AWA 2025 IMPACT WEB

2025 IMPACT AMERICAN WARRIOR ASSOCIATION Restoring hope and rebuilding purpose for veterans, first responders, and their families.

Restoring Hope Through Warrior’s Refuge

Expanding R3 for First Responder Wellness

Podcast Launch

Docuseries Debut

DECEMBER 2025

ANNUAL REPORT

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THIS ISSUE

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WARRIOR’S REFUGE

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THE R3 PROGRAM

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MORAL INJURY AWARENESS DAY

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POST-OP REFLECTIONS

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THE JOURNEY UNBOUND

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OUTREACH HIGHLIGHTS

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

R3 PROGRAM

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Across our nation, the men and women who serve—our military veterans, first responders, and their families—carry burdens most people never see. The visible demands of service are heavy, but the invisible wounds are often heavier.

Moral injury, operational stress, and unaddressed trauma quietly erode hope and purpose, contributing to heartbreaking rates of suicide, depression, and family strain.

These wounds will not heal on their own. They require intentional, early, and compassionate intervention from people who understand the weight of the work.

That is exactly why the American Warrior Association exists.

As a Fort Worth–based 501(c)(3) staffed by combat veterans, former first responders, clinicians, and chaplains, we deliver a fully integrated model of care grounded in faith-centered healing, research-driven programming, and leadership development. Through Warrior’s Refuge retreats, outcomebased curriculum, and national advocacy, we address not only the emotional and psychological toll of service, but also the moral and spiritual injuries that traditional approaches often overlook. Our mission remains simple: to restore hope, rebuild purpose, and strengthen the men and women who protect and serve.

80% OF WARRIORS AVOID CHRONIC PTS WITH EARLY INTERVENTION. 4

This year’s impact reminds us of what we know to be true —early support truly changes lives. When warriors receive help within the first twelve months of trauma, nearly 80% avoid developing chronic post-traumatic stress. And when a warrior heals, that healing extends to their families, agencies, and communities. Your partnership makes this possible. You are not just supporting a program; you are helping prevent years of suffering and giving our nation’s warriors the opportunity to reclaim strength, identity, and purpose. Thank you for standing with us in this mission.

Anna Heil

Executive-Director

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IN THE QUIET OF THE MOUNTAINS, HEALING BEGINS.

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WARRIOR’S REFUGE™ HEALING & RESILIENCE

Every warrior has a unique story of service and sacrifice. Warrior’s Refuge provides a quiet space for healing invisible wounds.

Every warrior carries a unique story of service and sacrifice.

Warrior’s Refuge is designed to meet them where they are, offering a safe space to heal the invisible wounds of service.

During week-long, faith-based retreats held in serene mountain settings across Colorado, California, Georgia and Texas, participants confront moral injuries, repair their emotional and spiritual health, and rediscover community.

Through a blend of group discussions, outdoor activities, and spiritual guidance, participants leave equipped with tools to build resilience and restore their sense of purpose.

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WARRIOR’S REFUGE

What participants are saying: “The program is life-saving for people who are suffering. This program was a blessing. I was able to forgive the person who had a hand in my moral injury and left with a better connection to God. This program is highly recommended.

Whomever wrote the participant guide was excellent! I have been looking for a program that would help me with moral injury and PTSD with a Christian foundation. This program exceeded all my expectations. It was a safe space to open up and share my traumas without feeling judged or shamed. I love how God was at the center of it all, and I was able to see things in a better light.”

Women’s Impact: 204 women served, 16 retreats, 25 program guides and volunteers equipped to serve their fellow warriors.

A quiet space where God is at the center, healing invisible wounds.

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WARRIOR’S REFUGE

What participants are saying: “This opportunity to refresh, decompress, connect with veterans and other first responders, and to get closer to God was one that I will never forget. I have been humbled and honored to get to know and share with these men. As we move forward as changed and charged warriors, I pray that more like me will hear about this program from those of us who have experienced it. I am forever grateful.

