Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been called the "signature injury" of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan because of the widespread use of explosive devices.
Since the year 2000, more than 500,000 U.S. service members have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (and that’s only documented)!
Staff
In April, the Operation TBI Freedom team proudly "Purpled Up!" in recognition of the Month of the Military Child, honoring the resilience, sacrifice, and strength of military children. These remarkable young people serve alongside their parents in ways that often go unseen, enduring deployments, frequent moves, new schools, and long periods of separation, all while demonstrating incredible courage and adaptability.
Purple was chosen because it symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army green, Marine Corps scarlet, Navy blue, Air Force blue, Coast Guard blue, and Space Force colors. Together, they create purple, representing the unity of the military community and the children who support every branch.
At Operation TBI Freedom, we recognize that military service is truly a family commitment. We are grateful for the sacrifices military children make every day, and we proudly stand with them, not just in April, but throughout the year.
Purple Up for Military Kids!
Past Quarter's Highlights
Operation TBI Freedom was honored to participate in this year's Memorial Day Ceremony at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. Standing alongside veterans, service members, families, and members of our community, we joined in remembering and honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
Memorial Day is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today came at a tremendous cost. It was a privilege for our team to be part of this meaningful ceremony and to pay our respects to those who gave everything in defense of our country.
At Operation TBI Freedom, we remain committed to honoring their legacy by continuing to serve the veterans, active-duty service members, and families who carry that legacy forward every day.
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
Past Quarter's Highlights
Great Day on the Range!
Operation TBI Freedom was proud to participate in this year's Belair Sitework Services Clay Shooting Fundraiser, an outstanding event that brought together supporters, community partners, and friends of our mission for a day of fellowship and friendly competition.
The event was filled with great camaraderie, laughter, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of veterans, active-duty service members, and their families living with traumatic brain injury. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated and helped make the day such a success.
A special thank you goes to Belair for hosting another exceptional event and for raising an incredible $50,000 in support of Operation TBI Freedom. Their generosity and unwavering commitment to our mission will have a lasting impact on those we are privileged to serve. We are honored to have partners like Belair Sitework Services standing beside us as we continue this important work.
Past Quarter's Highlight Cont.
Connecting with Our Veteran Community
Operation TBI Freedom was proud to participate in this quarter's El Paso County Veterans Expo, an outstanding event that brought together veterans, service organizations, community partners, and resource providers from across the region. The expo provided a valuable opportunity for veterans and their families to learn about the many services available to them while strengthening the partnerships that make our community so supportive of those who have served.
Throughout the event, our team connected with veterans, answered questions about our program, and shared how Operation TBI Freedom supports veterans and active-duty service members living with traumatic brain injury. Events like the Veterans Expo are an important reminder that when organizations come together with a common purpose, we can make an even greater impact.
A special recognition goes to Mik Spillane, whose planning, coordination, and attention to detail helped make our outreach efforts a success. From organizing our booth to ensuring everything was ready for the day, Mik did an outstanding job representing Operation TBI Freedom and helping us connect with those who may benefit from our services.
Peer Support Groups:
The Power of TBI Peer Support
Each month, Operation TBI Freedom hosts Traumatic Brain Injury Peer Support Groups, led by John Lenz, providing veterans and active-duty service members with a welcoming environment where they can connect with others who understand the unique challenges of living with a TBI. These gatherings foster meaningful conversations, encouragement, and a sense of belonging that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
Peer support offers far more than conversation. It reduces isolation, builds confidence, promotes resilience, and provides an opportunity to share practical strategies for navigating everyday life. Participants often discover that simply talking with others who have had similar experiences can bring hope, validation, and renewed motivation on their recovery journey.
Whether someone is newly navigating the effects of TBI or has been living with it for years, our peer support groups remind each participant that they are not alone. Together, we continue to build a strong community of support, understanding, and encouragement.
TBI Education Classes:
Empowering Through TBI Education
Each month, Operation TBI Freedom hosts a Traumatic Brain Injury Education class designed to provide veterans, active-duty service members, family members, and caregivers with practical knowledge and valuable resources related to brain injury. Coordinated by Tim Patrick, these classes feature a variety of topics and guest speakers who help participants better understand the challenges of TBI and the strategies that can improve quality of life.
Education is an important part of recovery. Learning about brain injury empowers individuals to better recognize symptoms, develop effective coping strategies, advocate for their needs, and make informed decisions about their health and well-being. It also helps family members and caregivers gain a deeper understanding of what their loved one is experiencing, strengthening the support system that is so critical to long term success.
Through these monthly educational opportunities, Operation TBI Freedom continues its commitment to equipping our clients with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate life after TBI.
Building Connections Through Recreation
Each month, Operation TBI Freedom brings veterans, active-duty service members, and their families together through recreational outings designed to promote healing, connection, and community. Whether exploring the outdoors, attending local events, or participating in family friendly activities, these outings provide opportunities to build relationships, create lasting memories, and simply enjoy time together.
Recreational outings offer meaningful benefits for individuals living with traumatic brain injury. They encourage social engagement, reduce isolation, improve emotional well-being, build confidence, and provide opportunities to practice real world skills in a supportive environment. Just as importantly, these events allow families to connect with others who understand the unique challenges and triumphs that come with the TBI journey.
A special thank you goes to Renee Miller, who coordinates each outing with great care and attention to detail. Her dedication to planning safe, engaging, and enjoyable experiences helps ensure our clients and their families have opportunities to strengthen relationships, build community, and enjoy life beyond their injuries.
Vet of the Quarter: “The OTF Team”
This quarter, we're doing something unprecedented. Instead of recognizing one individual, we're recognizing the entire Operation TBI Freedom Team as our Vet of the Quarter. And with the fun photo of us as rock band members, it's only fitting to say it... these rock stars have earned it!
Behind every success story is a team that pours its heart into serving our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. From the day-to-day grind of case management to hosting peer support groups, facilitating TBI education classes, coordinating recreational outings, conducting intakes, building community partnerships through outreach, and ensuring no client falls through the cracks, this team does it all with passion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.
What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that every member of the team contributes in a unique way, but together we achieve far more than any one person could alone. Their commitment to improving quality of life, fostering hope, and delivering exceptional outcomes reflects the very heart of Operation TBI Freedom's mission.
To this incredible team, thank you for your tireless service, your compassion, and the difference you make every single day. Keep rocking because our veterans and their families are better because of you!
OTF’s Vet of the Quarter:
SGT Teresa Dodson
(Nominated by MSS Renee Miller)
A former Army Communications Operator, Teresa Dodson, spent years mastering the complex world of information technology. After navigating the challenges of multiple traumatic brain injuries, she made an inspiring career pivot, transforming her technical expertise into a successful career in User Experience Design. Today, she creates digital experiences that are not only innovative, but intuitive, accessible, and user centered.
Teresa is a driving force within the veteran community and a familiar face at Operation TBI Freedom events. Throughout her own recovery journey, she has remained resilient, optimistic, and deeply committed to helping others. She has turned her lived experience into a source of hope, tirelessly researching and sharing effective strategies and resources that help fellow veterans better understand and manage the effects of TBI.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Teresa is known for her servant's heart. She is a trusted resource, mentor, and unwavering source of encouragement to the veterans she meets. Her willingness to lift others, share her knowledge, and lead through example demonstrates that some of the greatest leaders are those who use their own challenges to empower others. Teresa embodies the spirit of resilience, service, and community that defines Operation TBI Freedom.
Thank you, SGT Teresa Dodson for your service and dedication to making a difference!
OTF Demographics
Active: 70 Alumni: 275
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.
