Project One Vet @ A Time | Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

Helping US Veterans Get the Compensation and Benefits They Earned. . .and Deserve

“On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.”

- US Representative Dan Lipinski, 2005

Hello!

We are driven by a single, unwavering mission - To provide relentless support and assistance to Veterans as they navigate the complex and often daunting Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Claim Process

In 2023, we were able to assist 65 referred Veterans with their VA Benefits Since 2019, our total referred Veterans has risen to 190 POVAT is here to help obtain the benefits they have earned and deserve All of this without absolutely any cost to our Veterans

We have learned a great deal from all of our Veterans along the way We continue to grow and refine our structure and process The power to futurize ourselves exists as the cornerstone of our Project delivering more resources to those who need it. Our team’s group of Senior Enlisted Leaders, Officers, and Patriots remains committed to its effort to have every Veteran feel like they are the only one we are helping. Although it is easy for a Veteran to feel lost and unappreciated in the VA claims process, POVAT treats Veterans in its process as Family. They know we have their Six!

In the end, we know our Veterans enjoy more peace of mind and experience a great deal of relief, having weathered the storm with POVAT by their sides Our testimonials speak for themselves

Sincerely,

Will Markham

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33 STATES

2 0 2 3 S n a p s h

Introduction

OUR MISSION

At Project One Vet at a Time (POVAT), we are driven by a single, unwavering mission: to provide relentless support and assistance to veterans as they navigate the complex and often daunting Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claim process We understand the unique challenges and frustrations veterans face when transitioning out of the military and seeking the compensation and benefits they have rightfully earned through their dedicated service to our nation. And we are here to support our veterans, no matter the cost

OUR VISION

POVAT is centered on providing unwavering support and assistance to veterans as they navigate the VA disability claim process POVAT commits to guiding veterans through this complex journey with expert, unrestricted guidance, leveraging legal and medical expertise to ensure veterans receive the support, benefits, and respect they deserve, without imposing any financial or additional emotional burden on them

WHAT WE DO & WHO WE ARE

Project OVAT stands as a beacon of support for veterans, embodying our commitment as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by addressing the intricate legal and medical aspects of the VA disability claims process. We transcend traditional support frameworks by ensuring that veterans navigating the complexities of VA claims do not face the financial strain typically associated with such endeavors Through the generosity of charitable donations, Project OVAT proactively covers all associated costs, ensuring veterans can focus solely on their claims without worry. Beyond financial assistance, we distinguish ourselves by offering expert, unrestricted guidance, and leveraging a network of dedicated representatives well-versed in VA protocols to aid veterans in building compelling claims This holistic approach guarantees that veterans are not only shielded from financial and emotional hardships but are also empowered to contribute to the community's welfare Upon successfully navigating their claims, veterans are invited to join an advisory board, playing a crucial role in selecting future beneficiaries of Project OVAT's support This unique model fosters a cycle of mutual assistance and continuous engagement within the veteran community, reinforcing the ethos of veterans helping veterans

At POVAT, our mission is to honor the service and sacrifices of our veterans by ensuring they receive the support, benefits, and respect they have earned The veterans we serve are not just clients; they are a part of the POVAT family, where we stand with them one vet at a time Join us in fulfilling our promises and making a lasting impact on the lives of our nation’s heroes Your generous donations go a long way in ensuring our veterans obtain their deserved benefits.

Our Story

Somebody Had To Swing Back. Somebody Had To Go First.

POVAT’s foundational story is but one chapter in the life of Command Chief Master Sergeant Will Markham, the highly decorated combat veteran who co-founded POVAT Markham’s job, as a Combat Controller, was to deploy – undetected – into hostile territory to conduct reconnaissance and to establish assault zones and airfields Markham was the first Air Force member on the ground in Afghanistan after 9/11 and was awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action.

Upon Markham’s retirement in 2016 after thirty-one years in the Air Force, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initially determined he was 100% disabled as a result of the severe physical injuries and psychological damage he sustained throughout his service Nonetheless, the VA downgraded his disability rating eighteen months later from 100% to 30% as the result of a nurse ’ s “reassessment” that lasted a total of seven minutes That downgrade meant Markham was no longer eligible for VA medical benefits. Moreover, the VA then used the downgrade to claw back $10,000 from Markham for purported “overpayments ”

At that time, Markham knew very little about the VA disability or appeal process. To obtain some expert assistance, Markham contracted Jeffrey O’Hara, a well-known Newark, N J trial lawyer and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) O’Hara, in turn, brought in Dr Mark McLaughlin, a renowned neurosurgeon That began a multi-year process during which Markham, O’Hara and McLaughlin worked together to have Markham’s original 100% disability rating reinstated Finally, in November 2019, the VA reinstated Markham‘s original 100% disability rating and made that rating permanent

