About Us
Our dynamic organization boasts a team of over 150 skilled and seasoned volunteers, featuring Special Operations veterans, intelligence specialists, medical professionals, immigration experts, refugee coordinators, and dedicated advocates. We engage with diverse channels and networks to evaluate, strategize, orchestrate, and implement crucial assistance in response to global crises and catastrophes. Through advocacy and direct action, we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by adversity.
Assessment
We diligently gather information and analyze the needs and challenges affected communities face to determine the most appropriate and timely interventions.
Strategy Development
Our team of experts collaborates to develop tailored plans, leveraging their diverse skill sets and expertise to address the unique circumstances of each crisis.
Coordination
We work closely with local and international partners, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to ensure a unified and efficient response.
Deployment
Our highly-trained volunteers mobilize quickly and efficiently to deliver life-saving support, including medical care, logistical assistance, and advocacy efforts, directly to those in need.
Monitoring & Evaluation
We continuously monitor our interventions, adapting and refining our strategies as necessary to maximize impact and ensure the ongoing success of our efforts.
Our Story
From humble beginnings, Operation Recovery has risen as a beacon of hope and resilience for our veteran and first responder communities. Born in the aftermath of Afghanistan’s collapse in August 2021, we listened to the heartfelt stories of our veterans and knew we couldn’t stand idly by as the moral wounds they and our allies suffered went unaddressed. This pivotal moment expanded our mission’s horizons, paving the way for the extraordinary organization Operation Recovery has become today.
With the tireless dedication of hundreds of volunteers, partners, and vendors spanning multiple countries, we unite as a formidable force driven by a shared mission. Inspired by the invaluable lessons learned during the collapse of Afghanistan, we have forged a robust and agile network, always poised to respond when the call for help comes.
Envisioning a world where a supportive community embraces veterans, first responders, and our allies, Operation Recovery is committed to empowering them with the tools to achieve lasting stability and success in their lives.
Together, we will continue to shine a light for those lost in the darkness, whether at home or abroad, providing hope and guidance every step of the way.
If you find yourself yearning for a purpose greater than yourself, a cause worth sacrificing a weekend or two for, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find small acts with monumental impact and grand missions transforming lives here.
Sincerely,
Jon Collette, President & CEO, Operation Recovery
How we got here
October 2022 - Present
Our Veteran Health and Wellness program, Surf Fire, is an innovative initiative designed to support the physical and mental well-being of our veterans. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by those who have served our country, Surf Fire harnesses the restorative power of nature and camaraderie to facilitate healing and personal growth.
At the heart of the program lies the transformative experience of surfing, an activity that combines physical exertion with the therapeutic effects of the ocean. Through expert guidance and a supportive environment, veterans of all skill levels can learn to ride the waves while building strength, resilience, and self-confidence.
Nov 09, 2017August 2022 - Present
We are proud of our enduring partnership with the Department of State, working hand-in-hand to safeguard our allies from Afghanistan. Recognizing the vital role they have played in supporting our troops and promoting peace, we remain committed to ensuring their safety and well-being.
Collaborating closely with the Department of State, we have developed comprehensive strategies to identify, locate, and assist our Afghan allies in navigating the challenges they face. Our joint efforts encompass a wide range of initiatives, including coordinating evacuations, providing vital resources, and facilitating resettlement in safe havens.
Nov 09, 2017May 2022 - Present
Operation Recovery partners with the Polish Red Cross, Freedom Shield Foundation, and UNCN to provide medical supplies and equipment, along with humanitarian aid, to displaced Ukrainians.
Sept. 2021 - Present
More than $2 million in direct to mission donations provide life-saving humanitarian aid and protected housing to thousands of at-risk Afghan allies in hiding.
At the same time, the Operation Recovery team connects travel-ready, at-risk families to the State Department’s coordination team, facilitating the families’ safe passage and relocation abroad.
Sept-Oct 2021
Through donations and partnerships, Operation Recovery facilitates 9 privately chartered flights out of Afghanistan. In coordination with the Department of State, 3,500 lives are relocated.
On board are US military support staff and high-risk females, most of whom are known targets hunted by the Taliban.
August, 2021
On August 27, the Gyros for Heroes Foundation offers to help with ongoing operations in Afghanistan. By September 1, it is clear this new initiative must become the entire focus of the Gyros for Heros Foundation. A formal name change is initiated: Operation Recovery is born!
2020
From Gyros for Heroes, the Gyros for Heroes Foundation is formed. The Foundation shares a joint mission with the food truck: supporting veterans, first responders, and their families.
2017
The food truck, Gyros for Heroes, begins operation. A percentage of profits benefits nonprofits focused on veterans, first responders, and their families; thousands of gyros are sold.
Finding closure through Crisis
Operation Recovery transcends the boundaries of a mere mission. The withdrawal from Afghanistan and the events of the past two decades have left an indelible mark on the lives of veterans and first responders, causing many to grapple with deep-seated moral injuries. Our organization serves as a platform for continued service and a sanctuary for healing and growth.