Green Beret Foundation

Nonprofit — Veterans Services / Military Support

The Green Beret Foundation (GBF) is a premier nonprofit organization committed to addressing the unique needs of U.S. Army Special Forces Soldiers, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Since its establishment in 2009, the Foundation has provided crucial assistance and comprehensive programs specifically created for the Special Forces community. Based in Southern Pines, North Carolina, the organization remains steadfast in its dedication to honoring the legacy, strength, and sacrifice of America’s elite warriors while supporting the families who stand beside them.

Origins and Founding Purpose

The Green Beret Foundation was founded in 2009 by Aaron Anderson, a combat-wounded Special Forces Soldier. During his recovery, Anderson identified significant gaps in the immediate and long-term care available to injured Green Berets. Determined to close those gaps, he established the Foundation to ensure that those who serve in the Special Forces—and their families—receive consistent, meaningful support through every stage of their journey.

From its inception, the Foundation’s mission has been to provide resources, financial aid, and critical assistance that extend beyond what is typically accessible through military or governmental channels. The goal has always been to alleviate stress on families, provide ongoing care, and foster opportunities for recovery, resilience, and a seamless transition back to civilian life. What began as a grassroots effort has evolved into a trusted and nationally recognized organization that continues to support and empower Green Berets and their families in times of need.

Services and Programs

The Green Beret Foundation delivers a comprehensive range of programs tailored to address both urgent and long-term challenges faced by the Special Forces community. These programs demonstrate a profound understanding of the demands placed on Green Berets and the distinctive nature of their service. Each initiative strengthens the overall well-being of Soldiers and their families—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Health & Wellness

Among the Foundation’s five core pillars, Health & Wellness plays a vital role in sustaining the mental, emotional, and physical health of Green Berets and their loved ones. The Foundation bridges the gap between military medical care and the specialized needs of the Special Forces by offering resources that enhance recovery, performance, and resilience.

The GBF provides access to therapies and treatments that traditional healthcare systems may not cover. This includes Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for post-traumatic stress, infrared light therapy, substance-use treatment, and cutting-edge recovery technologies like Normatec and Hyperice systems. These tools promote faster healing, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and restore physical and cognitive function.

Under this pillar, the Foundation’s Task Force Tatanka initiative focuses on mental wellness and resilience. It combines peer support, family engagement, and evidence-based wellness practices tailored to the cultural and operational demands of Special Forces life. Task Force Tatanka enhances psychological resilience and community connection, ensuring that Green Berets and their families can thrive both during and after military service.

Casualty Support

When Green Berets are wounded or injured during deployment or training, the Foundation’s Casualty Support program provides immediate, practical assistance. This aid covers essential expenses such as travel, lodging, and caregiver support, ensuring that families can remain close during critical recovery periods.

The Foundation collaborates closely with the U.S. Special Operations Command Care Coalition to ensure assistance is delivered efficiently and compassionately. By relieving families of unexpected financial burdens, the Green Beret Foundation enables soldiers and their loved ones to focus entirely on recovery, rehabilitation, and emotional healing.

Gold Star & Surviving Families

The Green Beret Foundation honors the sacrifice of fallen Soldiers through its Gold Star and Surviving Families program. This initiative provides continued financial and emotional support to families who have lost a loved one in service. The Foundation’s commitment extends far beyond initial aid—ensuring ongoing care, recognition, and advocacy for these families long after their loss.

Through community involvement, remembrance events, and direct outreach, the GBF reinforces that the families of fallen Green Berets will never be forgotten. Their connection to the Special Forces community endures, reflecting the Foundation’s promise of unwavering support.

Transition Support

Transitioning from active duty to civilian life is one of the most challenging phases for many Special Forces personnel, including Green Berets. The Foundation’s Next Ridgeline program prepares Soldiers for this major life shift by offering tailored support, mentorship, and career development resources.

The program includes pre-transition briefings, personalized guidance, scholarships, and professional training to ensure that every Green Beret has the tools to succeed in civilian life.

Additionally, the Foundation’s Veteran Services Officers (VSOs) play a crucial role in helping Soldiers navigate the complex VA benefits and claims processes. Since receiving VA accreditation, the VSO team has processed more than 600 claims, resulting in approximately $2.3 million in monthly payments for Green Berets and their families. This critical work supports long-term financial security and reinforces the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of Soldiers.

Family Support

The Green Beret Foundation recognizes that families are the backbone of every Soldier’s success. Through its Steel Mags program, the Foundation provides a strong network of support for spouses, caregivers, and survivors. This program fosters connection, resilience, and empowerment through shared experience and ongoing communication.

Education and opportunity are also key priorities for the GBF. The Athena Scholarship assists spouses in achieving their educational goals, while the Special Forces Scholarship Fund helps children of Green Berets pursue academic success. These initiatives invest in the future of Special Forces families and enhance the overall stability of the community.

Organizational Impact and Achievements

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

The GBF maintains a strong record of transparency and accountability—84 cents of every dollar raised goes directly toward programs and services. This efficiency and integrity have earned the Foundation high recognition, including the Guidestar Platinum Transparency Rating and the Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating. These honors reflect the organization’s commitment to excellence and responsible stewardship of donor funds.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

The Foundation’s success is built upon collaboration and community involvement. By collaborating with the Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Special Operations Command, and various medical and nonprofit organizations, the Green Beret Foundation amplifies its reach and impact.

Community events play a vital role in raising awareness and garnering support. Annual gatherings 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 unite supporters and celebrate the spirit of the Green Beret community. The Greater Cincinnati Chapter has consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication over the past decade, continually organizing fundraising events and fostering local engagement.

Jedburgh Media Channel

The Jedburgh Media Channel (JMC) extends the Green Beret Foundation’s mission through storytelling and education. Founded and hosted by Green Beret Fran Racioppi, the channel highlights stories of leadership, resilience, and service drawn from the experiences of the Special Forces Regiment.

With more than 77 million views, the JMC amplifies the voices of America’s Quiet Professionals, connecting their lessons of adaptability and courage to a broader global audience. Through these stories, the Foundation continues to inspire leadership, perseverance, and a deeper understanding of the Green Beret legacy.

Governance and Leadership

The Green Beret Foundation operates under the guidance of a Board of Directors and a dedicated leadership team. Under the direction of President and CEO Charles Iacono, the Foundation maintains a clear vision, strategic focus, and unwavering commitment to its mission. The leadership team works collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partners to ensure programs are executed with excellence and transparency.

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), maintaining the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. The Foundation undergoes annual independent audits to ensure transparency and accuracy in all financial reporting.

This strong foundation of integrity builds lasting trust among donors, partners, and the Special Forces community. Every contribution supports the Foundation’s purpose—to provide essential, life-changing assistance to Green Berets and their families. Through accountability, service, and unwavering commitment, the Green Beret Foundation continues to stand as a pillar of hope and honor for America’s Quiet Professionals.