This experience led Markham, O’Hara and McLaughlin to co-found POVAT to assist other disabled veterans in obtaining the benefits rightfully due to them

STANDING WITH OUR NATION'S HEROES

Helping Referred Veterans Obtain Their Earned Compensation & Pension Rating

What Makes Us Different

Project OVAT differentiates itself from other VA claim organizations through a blend of personal experience, comprehensive support, and a unique partnership model. Founded in 2019 by retired Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant William Markham, alongside Jeffrey O’Hara, Esq , and Dr Mark McLaughlin, the organization is deeply rooted in Markham’s personal struggle with the VA system, making its mission profoundly personal and driven by genuine understanding and empathy for veterans’ challenges. This foundation is critical in how POVAT connects with and supports the veterans it serves

POVAT offers expert, unrestricted guidance through the VA claims process, addressing both the legal and medical complexities of filing a disability claim. Its network of dedicated representatives and legal teams are well-versed in dealing with the VA, ensuring veterans receive the necessary support to build strong claims, free of charge This approach not only alleviates financial and emotional burdens but also cuts through bureaucratic red tape, a testament to POVAT’s commitment to standing with America's veterans every step of the way

A standout initiative is the Triple Nickel Partnership, which generates a $55,500 annual grant specifically earmarked for legal and medical support for veterans navigating the VA disability, compensation, and pension claim program This initiative highlights POVAT's innovative approach to funding and partnership, focusing on erasing stigma and supporting veterans from all walks of life, including those affected by natural disasters, humanitarian missions, and military sexual trauma, among other experiences. The partnership also involves branding opportunities for sponsors, further integrating community and corporate support into its mission

What sets Project OVAT apart is not just its comprehensive support model or its funding strategies but its foundation of personal struggle, professional expertise, and a community-centric approach that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of veterans as they navigate the often overwhelming process of claiming their deserved benefits.

Our Team - Executive Officers

WILLIAM MARKHAM Chairman, Co-Founder

Founded by decorated U.S. Air Force veteran William Markham after a 30-year career, Project One Vet @ A Time (POVAT) embodies his ongoing commitment to supporting fellow veterans through mentorship and charitable leadership

JEFFREY O'HARA, ESQ President, Co-Founder

Inspired by his family's military service, Jeff is deeply dedicated to aiding veterans through his legal expertise as a founding principal of POVAT, offering pro bono support for veterans' claims. Outside his professional life, he values time with family and outdoor pursuits

MARK MCLAUGHLIN, MD. Vice-President, Co-Founder

Inspired by his family's extensive military history, Mark dedicates his efforts to supporting veterans through his role as a founding member of POVAT, blending his professional expertise in neurosurgery with his passion for youth wrestling coaching.

Our Team - Board

PHIL MCGOVERN

PAM SOLADINE-DAVIS Board Member Board Member

BRIAN DWIGHT

DOUG PEEBLES Board Member Board Member

BILL DOYLE

BILL WOSILIUS Board Member Board Member

Our Team - Staff

SEAN BOSKEN

ERIC NEILSEN Chief Strategy Officer Secretary

AMY ROSIN

MATT HARRIS Operations Director Controller

DOUGLAS P. GIBSON PSY.D., MPH, ABPP

LINDA FRAKER Medical Consultant Client & Case Manager

LYLE ROSIN Program Director

SCOTT ZASTROW, PA-CS Medical Consultant

JOSH BOYKIN Legal Consultant

A Sizable Challenge. . .and an Opportunity to Help

Challenge vs Opportunity

CHALLENGE

In the United States, the veteran population stands at approximately 16.5 million, making up about 6% of the nation's total population Among these, nearly 30% or around 5 million veterans are recognized as "Disabled Veterans" by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. However, there's a significant number of veterans who refrain from filing for VA disability benefits to avoid the complex bureaucracy involved This group, along with the officially recognized disabled veterans, represents the primary focus of POVAT's dedicated service efforts

The process of handling claims by VA processors reveals a series of challenges that exacerbate the difficulties faced by veterans seeking assistance An analysis shows that in 68% of cases, VA processors did not properly address the section of claims that requests opinions and exams, with 38% of requests missing important relevant information Furthermore, 19% lacked the necessary details for examiners to make recommendations, and 12% of medical-opinion requests were missing critical opinions for deciding the claim Additionally, 11% of the requests for medical opinions were deemed unnecessary for the decision-making process, highlighting the systemic inefficiencies within the VA's processing of claims that organizations like POVAT are striving to mitigate