Learning about moral injury changed everything for me. I finally had words for the weight I’d been carrying for years. It helped me make sense of my past, gave me a path to move forward, and drew me closer to God. My faith is stronger now than it has ever been.”

Men’s Impact: 257 men served, 17 program guides and volunteers equipped to serve their fellow warriors.

Faith-based retreats: Confronting moral injury, rediscovering community.

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FROM FORT WORTH TO THE RIO GRANDE— REDEFINING WELLNESS FOR THOSE WHO SERVE.

R3 PROGRAM™ HEALING AND RESILIENCE

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The R3 Program (Respond, Restore, Resolve) is a proven framework addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by first responders. Through partnerships with city governments, federal agencies, and municipal organizations, R3 delivers customized solutions to police, fire, and EMS agencies across the nation.

What started as a public-private partnership with the Fort Worth Police Department and Fort Worth Fire Department to create a proactive wellness program, has now grown into a multi-agency movement that is redefining how first responders care for their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

We now serve DFW Airport’s Department of Public Safety and the Tarrant Regional Water District, with additional partnerships taking shape across the state. In the Rio Grande Valley, we are working with U.S. Border Patrol to establish a pilot program to support their agents, and our collaboration with the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association is helping set the statewide standard for resilience training. In the new year, Dallas Police and Fire will fully launch R3, transforming how first responders are cared for in two of Texas’ largest cities. Since Fort Worth first implemented R3 last March, 138 first responders have attended Warrior’s Refuge, and— through private donations and grant funding—we’ve provided more than 900 counseling sessions to ensure first responders and their families receive the support they need.

RESPOND, RESTORE, RESOLVE: BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS 14

R3 PROGRAM

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The Texas Army National Guard showcased heroism during the Kerrville flood, but the emotional toll on Soldiers responding to domestic disasters needs attention. An after-action report by the American Warriors Association (AWA) highlights that over 85% of Soldiers experienced moral injury during the deployment, with 100% reporting it among those with prior Operation Lone Star experience. Two Soldiers revealed suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the urgent need for emotional support.

The report illustrates the profound psychological burden carried by Soldiers who witnessed devastation in familiar communities. The AWA's peer-led approach facilitated open discussions about the emotional strain faced. Despite their hardships, the Soldiers displayed remarkable resilience, prioritizing the needs of Texans over their own well-being. The report calls for postmission care to be recognized as essential for operational readiness, rather than an afterthought.

Resilience in Action: The AWA's Support for Texas National Guard Soldiers

After the Flood, Debriefing Moral Injury in Domestic Missions

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R3 PROGRAM

Opening in late spring, the new R3 Wellness Facility will become the cornerstone of proactive care for Fort Worth’s first responders. Designed to house the Police, Fire and EMS wellness team, the space will offer a quiet refuge for rest, recovery, and resilience—a first-of-its-kind environment dedicated to addressing the mental, emotional, and spiritual toll of the job. The facility will house recovery rooms, peer support space, confidential counseling areas, and an outdoor space designed to build community and camaraderie. Built to remove barriers and normalize wellness, the R3 Wellness Facility represents a major milestone in our commitment to ensuring first responders—and their families—can build long, healthy careers doing the work they love.

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14—A Statewide MORAL INJURY May Proclamation Honoring Invisible Wounds AWARENESS DAY

ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS

Texas lawmakers have declared May 14 as Moral Injury Awareness Day to honor the unseen burdens of first responders, veterans, and frontline workers.

This recognition highlights the importance of addressing moral injury, which differs from PTSD and involves feelings of guilt and shame from violating personal moral beliefs.

Sen. Kelly Hancock emphasized the need for community support for these individuals, while Rep. Charlie Geren noted that honoring moral injury helps strengthen communities.

The initiative builds on local efforts in Fort Worth, where the R3 Program—Respond, Restore, Resolve—provides practical, non-clinical support for first responders dealing with moral injury through resilience training and community resources.

Mayor Mattie Parker praised R3's work, calling for ongoing mental health prioritization for those who serve. This proclamation not only marks a significant date but also encourages collaboration between public and private leaders to enhance the well-being of first responders and veterans, demonstrating the importance of investing in mental health resources.

