Operation TBI Freedom Newsletter FY26 Q2

Operation TBI Freedom News/Updates (Q2 FY-26)

Q2 FY-26’s Highlights

OPERATION TBI FREEDOM NEWS/UPDATES | Q2 FY26

Upcoming Events

See Our Events Tab at:

https://craighospital.org/operationtbi-freedom/otf-events

Current Number Of Vets Assigned:

Active: 93

Alumni: 231

Total: 324 Clients

Staff

Brain Injury Awareness Month - 2026

March marked Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and strengthening support for individuals living with brain injuries. In alignment with this important effort, Operation TBI Freedom was proud to participate in the annual Brain Injury Conference hosted by the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado.

This year’s conference brought together professionals from across disciplines, all united by a common purpose: advancing strategies to better support individuals living with brain injuries across the lifespan. From clinicians and researchers to community partners and advocates, the diversity of perspectives created a dynamic environment where innovation and practical application intersected. Discussions highlighted emerging best practices, evolving models of care, and the importance of meeting individuals where they are in their recovery journey. The event served as more than a conference, it was a collaborative forum where real-world challenges were met with shared solutions, reinforcing the value of collective expertise.

For Operation TBI Freedom, participation in this conference is more than professional development, it is a deliberate investment in the quality of care we provide. Staying informed on the latest approaches ensures our team remains agile, knowledgeable, and responsive to the complex needs of the veterans and service members we serve. Just as important, the relationships strengthened during this event deepen our network of trusted partners, allowing us to better navigate resources, coordinate care, and advocate for those in our program. These engagements directly translate into more effective, long-term, veteran-centric support grounded in both clinical insight and lived experience.

As we reflect on Brain Injury Awareness Month, we are reminded that meaningful progress in the brain injury field does not happen in isolation. It is built through collaboration, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to improving lives. Operation TBI Freedom remains steadfast in its role as both a learner and a contributor in this space, dedicated to strengthening partnerships and advancing outcomes for the veterans, service members, and families we are privileged to serve.

Past Quarter's Highlights

Strengthening Community: Operation TBI Freedom Partners with Care & Share

Operation TBI Freedom recently had the opportunity to conduct an outreach with our valued partners at Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting individuals and families across our community.

Food insecurity remains a very real and often underrecognized challenge, particularly among veterans and service members navigating life after military service. While many of the individuals we serve are working hard to rebuild stability, barriers such as fixed incomes, employment transitions, and ongoing health challenges can make consistent access to nutritious food difficult. These challenges are not always visible, but their impact is significant.

Our partnership with Care and Share plays a critical role in helping bridge that gap. Through their extensive network and dedication to addressing hunger across Southern Colorado, they provide a reliable resource that allows us to connect our veterans and their families with essential food support when it is needed most. This collaboration ensures that basic needs are met, allowing those we serve to focus on their continued recovery, growth, and overall well-being.

Past Quarter's Highlight Cont.

Operation TBI Freedom was proud to participate in the Honoring Our Veterans | Keeping the Promise, a powerful community gathering dedicated to recognizing the service, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of our nation’s veterans.

Held in the heart of the Colorado Springs community, this event brought together veterans, families, service organizations, and community partners with a shared purpose: to honor those who have served and reaffirm our collective commitment to supporting them long after their time in uniform. The atmosphere reflected both reverence and unity, serving as a reminder that honoring our veterans is not confined to a single day, but is an ongoing responsibility.

For Operation TBI Freedom, participation in this event is deeply aligned with our mission. As a program dedicated to supporting veterans living with traumatic brain injury, we understand that “keeping the promise” means showing up consistently, building trust, and walking alongside those we serve throughout their journey. Events like this provide an opportunity to strengthen connections within the community, raise awareness of the challenges many veterans face, and highlight the importance of long-term, veteran-centric support.

Our team was honored to stand alongside fellow organizations and community members who share a commitment to serving veterans and their families. Through meaningful conversations and engagement, we were able to further reinforce the network of support that is so critical to ensure no veteran feels alone in navigating life after service, especially those living with brain injury.

Peer Support Groups:

Peer Support That Heals: A Look Back at This Quarter’s TBI Peer Groups

This quarter, Operation TBI Freedom’s peer support groups remained a vital lifeline for veterans and service members navigating life with a traumatic brain injury. Led by Military Support Specialist John Lenz, these sessions provide a rare, trusted environment where the unique challenges of TBI are understood without explanation.

Under John’s dedicated leadership, the groups have flourished as authentic, judgmentfree spaces. Participants are empowered to share their personal victories and setbacks, finding a level of connection and mutual support that many note is unavailable elsewhere.

John also spearheaded candid conversations through "TBI Warrior – Real Talk," creating a platform for veterans to discuss the raw realities of brain injury. By focusing on shared experiences and practical coping strategies, these sessions continue to foster community, confidence, and hope. Operation TBI Freedom is honored to have John’s compassionate leadership driving this essential mission forward.

TBI Education Classes:

Knowledge is Power: TBI Education at Operation TBI Freedom

This quarter, Operation TBI Freedom stayed dedicated to veteran and service member education by hosting a series of specialized TBI sessions. Military Support Specialist Tim Patrick spearheaded the effort, handling all planning and coordination to ensure every class was both accessible and impactful for the community.

A major highlight of the series was the inclusion of expert-led discussions:

• Understanding TBI: A Student Q&A Session – Facilitated by Mike Nunley, PhD.

• Nutrition and Concussion Recovery – Facilitated by Jennifer Turpin, MS, RD, of Craig Hospital.