OPPORTUNITY

The bureaucratic hurdles encountered can lead to significant delays and denials, leaving veterans without the support they need This is where the pivotal role of POVAT becomes clear By stepping in with a targeted donation of $15,000, donors have the power to ensure that POVAT can extend comprehensive support to individual veterans, guiding them through the complexities of the VA system with no financial burden falling upon the veteran themselves

POVAT’s commitment to veterans goes beyond mere assistance with paperwork The organization embarks on a mission to ensure that every veteran in their care receives the appropriate VA rating, alongside the compensation and pension they have earned through their sacrifice and service This is not just about navigating a complex system; it's about restoring dignity and ensuring that our veterans' futures are secured The impact of this support is substantial, with POVAT veterans receiving an average $465,000 in added compensation and other VA benefits over their lifetime This figure underscores the long-term value and transformative potential of donations to POVAT, highlighting how such contributions not only address immediate needs but also pave the way for a more secure and dignified future for our veterans.

The opportunity here is profound Donations to POVAT do not simply fund a service; they invest in the future of individuals who have dedicated their lives to their country They ensure that veterans are not left to navigate the post-service landscape alone, but are supported and honored as they deserve. In essence, each donation is a testament to a shared belief in the importance of honoring and supporting our veterans, reinforcing the promise that their service and sacrifices will not be overlooked

Our Goals

Expanded Coverage | Endowment Building | New Ways to Help

Serve 400 veterans with comprehensive support and assistance over the next three years, ensuring they receive the benefits and recognition they've earned

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Build an endowment that will enable Team POVAT to concentrate more on supporting veterans and less on fundraising activities, ensuring our resources are primarily dedicated to those we serve

Increase our already best-in-class investment on a donated-dollar ratio, maximizing the impact and efficiency of every dollar contributed to our cause.

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2024 Events

Throughout the year, Project One Vet At A Time (POVAT) organizes a series of events designed to spotlight the organization's vital mission, showcase the extensive support services it provides to veterans, and generate the necessary donations to sustain and expand its efforts These gatherings range from community outreach programs and educational seminars to fundraising galas and sporting events, each crafted to engage the public, raise awareness

about the challenges veterans face, and highlight how POVAT's interventions are making a tangible difference. These events serve as a crucial platform for building a community of support, drawing in contributions, and ensuring that veterans receive the recognition and assistance they deserve, furthering POVAT's commitment to serving those who have served

EVENTS DETAILS LOCATION/PURPOSE

POVAT Invitational

Hoosiers for POVAT

Aimed at uniting the community in support of Project OVAT, this event offers a chance for individuals and organizations to contribute through sponsorship or by participating in a foursome

Aimed at uniting the community in support of Project OVAT, this event offers a chance for individuals and organizations to contribute through sponsorship or by participating in a foursome

TBD

POVAT

Marshfield Yacht Club Event

TBD

Scituate Dinner

Ironwood Golf Course in Sussex, WI Celebrating the bond forged in Afghanistan in October 2001 between POVAT Chairman/Co-

Founder Will Markham and POVAT Medical

Consultant Scott Zastrow; both from Wisconsin and both members of Operational Detachment 555, the famed Triple Nickel

Tippecanoe Lake Country Club in Leesburg, IN

Hosted by POVAT Board Member Pam Davis, this inaugural event celebrates Pam’s appreciation and admiration of the military, stemming from the first 21 years of her life as a military ‘brat’ growing up on military bases while her father served 30 years in the U S Army

Marshfield, MA

Scituate, MA

Finances

POVAT Forensic Accounting Detail

Veteran Support (Variable Costs)

Veteran Health (SZ)

Veteran Health (LF)

Veteran Legal (WLF)

Veteran Travel, Etc.

Selling General & Administrative (Fixed Costs)

Fundraising & Grants

Accounting, Office, IT, Advertising, Marketing, Insurance, Storage, Etc.

Travel, Meals & Entertainment

What We Need From You

Navigating a veteran through the comprehensive support process at POVAT incurs costs ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 Through diligent efforts to enhance our efficiency and productivity, we ' ve successfully reduced the average cost to below $10,000 per veteran. This ongoing improvement in our operational processes ensures that every donation made to POVAT yields a significant impact on the lives of veterans Our commitment to maintaining extremely low overhead costs allows us to adhere to our principle of supporting 'One Veteran at a Time' a commitment we hold as non-negotiable Consequently, your generous donations are crucial, acting as the driving force that enables us to extend our assistance to an even greater number of veterans.