 There are moments that remind you why programs like this mattered so deeply. This photo captures the Gomez family gathered beneath the Military Hometown Heroes banner honoring PFC John Gomez in downtown Topeka. The balloons rising into the sky were released on his birthday, a moment of remembrance, pride, love, and connection for a family who simply wanted their father and loved one to be remembered publicly in the community he called home. Back in 2017, the Military Veteran Project created the Military Hometown Heroes Banner Program because we believed our local service members, veterans, and fallen heroes deserved visible recognition throughout our city. At the time, no program existed in Topeka, so MVP built it from the ground up. Families submitted photographs and stories of their loved ones and helped financially support the creation of the banners so their service could be honored from September 11 through Veterans Day each year in downtown Topeka. Over the years, these banners became more than decorations hanging from light poles. They became places where families stopped to take pictures. Places where children pointed and said, “That’s my grandpa.” Places where veterans quietly reflected. Places where sacrifice was seen. Today, as the Military Veteran Project officially retires the banner program and begins returning the banners to the families, emotions are mixed. There is pride in what was built together as a community, but also sadness knowing how meaningful this program became to so many families across Shawnee County.  David Gomez recently shared with us and expressed how much it meant to his family to see PFC John Gomez honored publicly in downtown Topeka. Like many other families, they hope the City of Topeka may one day revive and permanently support this for future generations of military families and service members. Honoring those who served should never be temporary. The Military Veteran Project is deeply grateful to every family who trusted us with their loved one’s story over the past decade. We are also thankful to the volunteers, community members, Downtown Topeka, Inc., and city staff who helped make these moments possible through the years. While this chapter comes to a close, the memories attached to these banners will continue living on in the hearts of the families who stood beneath them. As the Military Veteran Project works to return the Military Hometown Heroes banners to the families who originally purchased them, we encourage participants and family members to follow our Facebook page for upcoming return opportunities. MVP will be posting banner pickup dates, times, and locations under the Facebook Events section as they are scheduled. Our goal is to make the return process as accessible and meaningful as possible while ensuring each family has the opportunity to reclaim and preserve this special tribute to their loved one’s service. As the Military Veteran Project retires the Military Hometown Heroes Banner Program and returns the banners to their families, I hope every participating family knows this.. Behind every banner was a name. Behind every name was a life of service. And behind every life was a family who still remembers.
We remember PFC John Gomez, his service, sacrifice and the family he leaves behind.#MilitaryVeteranProject #Topeka #HometownHeroes #Veterans #HonorTheFallen #HonorTheServed #PFCJohnGomez #NeverForgotten
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 Military Veteran Project Joins National “Buddy Check 22” Effort to Encourage Connection and Community Support
Kansas — The Military Veteran Project (MVP) is proud to join and help amplify the growing “Buddy Check 22” movement — an ongoing grassroots effort embraced by veterans, service members, and communities across the country to encourage people to check in on one another. Observed on the 22nd of each month, Buddy Check 22 serves as a reminder to reach out to a friend, battle buddy, family member, coworker, or neighbor with a simple message, phone call, visit, or conversation. The movement centers around one powerful idea: connection matters. Military Veteran Project is encouraging Kansas communities, veteran organizations, businesses, schools, churches, and families to participate by making intentional outreach part of their monthly routine. “Sometimes people do not need solutions right away — they just need to know someone cares enough to reach out,” said Melissa Jarboe, Founder of Military Veteran Project. “This movement is a powerful reminder that small acts of connection can make a meaningful difference.” Buddy Check 22 has become a widely recognized effort throughout the military and veteran community, encouraging peer support, accountability, and consistent human connection long before someone may reach a point of crisis. As part of MVP’s mission focused on education, awareness, reintegration, and community-based prevention efforts, the organization hopes to help strengthen participation and awareness surrounding the initiative throughout Kansas and beyond. Community members are encouraged to participate monthly and share messages of encouragement online using hashtags such as: #BuddyCheck22 #BuddyCheck #CheckOnYourPeople #YouAreNotAlone #MilitaryVeteranProject #BehindEveryNumberIsAName “You do not have to be a veteran to be part of this movement,” Jarboe added. “Checking in on people should become part of our culture as communities, workplaces, families, and friends.” Military Veteran Project is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization focused on strengthening suicide prevention awareness, military reintegration, education, and community support initiatives for veterans, service members, and their families. In the military, nobody succeeds alone. That mindset should not end after deployment or transition home. A “buddy check” is reaching out to another veteran, service member, or military family member just to ask: “How are you really doing?” "What's new with you?" "Anything going on?" Sometimes it’s a text. Sometimes it’s a phone call. Sometimes it’s sitting in silence beside someone who is struggling. At Military Veteran Project, we believe buddy checks are one of the most powerful forms of prevention because connection reduces isolation. Many veterans silently struggle with:
One conversation can make a difference. What Makes a Good Buddy Check?
