Military Veteran Project Announces 2026 Strategic Restructuring and Kansas-Focused Mission

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."