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WARRIOR'S REFUGE

POST-OP REFLECTIONS™ A FAITH-DRIVEN PODCAST AMPLIFYING STORIES OF RESILIENCE AND HEALING

ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS 21

Post-Op Reflections is a groundbreaking, faith-driven video podcast produced by the American Warrior Association, dedicated to amplifying the resilient stories of service members, veterans, first responders, and their families.

Launched on Veterans Day 2025, this series confronts the silent crisis of moral injury—a profound soul-level wound distinct from PTSD, characterized by deep shame, guilt, isolation, and eroded trust that traditional mental health approaches often overlook. Affecting 46% of post-9/11 veterans, moral injury contributes to alarming statistics: 22 veterans die by suicide each day, more first responders lose their lives to suicide than in the line of duty, and divorce rates among these communities are 30% higher than average.

Through honest, transformative conversations, Post-Op Reflections debriefs the soul and reclaims the spirit, helping warriors heal invisible wounds and rediscover purpose in mind, body, and soul.

Drawing from the AWA's research-driven programs like Warrior’s Refuge and the R3 Program, the podcast fosters hope by sharing real stories of overcoming operational stress, moral conflict, and trauma. The launch episode featured special guests Dr. Ben Carson and Craig Morgan, who joined in powerful discussions on faith, service, and recovery—setting the tone for a series that celebrates journeys of resilience and inspires communities to support those who protect us.

In the first month since the podcast release, it has generated over 120,000 impressions across all published channels, demonstrating strong engagement and widespread reach in raising awareness for moral injury and faith-centered healing.

EXPERIENCE POST-OP REFLECTIONS IN VIDEO FORMAT ON YOUTUBE OR LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLE PODCASTS. 22

THE JOURNEY UNBOUND™ FAITH ON THE ROAD: A DOCUSERIES EXPLORING MORAL INJURY AND WARRIOR RESILIENCE

ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS 23

The Journey Unbound is a groundbreaking documentary series that illuminates the lives of America’s military service members and first responders, highlighting the critical role that faith plays in their mental and emotional well-being.

Hosted by Josh Jakub, former Navy SEAL, the series takes viewers on a powerful cross-country journey that explores the challenges of moral injury among those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities and country.

Traveling by motorcycle, Josh visits towns across the nation, meeting warriors and first responders in their everyday environments. Through shared experiences and authentic conversations—whether fishing, riding, woodworking, or simply breaking bread—Josh uncovers deeply personal stories of trauma, faith, and resilience.

Each episode unfolds along two compelling narratives. The first follows Josh’s own journey of healing and purpose, revealing his personal search for peace as he connects with others on similar paths. The second is unique to each episode and centers on the featured individual’s story—how they’ve confronted their pain and found restoration through faith, passion, and community.

The Journey Unbound offers hope, connection, and the reminder that no one has to walk the journey of healing alone.

PREMIERES ON MORAL INJURY AWARENESS DAY, MAY 14, 2026—MARKING A MILESTONE IN FAITH-CENTERED STORYTELLING. 24

R3 PROGRAM

2025 OUTREACH HIGHLIGHTS

DALLAS HEALTH FAIR

THIS YEAR, THE AWA EXPANDED OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH EFFORTS, ATTENDING EVENTS ACROSS NORTH TEXAS TO CONNECT WITH MORE VETERANS, FIRST RESPONDERS, AND THEIR FAMILIES.

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At the Dallas First Responder Health Fair in memory of Officer David Clark, the AWA connected with first responders, sharing Warrior’s Refuge retreats and R3's proactive wellness. We highlighted moral injury and early intervention, offering faith-centered resources to heal invisible wounds and strengthen communities.

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FLOWER MOUND EVENT

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At the Fall into Flower Mound Community Event, the AWA engaged active-duty members, first responders, and residents with programs like Warrior’s Refuge. We demonstrated faith-based healing's ripple effects on families, emphasizing resilience and purpose restoration to inspire support for warriors' journeys.

