GuideStar Gold Rating Achieved!

Operation Enduring Warrior was recently recognized for our transparency with a 2018 Gold Seal on our GuideStar Nonprofit Profile! GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. More than 8 million visitors per year and a network of 200+ partners use GuideStar data to grow support for nonprofits. In order to get the 2018 Gold Seal, Operation Enduring Warrior shared important information with the public using our profile on www.guidestar.org.

Now our community members and potential donors can find in-depth information about our goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress. We’re shining a spotlight on the difference we help make in the world. Check out our GuideStar Nonprofit Profile and tell us what you think: Operation Enduring Warrior GuideStar.

Behind the Mask: Dependability

Q: What does your call sign mean to you? 

A: My call sign embodies my every day purpose. Being dependable is something I was taught at a young age. You don't just show up for yourself, you show up for others. If you can't show up and perform you're less dependable. That's why you show up and perform every single day.

Q: What branch of the military did you serve in (or are currently serving in), for how long, and what was your job? 

A: I was in the Marine Corps. I was an 0311 Rifleman Infantry, 0313 LAV Crewman, and an 8023 Parachutist. I spent the last few years as a Scout Training Instructor. As we integrated the Recon elements into the Light Armored Vehicle elements we created and led a training program that allowed the LAV's to benefit from the Recon Marine skill set and vice versa.  

Q: Why did you commit to the Masked Athlete program?

A: When I left the Marine Corps I left everything behind. I didn't care about the service, I didn't care about the people, I didn't talk about our KIA, I didn't care. I simply left it behind and did what I knew how to do. I worked. I'm good at work. That's as simple as I can explain who I am. I like to work. I like to get sh*t done. I wasn't a bad person, but I wasn't a good person to anyone either. Fast forward 18 years. I went to college, graduated. I've always been athletic and I still craved that suffering suck that I'm good at. I was running the Wintergreen event. I cramped after mile 3 and had the worst race of my life and I was feeling sorry for myself. No nutrition, no planning, no water, nothing other a good support team and some grit. I came to mile 7 and I came across a team. I watched a triple amputee climb the rope and smash that bell so many times I stood there and cried. I wasn't a bad person over the past 18 years, but I wasn't a good person to anyone either. I knew what I'd been missing ... I found OEW. I made the commitment, not to make up for lost time but because I have a capability to endure, grind past comfort, and I knew what I'd been missing when I saw a fella not feel sorry for himself ... I knew exactly what I'd been missing ... 

Q: What piece of advice would you give someone who is interested in becoming a MAT? 

A: Anyone who has mobility, good physicality and a strong mental grind gear can do this ... you should apply, you should try out, you should succeed or fail, you should try again. Your "WHY" should always be your yardstick to measure if you want this bad enough. If you want easy, do something else. This isn't easy.  

Q: What is your daily contribution to OEW operations? 

A: The only thing I'm good at is showing up when asked and being ready. I earn my call sign every single day, every single event. When the team finds a better Dependability that person would have earned it and I would gladly give up that call sign .. until then, it's mine. The team decides.  

Q: Motto or principle you live by. 

A: (a) show up every day (on time) (b) work to the standard (c) be kind to people (d) be tidy in your relationships.  People should know what you stand for. There is no path to happiness, happiness is the path. ~Buddha

Check out our new Spotify channel! Each Call Sign will share their own playlists of music that gets them pumped for action or helps them chill during their workday. Follow our channel and receive updates whenever new playlists are posted!

Check out Dependability's playlist here.

Don't have Spotify? Click here to download now and enjoy FREE music on your mobile device or desktop.

About INDOC: The application process to apply for the Masked Athlete Team Warrior INDOC opens on an as-needed basis for a short window of submission. Requirements are men or women with military or LEO experience. Announcements are made via social media. Follow our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts and check back frequently for our open enrollment announcement.

Behind the Mask: Sacrifice

Q: What does your call sign mean to you?

A: My call sign is Sacrifice. I wear it to represent those that have been injured but just as important, to show that our injuries don't define us, we do.

Q: What branch of the military did you serve in (or are currently serving in), for how long, and what was your job?

A: I served in many aspects as a military policeman in the US Army. Proudly served for 11 1/2 years as a patrolman, investigator, desk sergeant, combat MP, squad leader and Special Reaction Team Member.

Q: What is your best or most unforgettable OEW-related memory?

A: Attending the obstacle course race championships in Ohio. I was the only adaptive athlete with what seemed an army of MAT members and OCAs all there to support me. I remember breaking down because it's hard for me to trust people. That day, OEW gained my trust forever.

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Q: What would you like people to know about OEW?

A: That the organization is filled with people who want to do the right thing for no other reason than it's the right thing to do. OEW is one of the most selfless organizations I have ever had the honor of being a part of.

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Q: What is your daily contribution to OEW operations?

A: As of late, I have been attending school so my contribution has been minimal. That's what makes this organization so great. They want to empower you to take on challenges. The physical challenges were something that I worked hard at and overcame. Because I have a brain injury, the newest challenge that I've taken on is to go to graduate school. I'm no longer afraid of failing because of my brain injury and that's the power of Operation Enduring Warrior.

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Q: Motto or principle you live by.

A: The best way to overcome challenges and obstacles in your life, is to help others with theirs. (That used to be a figurative quote and now it's literal.)

Q: How do you stay in shape for the demands of the MAT?

A: I participate in strength training, endurance training, ruck marches and there's a hill by my house that I run up and down- with and without weight.

Check out our new Spotify channel! Each Call Sign will share their own playlists of music that gets them pumped for action or helps them chill during their workday. Follow our channel and receive updates whenever new playlists are posted!

Check out Sacrifice's playlist here.

Don't have Spotify? Click here to download now and enjoy FREE music on your mobile device or desktop.

About INDOC: The application process to apply for the Masked Athlete Team Warrior INDOC opens on an as-needed basis for a short window of submission. Requirements are men or women with military or LEO experience. Announcements are made via social media. Follow our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts and check back frequently for our open enrollment announcement.