Biography of Green Beret Foundation

The Green Beret Foundation (GBF) is a premier nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the unique needs of U S Army Special Forces Soldiers, their families, caregivers, and surviving loved ones Since its inception in 2009, the Foundation has consistently provided vital programs and direct assistance tailored explicitly for the Special Forces community Headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, the GBF honors the legacy of these elite warriors by strengthening their resilience and supporting them through every stage of service and beyond

Origins and Founding Purpose

The Green Beret Foundation was founded by Aaron Anderson, a Special Forces Soldier who was severely wounded in combat. His personal journey revealed significant shortcomings in the care and support available to injured Green Berets. Motivated by the challenges he witnessed and experienced, Anderson established the Foundation in 2009 with a clear purpose: to bridge the gaps in immediate and ongoing assistance for Special Forces Soldiers.

Since its founding, the GBF has grown into a trusted and influential organization within the military community Its mission remains unwavering to support Green Berets through their most difficult moments by delivering essential financial aid and vital resources that are not covered through military or governmental systems By alleviating the financial and emotional pressures that often accompany recovery and transition, the Foundation empowers Soldiers to focus on healing, stability, and a triumphant return to civilian life.

Services and Programs

The Green Beret Foundation offers an array of comprehensive programs that directly enhance the quality of life for Green Berets and their families These services address both immediate needs such as those arising from combat injuries or loss and long-term support that fosters personal and family growth.

Health & Wellness

Health & Wellness is a central pillar of the Foundation’s mission, focusing on the complete well-being of the Green Beret community mind, body, and spirit This initiative provides critical resources and supplemental care that strengthen resilience, optimize performance, and promote long-term health.

The Foundation extends beyond conventional healthcare by providing access to treatments and recovery programs that government systems might not fully fund. These include therapies such as Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for post-traumatic stress, infrared light therapy, and substance-use treatment programs Additionally, advanced recovery systems, such as Normatec and Hyperice technologies, are utilized to aid physical recovery, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Collectively, these services help ensure that Green Berets and their families maintain a high standard of health and readiness

Within this pillar, Task Force Tatanka serves as a key initiative focusing on mental wellness and psychological strength. Through community engagement, peer-to-peer support, and family participation, Task Force Tatanka promotes emotional resilience and proactive coping mechanisms The program emphasizes evidence-based methods tailored to the specific demands of Special Forces life, helping Soldiers and families maintain balance, readiness, and endurance in the face of adversity

Casualty Support

The Foundation’s Casualty Support program provides immediate and compassionate financial assistance to Special Forces Soldiers who are wounded or injured during combat or

training This essential aid covers urgent expenses, such as travel, lodging, and caregiver support, allowing families to remain together during critical times of recovery. The Foundation’s coordination with the U.S. Special Operations Command Care Coalition ensures that help is delivered quickly and effectively, offering comfort and stability when it is needed most

Gold Star & Surviving Families

Honoring the sacrifice of fallen Green Berets and their loved ones is a cornerstone of the Green Beret Foundation’s mission Through its Gold Star and Surviving Families program, the Foundation provides ongoing financial and emotional support to the families left behind This includes long-term advocacy, connection to resources, and opportunities to engage with a supportive community.

The GBF remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure that Gold Star families are recognized and supported not only in the immediate aftermath of loss but for years to come. These efforts serve as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of the fallen and their loved ones

Transition Support

For many Green Berets, leaving military service presents challenges in finding purpose, stability, and opportunity in civilian life. To ease this transition, the Foundation’s Next Ridgeline program provides specialized tools, training, and mentorship that prepare Soldiers for success beyond the military Through pre-transition workshops, career counseling, educational scholarships, and one-on-one guidance, the GBF ensures each Soldier can navigate the next phase of life with confidence and direction.

The Foundation’s Veteran Services Officers (VSOs) play a crucial role in this transition, providing expert assistance with VA claims and benefits. Since gaining VA accreditation, the GBF’s VSO team has handled over 600 claims, resulting in approximately $2 3 million in monthly compensation for Green Berets and their families This work strengthens financial security and reinforces the long-term well-being of those who have served

Family Support

The Green Beret Foundation recognizes that a soldier’s family strength is central to their success Its Steel Mags program offers an empowering network for spouses, caregivers, and survivors, providing community connection and shared resilience Additionally, educational initiatives such as the Athena Scholarship for spouses and the Special Forces Scholarship Fund for children further demonstrate the Foundation’s commitment to the future and stability of these families

Organizational Impact and Achievements

Since its founding, the Green Beret Foundation has made an extraordinary impact on the Special Forces community. The organization has provided more than $28 million in direct assistance, benefiting over 26,000 Special Forces families worldwide.

The Foundation’s commitment to responsible stewardship is reflected in its operational transparency 84 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to programs and services for the community Such accountability has earned the GBF distinguished honors, including the Guidestar Platinum Transparency Rating and the Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating, both of which testify to its excellence in governance and fiscal responsibility

Partnerships and Community Engagement

Strong partnerships form the backbone of the Foundation’s reach and success. Collaborations with military institutions, healthcare providers, veteran organizations, and community supporters allow the GBF to expand its impact Partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Special Operations Command, and other nonprofits strengthen program delivery and amplify awareness of the Green Beret mission.

Community engagement is vital to sustaining the Foundation’s work Events such as Rock the Green Beret, Heroes @ Home Game, SSG Alex Viola Memorial Car Show, Patriot Corporate Cup, Green Beret for a Day, Green Beret Reunion, and the Stars & Stripes Classic celebrate service and generate vital support The Greater Cincinnati Chapter, in particular, has demonstrated a remarkable commitment over the past decade, consistently raising funds and awareness through local outreach.

Jedburgh Media Channel

The Jedburgh Media Channel (JMC) extends the Foundation’s mission through powerful storytelling and education Created and hosted by Green Beret Fran Racioppi, the JMC highlights authentic stories of leadership, resilience, and service drawn from the Special Forces community These conversations connect the lessons of Special Forces life to broader challenges faced in business, leadership, and personal growth

With over 77 million views, the Jedburgh Media Channel has become a global platform for sharing the values of courage, adaptability, and excellence that define America’s Quiet Professionals Through this initiative, the Foundation continues to inspire current and future generations while honoring the legacy of all Green Berets

Governance and Leadership

The Green Beret Foundation is guided by a strong Board of Directors and a skilled leadership team dedicated to accountability and service Charles Iacono, the Foundation’s President and CEO, oversees strategic vision, mission execution, and organizational growth Under his leadership, the GBF ensures resources are used effectively and programs remain aligned with the Foundation’s values of integrity, resilience, and excellence

Financial Integrity and Accountability

The Green Beret Foundation is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization (Tax ID #27-1206961). It adheres strictly to IRS regulations and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), ensuring that every financial practice meets the highest standards of transparency and ethics Annual independent audits guarantee accuracy in reporting and reinforce donor confidence.

By maintaining transparency in all operations, the Green Beret Foundation ensures that every contribution directly supports programs that serve the Special Forces community Its commitment to integrity, accountability, and lasting impact continues to define the organization as a trusted guardian of America’s Quiet Professionals and their families