accessible, compassionate, and stigma-free.
In Minnesota, a statewide commitment to mental health is offering just that — and programs like the “I’m Here to Listen” initiative are making a real difference for veterans. “I’m Here to Listen”: Encouraging Veterans to Speak and Be Heard The “I’m Here to Listen” initiative is designed to create safe spaces where individuals can openly discuss their mental health. Through schools, workplaces, and community centers, the campaign identifies people ready to listen, offering reassurance and understanding. For veterans, knowing there are trusted listeners, whether peers, counselors, or community members it can be life-changing. This initiative aligns closely with MVP’s mission: help veterans feel seen, heard, and supported. By reducing stigma and encouraging conversation, veterans are empowered to seek help before crises escalate. Free and Accessible Mental Health Services Minnesota provides a network of free and accessible mental health services that veterans can rely on: • Peer support services through Mental Health Minnesota, available by phone, text, or online chat, allow veterans to speak confidentially with trained peers who understand their struggles. • Walk-In Counseling Centers and virtual peer support networks make professional care immediately accessible without appointments or fees. • Support groups and educational programs through organizations like NAMI Minnesota provide veterans and their families with tools, knowledge, and community to navigate mental health challenges. These services ensure that veterans can find compassionate support wherever they are, whether at home, at work, or in community spaces. A State Committed to Veteran Well-Being Minnesota’s collaborative, accessible, and stigma-free approach demonstrates how a community can come together to support mental health, especially for veterans. Programs like “I’m Here to Listen” and statewide advocacy efforts ensure that veterans are not alone in their journey. At the Military Veteran Project, we celebrate these efforts and encourage veterans in Minnesota to reach out. Healing begins with a single conversation and thanks to Minnesota’s initiatives, support is always within reach.
No place that felt like his own. He told himself he’d get a job, settle down, and build a new life—but the flashbacks came first. The night terrors followed. Sleep became a stranger, and so did peace. He didn’t want to call his battle buddies. He didn’t want to be “that guy” — the one who couldn’t get it together after the uniform came off.
So he kept quiet. Until silence left him standing at the door of a homeless shelter, wondering how he’d gone from serving his country to sleeping on a cot among strangers. He said all he wanted was to be the man he was before service. But war changes a man’s chemistry, his body, his mind — even his hope. One day, while sitting in the back of a local community event, he overheard a volunteer from the Military Veteran Project speaking about programs to help veterans heal from within. Something about her words cut through the noise of shame and fear. For the first time in years he said it out loud “I think I need help.” That moment changed everything. Through MVP, he was connected to a civilian doctor who ran specialized tests to understand what was happening inside his body. For the first time, someone explained how trauma affects biochemistry, hormones, and sleep — and that there were alternative treatments that could help. With guidance from MVP and its partner organizations, he got enrolled in the VA, started the process of getting his service-connected rating, and found stable housing. He was introduced to treatments, nutritionist through programs like the Restore Project, helping him rebuild his health from within, and Building Hope, where he found purpose again. Today, he’s still healing — but he’s not doing it alone. He’s working, smiling, and helping other veterans take their first steps forward. He found more than support. He found himself again. “I thought I had to be the man I was before service… but now I’m learning to be the man I’m becoming after it.” #WalkWithMe #MilitaryVeteranProject #BuildingHope #TheRestoreProject #behindeverynumberisaname *Names changed and photos are generated to protect privacy In Pagosa Springs, veterans are finding support in both community connection and the natural healing resources the area is known for.
The Vets4Vets network creates a space where veterans support one another directly, building peer-to-peer relationships that foster trust, understanding, and resilience. But Pagosa Springs offers more than just human connection. The town is famous for its historic healing waters, natural hot springs long celebrated for their restorative properties. Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can incorporate these therapeutic waters into their healing routines, combining physical relaxation with mental health recovery. In addition, alternative therapies such as guided meditation, yoga, hydrotherapy, and nature-based programs are available throughout the community. These therapies compliment traditional treatments, helping veterans manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. Vets4Vets programs include: • Peer mentorship and connection groups for shared experiences and mutual support • Resource navigation connecting veterans to local, state, and national services • Community events and engagement that reduce isolation and strengthen bonds • Integration of historic healing waters and alternative therapies to support PTSD and TBI recovery MVP highlights networks like Vets4Vets because healing is not only about clinical care, it’s about building relationships, accessing natural and alternative therapies, and fostering resilience among those who truly understand a veteran’s journey. |
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SERVING OUR MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES SINCE 2012
The Military Veteran Project is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization, IRS identification number 46-0877378. Donations made to the Military Veteran Project are tax deductible in the U.S. ·