DFW WELLNESS EVENT

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Coordinating the DFW Airport DPS Wellness Event, the AWA hosted 20+ vendors for public safety families, showcasing R3's solutions. Discussions focused on combating moral injury and stress, reducing suicide risks and boosting morale for healthy careers.

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

9/11 STAIR CLIMB

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Invited to the Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, the AWA shared programs honoring sacrifices, spotlighting Warrior’s Refuge for men. Participants learned how faith and guidance renew purpose, as one shared: "My faith is stronger now."

This amplified early intervention to prevent suffering and foster healing.

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Sponsoring Tarrant County Legislative Days Breakfast at the Austin Club, the AWA highlighted R3's expansion (from Fort Worth to Border Patrol pilots). Drawing on department data, we showcased reduced absenteeism and family healing, positioning AWA as a statewide leader in proactive care for donor investment.

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YOUR SUPPORT RESTORES HOPE AND REBUILDS PURPOSE.

AFFIRMING OUR MISSION

2025 Advocates in Healthcare Award Recipient—Fort Worth Business Press

ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS In 2025, the American Warrior Association was honored to be selected as one of Fort Worth Business Press’s Advocates in Healthcare.

This annual awards dinner recognizes individuals and organizations making meaningful, transformative contributions to the health and well-being of our communities. Being chosen for this distinction affirms the life-changing impact of our work—particularly through our faith-based Warrior’s Refuge programs and the R3 initiative, which support the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of first responders, veterans, service members, and their families. We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to advancing proactive, compassionate care for those who serve.

The AWA’s Peer Circles provide a safe, confidential space for warriors to process their experiences alongside others who understand the weight of service. Led by trained alumni and guided by moral-injury–informed practices, Peer Circles foster honest conversation, connection, and accountability— helping veterans and first responders know they are not alone. These groups reinforce the tools learned at Warrior’s Refuge and offer ongoing community, encouragement, and spiritual support long after the retreat ends. Peer Circles ensure that healing doesn’t stop at the mountain; it continues at home, within a trusted brotherhood and sisterhood committed to growth and resilience.

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R3 PROGRAM

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BEYOND THE UNIFORM: BUILDING FAITH-DRIVEN LEADERS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

We believe that faith-driven leadership is key to continuing the mission of service, even after the uniform is taken off.

Leadership Academy The Leadership Academy trains alumni to be Warrior’s Refuge leaders who guide others on their healing journeys while enhancing their own leadership and mentorship skills.

Through advanced training and mentorship, participants develop their abilities, strengthen their character, and are empowered to make significant impacts within the AWA.

Scholar Warriors Program Seven deserving veterans received scholarships for advanced degrees, enabling them to serve in new fields. This investment in education honors their sacrifices, helps them heal from invisible wounds, rebuild purpose, and lead their communities with renewed strength and resolve.

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Urban Explorers In 2025, the Urban Explorers Program allowed warriors who once carried their own wounds to become mentors, guiding the next generation of leaders. Through partnerships with Hope Farm and the Fort Worth Police Department’s Youth Explorers Program, we facilitated four impactful sessions, reaching dozens of young participants with hands-on lessons in courage, discipline, resilience, and characterbuilding. Drawing from their personal journeys of faithcentered recovery, our mentors shared real-world stories of overcoming adversity, fostering a sense of purpose and community that extends beyond the program.

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R3 PROGRAM

SUPPORT THE AWA'S MISSION IN 2026 As we look to 2026, your continued partnership will expand Warrior’s Refuge, launch new R3 partners, and amplify stories through The Journey Unbound.

Together, we can address moral injury—affecting 46% of post-9/11 veterans—and ensure more warriors reclaim their strength. Thank you for standing with those who serve.

DONATE NOW Fuel proactive care to prevent chronic PTS in almost 80% of early-intervention cases and restore purpose for service members.

WATCH POST-OP REFLECTIONS Scan to subscribe to our all new faithdriven podcast for resilient stories of healing from moral injury.

www.awa-usa.org

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R3 PROGRAM

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2025 IMPACT THE AMERICAN WARRIOR ASSOCIATION