Sometimes showing up matters most. #MVPBuddyChecks #BuddyChecks22 #MVPBUDDYCHECK22 #22OnThe22nd #ReachOut #CheckIn #ConnectionSavesLives #VeteransSupportingVeterans #MilitaryCommunity #YouAreNotAlone #VeteranSupport #CommunityConnection #TogetherWeCan #BehindEveryNumberIsAName #MilitaryVeteranProject #BeTheOne #GotYourSix #EndTheSilence #StrongerTogether #VeteranWellness #SupportOurTroops #Howareyou #Tellmesomethinggood Keywords targeted: Buddy checks | Veteran suicide prevention | Veteran support | Military mental health | Military community | Kansas veterans  Veteran suicide prevention is not just about responding during moments of crisis.
It is about recognizing the warning signs early, strengthening community support systems, reducing isolation, and helping veterans reconnect with purpose, relationships, and trusted people long before they reach their breaking point. At Military Veteran Project, we believe prevention happens through education, training, and community-based action. That means:
Transitioning from military service can be incredibly difficult. Many veterans struggle with:
That is why community matters. Prevention Before Crisis Military Veteran Project’s programs — including Guardian Network, Mission Reintegration, and the Kansas Military Prevention Initiative — focus on helping communities become better prepared to support veterans before crisis occurs. Sometimes prevention starts with:
And every veteran deserves connection, dignity, and hope. Keywords targeted: Veteran suicide prevention | Military mental health | Veteran support | Military transition | Buddy checks | Kansas veterans | Community prevention | Veteran resources What Does OPSEC Mean? Understanding Operational Security for Military Families and Communities5/16/2026  If you are connected to the military community, you have probably heard the term “OPSEC.”
But what does OPSEC actually mean? OPSEC stands for Operational Security. It is the process of protecting sensitive military information that could place service members, missions, or families at risk if shared publicly. In today’s digital world, OPSEC is more important than ever. Something as simple as posting:
At Military Veteran Project, we understand the balance between supporting our military community publicly while also protecting privacy and operational security. Many times, some of the most important work happening behind the scenes is never fully shared online because protecting service members always comes first. Why OPSEC Matters Military families often carry enormous emotional stress during deployments and transitions. While communities naturally want to support and celebrate our troops, maintaining OPSEC helps ensure:
How Communities Can Support While Respecting OPSEC You can still support military families by:
Support does not require sharing everything publicly. Prevention Starts With Trust Military Veteran Project continues working across Kansas to strengthen military community support through education, training, connection, and prevention-focused outreach. Because caring for service members also means protecting them. Keywords targeted: What is OPSEC | Military OPSEC meaning | Operational Security military | Military family support | Deployment safety | Kansas military support | Military community education Military Veteran Project Announces 2026 Strategic Restructuring and Kansas-Focused Mission5/13/2026  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 Military Prevention Initiative The Military 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. Mission Reintegration A 12-week peer-led course designed to help veterans and military families process reintegration, 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 for the Fallen -Flags Forward A national 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."  Today, the Military Veteran Project had the opportunity to meet with Harvesters to discuss an issue impacting more military and veteran families than many people realize — food insecurity.
During our conversation, we discussed the growing need to better understand how veterans, active duty service members, Guard/Reserve families, and military-connected households are being supported within existing food assistance systems across Kansas communities. One of the biggest concerns identified was the lack of consistent military-specific tracking and data collection. While many organizations are working hard to serve their communities, there is currently limited information available to determine how many military-connected families may already be utilizing food resources — or how many may still be falling through the cracks. At the Military Veteran Project, we believe this conversation matters. Food insecurity is not just about food. It is connected to stress, transition challenges, financial instability, isolation, family wellness, and long-term prevention efforts. Sometimes people do not ask for help until they are already overwhelmed. Sometimes a family struggling quietly with groceries is also struggling with transition, connection, or emotional wellness behind closed doors. That is why we believe a small regional pilot initiative could help communities better understand: • whether military-connected families are being identified • where gaps may exist • what barriers prevent access to support • and how community partnerships can work together to strengthen outreach and prevention efforts We are grateful for organizations like Harvesters that are willing to have honest conversations about where support systems can continue to grow stronger. The Military Veteran Project looks forward to continuing discussions with community partners throughout Kansas to help identify needs, strengthen awareness, and ensure military-connected families know they are not alone. Because prevention starts with connection. And stability matters. #MilitaryVeteranProject #Kansas #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranSupport #FoodSecurity #CommunityConnection #PreventionMatters #BehindEveryNumberIsAName  Financial stress is often one of the first warning signs that a veteran or military family may be struggling. Financial stress doesn't always look like a crisis at first.
