Operation Homefront

“It’s really heartwarming to know there are people thinking about other people’s families,” said National Guard Spc. Ilsia Perez Coloma as she entered our Star-Spangles Babies Shower sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union. Ilisa is a single mother who joined the National Guard in 2019 and has been deployed to the Texas-Mexico border since 2021. Before this, she obtained an associate degree and considered joining the military to further her education. She dreams of teaching and making an impact in many classrooms. Currently, she is responsible for securing her Guard company’s equipment along the Texas border and is one of about 3,000 troops deployed to the Rio Grande border in Texas as part of Operation Lone Star. Ilsia traveled seven hours to attend this event, accompanied by her mother. She was welcomed with blankets and bibs, as well as diapers, wipes, detergent, and baby formula. She is grateful she followed her sergeant’s advice to sign up for the Star-Spangled Babies shower and was thankful for all the support. Ilisa is now a part of the 21,000 military families for whom the Star-Spangled Babies program has provided critical baby supplies. #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranSupport https://lnkd.in/eJmgHCKN

As we approach the announcement of this year's Military Child of the Year? award recipients, we want to take a trip down memory lane and reflect on all the fun we had last year. #MCOY2024 was on for the books as we had the opportunity to visit the Arlington National Cemetery, the US Marine Corps War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and end the day at Audi Field. Take a look at last year's activities and stay tuned for what's to come for #MCOY2025. We can't wait! ??? #MilitaryFamilies #Military

???? Cue the applause because We’ve got a new VP in the house—Stephanie Vargas is joining Operation Homefront as our new Vice President of Individual Giving! A dedicated supporter of the military community, Stephanie has spent 20 years in nonprofit fundraising, helping connect donors with meaningful ways to give back. She previously held leadership roles at Operation Gratitude and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, working to expand support for service members, veterans, and their families. A graduate of UC Berkeley with a master’s in public administration from Cal State San Bernardino, Stephanie is deeply committed to serving those who serve. “I am sincerely appreciative of our all-volunteer military and excited to be part of an organization that honors and serves our nation’s military families,” said Vargas. Join us in welcoming Stephanie to the team! https://lnkd.in/dw5eBHyW #Leadership #LifeAtOperationHomefront #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranSupport

After years of service at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Yobani and Martha Castelan were ready to start their next chapter. But like many military families, the transition to civilian life came with uncertainty—until they found Operation Homefront's Transitional Homes for Veterans program. With rent-free housing, they now have the stability, financial security, and support to focus on their future. Instead of worrying about housing costs, they can concentrate on finding new jobs, building their savings, settling into their community, and starting their family. ?????? Without this opportunity, Yobani and Martha said they would have had to ask relatives for a place to stay—a stressful and uncertain option. Now, with the support of this program, their goal over the next two years is to save enough to purchase a home closer to their family. We are proud to stand by our military families when they need us most, and we can't wait to see where life takes the Castelan family next. https://lnkd.in/e2cqn_j9 #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranSupport

Not all heroes wear boots—some have paws and wagging tails. ?? Today, on #K9VeteransDay, we honor the fearless military working dogs who have stood beside our nation's service members, offering protection, loyalty, and unconditional love. They may not be able to ask for recognition, but they've more than earned it. To these four-legged warriors: Thank you for every mission completed, every danger faced, and every tail wag that reminded their team members that they were never alone. ?????? #K9VeteransDay #MilitaryFamilies

?? 'Had to have high, high hopes for a living' ???? When the Operation Homefront team came together for our leadership conference, we kicked things off with energy, purpose, and—yes—High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco. Over days filled with collaboration, strategy, and inspiration, we set our sights on an even stronger future for military families. We left re-energized, refocused, and ready to turn high hopes into real impact. Because hope alone doesn't change lives—action does. And together, we're just getting started. #LifeAtOperationHomefront #TeamWork #MilitaryFamilies #Gratitude

We all know a little inter-service rivalry keeps things interesting—the Air Force and its hotels, the Marines and its crayons, and the Army and its PowerPoints (we said what we said! ??). But at the end of the day, one thing unites us all: our mission to serve military families. This week, the Operation Homefront team is coming together under the leadership of our new CEO, Alan Reyes, to align on a shared vision for the future and learn alongside each other. No matter our branch or background, each of us plays a vital role in ensuring military families get the support they deserve when they need it most. Because when it comes to serving those who serve, we’re always on the same team. #LifeAtOperationHomefront #VeteranSupport #MilitaryFamilies

Operation Homefront has two new beautiful homes available through our Transitional Homes for Veterans program. ??Austin (Buda), TX: A spacious 3-bed, 2.5-bath home in a vibrant community with trails, fishing ponds, and a future lazy river. ?? Oklahoma City (Piedmont), OK: A bright 4-bed, 2-bath home with an open layout, top-rated schools, and great neighborhood amenities. Learn more about the homes and our eligibility requirements here https://lnkd.in/e8HTWqpW #VeteranSupport #MilitaryFamilies

For Shawn Sanders, wearing the uniform wasn’t just a choice—it was a calling. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, he joined the Army National Guard at 28, seeking purpose and a fresh start. Over eight years, he deployed twice and served as a cavalry scout, rising to the rank of specialist. But service came with a sacrifice. A training accident left Shawn with chronic pain, yet he pushed through—working as a welder, playing music, and building a life with his wife, Brittany. Then, in early 2024, everything changed. A procedure meant to ease his pain instead left him paralyzed from the waist down. With a newborn and two young children, Brittany left her job to care for him full-time. Bills piled up. Savings ran out. The weight of uncertainty grew heavier. In their search for help, they found Operation Homefront. Thanks to our Critical Financial Assistance Program? and the generosity of our donors, the Sanders family was able to keep their lights on, replace broken appliances, and find a moment of relief in the midst of hardship. “You all have blessed my family and given us hope,” Shawn said through tears. Shawn gave so much in service to his country. Now, thanks to our partners and donors, it’s our turn to serve him. https://lnkd.in/eZf8jsSe #VeteranSupport #ImpactThatMatters #Military

At Operation Homefront, we understand that military families face challenges year-round. That’s why we offer our Holiday Meals for Military? program throughout the year to show our appreciation for everything you and your families do. Registration is now open for our upcoming event in Delray Beach, FL! Join us for a Family Day at the Farm in partnership with UBS Financial Services and HERD Foundation Delray, an equine-assisted therapy ranch. ???? It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with your community and receive additional support and supplies. Reserve your spot today: https://lnkd.in/grk2TSz #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranSupport #Florida #CommunitySupport