Leave No Veteran Behind National

Leave No Veteran Behind is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting U.S. veterans through employment training and educational debt relief. The organization was founded by two Army veterans, Roy B. Sartin and Eli Williamson, after their experiences during and after military service highlighted the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life.

Founding and Mission

The founders, both veterans of the U.S. Army Reserves, were deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Their experiences and struggles, including educational debt issues during and after military service, motivated them to establish an organization that could assist other veterans facing similar challenges. Leave No Veteran Behind's mission is to invest in veterans, enabling them to become assets in their communities through education and employment opportunities.

Programs

• Employment Training: The organization provides training opportunities that help veterans leverage their military skills to secure meaningful civilian employment. These training programs are crucial for veterans transitioning out of military roles, as they often face unemployment and underemployment due to gaps in their civilian qualifications.

• Transitional Jobs: Leave No Veteran Behind offers transitional job opportunities to help veterans integrate smoothly into the civilian workforce. This support system is vital for those who may struggle with job placement due to their military background.

• Veteran Educational Debt Relief Scholarship: A significant aspect of their initiative is a retroactive scholarship program designed to alleviate educational debt for veterans who have completed higher education. This is particularly important, as many veterans encounter difficulties with educational debt due to limitations in military education benefits and the G.I. Bill.

Significance

Leave No Veteran Behind plays a crucial role in mitigating the social and economic challenges faced by many veterans. These challenges include higher rates of homelessness, mental illness, and economic hardship compared to the general population. By offering educational and employment support, the organization helps veterans avoid these pitfalls and contribute positively to their communities.

Symbolism

The organization's logo is symbolic of its mission. Modeled after military badges, it features a silver badge surrounded by olive branches representing peace, a book symbolizing knowledge gained through education, and a sword transforming into plowshares, illustrating how military skills can be repurposed for civilian society.

Financial Stewardship

As a nonprofit, Leave No Veteran Behind operates efficiently, with a significant portion of its donations dedicated to program costs. This financial stewardship ensures that resources are maximally utilized to support veterans and their families.