Military Veteran Project Announces 2026 Strategic Restructuring and Kansas-Focused Mission5/22/2026  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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 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.  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. SENT stands for Strengthening & Equipping Neighborhoods Together, and that’s exactly what they’re doing. Not just running programs but walking alongside people. This Is What Prevention Really Looks Like At the Military Veteran Project, we talk a lot about prevention. But the truth is, prevention doesn’t start in a moment of crisis. It starts way before that. It starts with: • Someone having a place to live • Someone having access to care • Someone feeling connected instead of alone • Someone being given a chance to rebuild their life That’s what SENT is doing every single day. They’re helping people find jobs. They’re creating access to mental health support. They’re restoring neighborhoods. They’re building relationships. And when you step back and look at it… that’s exactly how you prevent suicide. Why This Hit Home Because the needs we see in veterans and military families? They’re not isolated. They’re human needs. Purpose. Stability. Connection. Support. And what stood out to me is that SENT isn’t waiting for people to fall through the cracks—they’re showing up before that happens. That matters. This Is What Community Is Supposed to Look Like There was no ego in that room. No competition. Just people who genuinely care about making things better. And that’s where real change happens. Not individually Not competition.. Not in separate missions. But together. Moving Forward We’re grateful we were in that room. Grateful to learn. Grateful to connect. Because if we’re serious about prevention, about truly saving lives, this is what it takes. Communities showing up for each other. Organizations linking arms. People choosing to care. And we’re proud to be part of that work here in Kansas. Honoring the fallen. Uniting the living. Inspiring the next generation. To learn more about SENT click photo below.
A Call Came In. Kansas Answered. Recently, the Military Veteran Project (MVP) received an urgent request. A representative connected to a Kansas-based military installation reached out. Due to operational security, details were limited but the need was clear: Basic supplies. Comfort items. Everyday essentials for deployed troops. Sunscreen. Baby wipes. Snacks. Drinks. The small things that mean everything when you’re far from home. Within minutes, MVP did what it was built to do, connect, mobilize, and respond. A call was placed to a trusted MVP source, Denise who connect MVP to the American Legion Auxiliary and without hesitation Tracey Kinnick said yes. From One Phone Call to a Movement What happened next is what makes organizations like the Auxiliary so vital. There was no delay. No red tape. No hesitation. There was action. Tracey immediately mobilized resources, gathered supplies, and even brought her granddaughter into the process, passing on a legacy of service to the next generation. Within 36 hours, what started as a single phone call became a fully delivered mission. Supplies collected Community activated Items delivered to a military checkpoint. Troops supported This Is the Power of VSOs Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) like the American Legion Auxiliary, who are not just support groups. They are: • Force multipliers for good • Rapid response networks • Guardians of service beyond the uniform Their National Security mission, right here in Kansas ensures that even when our troops are deployed across the world, they are never forgotten at home. They remind us that support doesn’t stop when deployment begins. In many ways, that’s when it matters most. Why MVP Is Standing Beside Them The Military Veteran Project was built on a simple belief: No one organization can do this alone. MVP does not replace VSOs, we amplify them. We connect the dots. We build bridges. We help bring awareness, resources, and community energy to organizations already doing incredible work. And friends like this one, with the American Legion Auxiliary are exactly how we strengthen the entire ecosystem of care for our military and veteran communities. A Kansas Movement: Supporting Those Who Serve This story is not just about one response effort. It’s about what’s possible when: • A nonprofit answers the call • A VSO mobilizes instantly • A community steps forward Together, we create something bigger than any one mission. We create a culture of service. Now It’s Our Turn Our service members are: Mothers. Fathers. Sons. Daughters. Brothers. Sisters. They answered the call to serve this country. Now, we ask our communities across Kansas to do the same. You can help by: • Donating supplies or funds • Partnering as a business, school, or organization • Sharing and amplifying efforts like those of the American Legion Auxiliary • Teaching the next generation what service truly means. Because Service Doesn’t End With the Uniform It lives on in communities. In partnerships. In organizations like the American Legion Auxiliary. And in moments like this. When Kansas shows up. At the Military Veteran Project, we don’t just support veterans, we support those who support them. And together, we ensure no service member stands alone. Now it is our turn as a community to answer the call of service in return. Replenish, Donate, Volunteer and Give to our American Legion Auxiliary. American Legion Auxiliary – Department of Kansas 1314-B SW Topeka Blvd Topeka, Kansas 66612 Phone: (785) 232-1396  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.
A former U.S. Army Infantryman, Torben served multiple years with deployments that shaped not just how he saw the world—but how he carried it. Like many veterans, he came home with discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility.
And like many… he came home to something quieter than expected. No formations. No shared mission. No one checking in. Just life—moving forward. Torben didn’t fall apart. He built a career. He showed up. He kept going. But beneath the surface, something didn’t sit right. Not broken. Not in crisis. Just… carrying more than he should. That’s where his story intersects with the Military Veteran Project. Not as just another veteran. Not as a number. But as someone who understood the space between “I’m fine” and “I’m not okay.” Today, Torben continues to serve as a paramedic in Kansas—showing up for people on some of their hardest days. And behind the scenes at Military Veteran Project, he helps connect with veterans and families navigating that same middle space. He’s not here to fix anyone. He’s not here to have all the answers. He’s here to stand beside you. Because most veterans don’t need a headline moment to matter. They need someone who understands, before it ever gets there.  USW 307L Veterans of Steel have brought Hope to Military Families Through Operation Holiday Joy For the past several Christmas seasons, something meaningful has been happening quietly here in our community. Not for recognition. Not for attention. But out of a continued commitment to serve. Through a partnership with the Military Veteran Project, the USW 307L Veterans of Steel have stepped forward year after year to support military and veteran families during the holiday season—bringing not just gifts, but something far more lasting: hope, dignity, and connection. Continuing the Mission Just in a Different Way For many of the veterans involved, service didn’t end when they took off the uniform. It simply changed form. What we’ve witnessed through this partnership is a group of men and women who understand what it means to serve—and who continue to show up for others in ways that matter. Packing gifts. Coordinating support. Making sure families feel seen during a time of year that can be especially difficult. This is what service looks like beyond the military. Reaching Families Who Need It Most The families supported through these efforts are often those navigating real challenges—financial strain, transition, or simply a season of life where things feel heavy. And during the holidays, those challenges can feel even greater. Because every parent wants to give their child something special. Every family wants to feel a sense of normalcy. Every home deserves a moment of peace and joy.  Through the generosity of USW 307L Veterans of Steel many of these families were able to experience exactly that.
Gifts under the tree. Smiles on their children’s faces. A reminder that they are not alone. More Than Gifts—A Message That Matters What makes this partnership so powerful isn’t just what was given. It’s who it came from. Veterans supporting fellow veterans and military families. People who understand the weight of service. The sacrifice. The transition back into civilian life. There’s something deeply meaningful about that connection. Because it says: “We see you. We’ve been there. And we’re still here for you.” A Community That Shows Up At the Military Veteran Project, we often say that prevention and healing start with connection. This partnership is a perfect example of that. It’s not about one organization doing everything. It’s about people coming together—each doing their part—to create something bigger than themselves. Looking Ahead As we continue to build stronger communities across Kansas, partnerships like this remind us of what’s possible. When veterans continue to serve. When businesses step forward. When communities choose to care. Lives are impacted. Families are supported. And hope is restored. Honoring the fallen. Uniting the living. Inspiring the next generation.  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. |
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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. ·