Sometimes it looks like missed bills. A veteran avoiding the mailbox. A family trying to stretch groceries another week. A service member silently carrying the weight of debt, transition, uncertainty, or fear of asking for help. At the Military Veteran Project, we believe suicide prevention begins long before a moment of crisis. It begins through connection, education, community support, and helping veterans navigate the everyday challenges that can quietly overwhelm them over time. That’s why MVP is proud to introduce and share a valuable FREE resource available to veterans and military families across the nation: The FINVET – National Veterans Financial Resource Center. Developed through the VA Office of Suicide Prevention, FINVET was created to help veterans strengthen financial wellness through trusted tools, education, and support resources. FINVET provides: • Budgeting and financial planning tools • Debt and credit guidance • Housing and employment resources • Scam and fraud prevention education • Benefits navigation information • Emergency support connections • Financial wellness education for veterans and families Financial stress can impact mental health, relationships, stability, and overall wellness. By helping veterans gain access to practical resources early, we can help strengthen hope, resilience, and long-term well-being before struggles escalate into crisis. At MVP, we remain committed to connecting veterans and families with trusted resources that support prevention through education, awareness, and community-based support. Because behind every number is a name. And every veteran deserves support before they feel alone. #MilitaryVeteranProject #FINVET #VeteranSupport #SuicidePrevention #FinancialWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #BehindEveryNumberIsAName #VeteranResources #CommunitySupport #KansasMilitaryPreventionInitiative  The Military Veteran Project is honored to begin building a meaningful relationship with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansasas we continue strengthening prevention, connection, and community engagement efforts throughout Kansas.
Recently, MVP leadership had the opportunity to meet with members of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas team to discuss the future of community partnership, veteran engagement, and collaborative efforts that support military families and veterans across our state. One of the first initiatives Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas will be participating in is our Flags Forward | Flags for the Fallen effort leading up to Memorial Day. Together, volunteers will gather at Mount Hope Cemetery to honor those who served by placing American flags at veterans’ gravesites ensuring remembrance, connection, and community remain at the heart of what we do. What began as a conversation quickly became something much larger: a shared belief that stronger communities are built through connection, engagement, and support before crisis ever occurs. As the Military Veteran Project continues restructuring and returning its primary focus home to Kansas, partnerships like this help strengthen our vision for initiatives such as the Guardian Network, Mission Reintegration, the Kansas Military Prevention Initiative, and additional community outreach efforts designed to support veterans and military families throughout Kansas. We are incredibly grateful for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas’ willingness to engage, listen, and stand alongside our military and veteran communities. This is only the beginning, and we look forward to growing together in meaningful ways that continue honoring service while strengthening our Kansas communities for years to come. #FlagsForward #FlagsForTheFallen #MilitaryVeteranProject #KansasMilitaryPreventionInitiative #MissionReintegration #GuardianNetwork #CommunityConnection #HonorTheFallen  This visit by Melissa Jarboe, Founder of the Military Veteran Project was about more than stepping into a classroom. It was about opening a conversation that doesn’t happen often enough. When I sat down with these students, we talked about military service, what it means to serve, and what happens after. We talked about transition, identity, and the realities many veterans and their families face once the uniform comes off.
What stood out immediately was how many of these students were already connected to that story. Several had parents, siblings, or close family members who served. Some had seen the impact firsthand, both the pride and the challenges. Others were hearing these perspectives for the first time and wanted to understand more. And they asked real questions. Not surface-level questions but thoughtful, direct ones about mental health, about support, about why some veterans struggle and what can actually be done to help. That kind of curiosity matters. Because awareness doesn’t start in a crisis, it starts in moments like this. It starts when young people begin to understand the weight of service, the importance of community, and the role they can play in looking out for others. It starts when we give them the language and confidence to recognize when something isn’t right and the understanding that it’s okay to step in or speak up. This is how stronger communities are built. Over the years, the Military Veteran Project has worked to create these kinds of connections not just with veterans, but with the communities around them. Because support doesn’t live in one place. It lives in relationships, in awareness, and in people who are willing to show up for each other. Moments like this are part of that foundation. They represent early prevention. They represent education. They represent a shift toward communities that are more informed, more aware, and more prepared. As we continue focusing our efforts here in Kansas, engaging schools and youth will remain a key part of the mission. Because when the next generation understands, the entire community becomes stronger. And that’s how we move forward together. Because behind every number is a name.  The Military Veteran Project (MVP) is aware of the recent legislation under consideration in Kansas that would allow for-profit companies to charge veterans for assistance in accessing their earned VA benefits.
We want to be clear: Veterans should never feel they have to pay for help to access the benefits they earned through service to this country. For decades, accredited Veteran Service Organizations, county representatives, and the Department of Veterans Affairs have provided free, qualified assistance to veterans and their families. These services exist to ensure that no veteran is left navigating complex systems alone—and without financial burden. While we respect efforts to expand access and improve navigation of the system, we are deeply concerned about the potential for confusion this legislation may create. When free services and paid services exist side by side, veterans may not always know the difference—and that uncertainty can come at a cost. At MVP, our mission is rooted in prevention through education, connection, and community impact. That includes ensuring veterans and their families have clear, accurate information about the resources available to them. We remain committed to:
And every veteran deserves access to care and support without barriers. We encourage all veterans, families, and community partners to seek out accredited, no-cost assistance when navigating VA benefits and to ask questions before entering into any paid agreements. We believe Kansas can lead the nation in protecting veterans not by creating new costs, but by strengthening awareness, access, and trust in the systems already in place to serve them. If you need help or don’t know where to start, MVP is here to walk with you. |
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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. ·