These sessions provided a safe environment for open dialogue, giving veterans the tools to better understand their symptoms and advocate for their own needs. For many, this education is a lifechanging turning point; by gaining clarity on how brain injuries affect mood, memory, and daily life, participants can reduce personal frustration and build new confidence. Furthermore, these classes help bridge the communication gap between veterans, their loved ones, and their healthcare providers.

We are deeply grateful to Tim for his leadership and unwavering dedication. His work continues to strengthen and support our community, one session at a time.

Empowering Through Recreation: Enhancing Lives of Veterans and Service Members with TBI

At Operation TBI Freedom, we know that recovery from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) extends far beyond a clinical setting. While traditional medical care is essential, true healing often flourishes in the community through shared experiences, connection, and purposeful activity.

Our recreational outings are a vital part of this journey. These aren’t just leisure events; they are intentionally designed opportunities for veterans to rebuild confidence and navigate real-world environments. Most importantly, these gatherings provide a space for veterans to feel validated and to normalize the complex consequences of TBI and PTSD. By connecting with others who understand their journey, veterans realize they are not alone in their challenges, which is a critical step in overcoming cognitive and emotional barriers.

Leading this mission is Renee Miller, who expertly plans, executes, and assesses each outing. Her thoughtful leadership ensures every event is purposeful and aligned with each veteran's personal goals for growth and independence. At Operation TBI Freedom, we remain committed to meeting veterans where they are because we believe healing isn't found within four walls, but in the moments that bring people back to life.

"Participating in OTF's outings helps you see that you are not dealing with hardships alone. It makes you feel connected and gives you hope for a better future”

MSS of the Quarter:

***Tim Patrick***

Operation TBI Freedom is proud to recognize Tim Patrick as our Military Support Specialist of the Quarter. Tim’s work consistently reflects the very best of what our program stands for.

Beyond providing solid, reliable case management, Tim demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the veterans and families he serves. He stands shoulder to shoulder with his clients in some of their most critical moments, whether at the bedside in the hospital, in court during legal proceedings, personally accompanying them to the VA for enrollment, or working through complex administrative challenges. Just as importantly, he is there to celebrate their victories, reinforcing progress and purpose every step of the way.

A recent example of Tim’s dedication speaks volumes. After nearly two years of persistent effort, Tim helped a veteran successfully navigate the Army Review Board process to upgrade a medical chapter from 24 years ago to a full retirement. Throughout the long and often frustrating process, Tim never wavered. He continued to encourage his client to trust the process, stay engaged, and not lose sight of the end state. That day finally came, and the outcome was life-changing. This was not just a win on paper, it was a restoration of dignity, benefits, and long-overdue recognition for that veteran’s service. That is the kind of impact Tim delivers.

Tim carries himself with a rare balance of humility and confidence. He is steady, dependable, and fully present, especially when situations demand clarity, advocacy, and trust. He represents the kind of “stuff” that defines an exceptional case manager, someone who does not just guide the process, but walks it alongside those he serves.

Watching Tim in action is truly something to behold. Few reach the standard of excellence, and Tim has not only reached it, he sustains it.

Congratulations, Tim, and thank you for setting the bar!

OTF’s Vet of the Quarter:

TSgt Sandra Jacobs

(Nominated by MSS Chris Mayes)

TSgt Sandra Jacobs honorably served on active duty in the United States Air Force from May 2004 to June 2018. She completed Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base and Technical Training at Keesler Air Force Base, earning the Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 1C7X1 in Airfield Management.

During her 14 years of service, TSgt Jacobs deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her military career was marked by numerous awards and recognitions, including the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal, among others.

Since joining Operation TBI Freedom in January 2025, Sandra has consistently demonstrated a positive and resilient spirit. Her optimism and energy are evident in her daily interactions, and her commitment to recovery is reflected in her active engagement across all aspects of the program. Sandra has also extended her impact beyond personal recovery through volunteerism, contributing her time and efforts to organizations such as Team Red, White & Blue, Victory Service Dogs, and Wild Warrior Adventures.

Her dedication to supporting fellow veterans stands out, as does her consistent participation in TBI Education classes, TBI Peer Support Groups, Women’s Peer Support Groups, and Operation TBI Freedom recreational outings. Sandra embodies resilience, optimism, and a deep commitment to both her own recovery and the well-being of others.

Thank you, TSgt Sandra Jacobs for your service and dedication to making a difference!

OTF Demographics

Active: 93 Alumni: 231

Gratitude and Unity: Closing Another Successful Chapter at Operation TBI Freedom

As we close the chapter on another successful quarter here at Operation TBI Freedom, we find ourselves overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support from our private donors and the invaluable contributions from our esteemed community partners. Together, we stand as a beacon of hope and healing for our veterans, service members, and their families who are navigating the challenges of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

We extend our sincerest appreciation to our private donors for your continued generosity. Your support fuels our mission and enables us to provide essential services, resources, and programs to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Your commitment to our cause strengthens our resolve and amplifies our impact, ensuring that no TBI-affected veteran or service member is left behind.

Additionally, we are immensely grateful for the collaboration and camaraderie of our close community partners. Your dedication and passion for serving our military community enrich our programs and enhance our quality of care. Together, we form a formidable alliance in the joint fight to support and empower those living with TBI, fostering a network of compassion and resilience that transcends boundaries.

As we bid farewell to this quarter's newsletter, we eagerly anticipate the unfolding chapters of our journey ahead. To our supporters, partners, and beneficiaries, we extend our heartfelt thanks and encourage you to stay tuned for more updates, stories of inspiration, and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our heroes.

Until next quarter, let us continue to stand together, united in our mission to honor, heal, and empower those who have served. Together, we can make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of our veterans, service members, and their families.

With gratitude and determination,

The Operation TBI Freedom Team