About Us
3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans
3rd Battalion 8th Marines Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans, 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans, is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization that provides financial and lifetime support and assistance to Post-9/11 Veterans of 3rd Battalion 8th Marines and their families. Many of these veterans are still suffering from physical, mental, and emotional wounds that they sustained from combat. We want to ensure that they have the resources needed for their emotional, physical and economic recovery and transition back to their civilian lives. Our team is made up of 3/8 Veterans who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Our Mission
Just like in combat, we want to make sure we cover each other’s backs back home. Many of 3/8 veterans are still suffering from physical, mental, and emotional wounds, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). We want to ensure that each of our veterans and their families have the resources needed during their recovery.
We offer a variety of services, such as: Emergency Financial Relief Assistance for burial, medical and emergency expenses; Legal Assistance and advice; Connection to a broader Veteran Service Organization community; provide veterans with trained PTSD Service Dogs; and sponsor and support for Unit Reunions, which provided a support and healing environment for veterans dealing with PTSD and other injuries.
How We Help
Since 2001, 3rd Battalion 8th Marines (3/8) has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, suffering 37 Killed-In-Action (KIAs) and hundreds of casualties. As these veterans have returned home and are dealing with physical, mental, and emotional wounds, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), we want to ensure that they have the resources they need to recovery from their injuries and transition back to their civilian lives.
Services we provide are tailored to each individual veteran’s needs. Over the past year we have been able to assist and provide over $81,000 in grants and services to our veterans and their families. Find out how we have helped.
Testimonials
"Brian and I just wanted thank 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans for going above and beyond in helping us with everything he has done for us! As most of you know probably from personal experience, Marines are very proud, stubborn people....So when Bart Skiba and Ian Boliver [3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans] reached out to us offering to help Brian was hesitant. It has been overwhelming to see how much support we have received over the last few weeks and we truly couldn't be more grateful! With all of the bad that goes on in the world, seeing everyone's love, generosity and support has been such a beautiful thing! It truly has made this uphill battle a little more bearable knowing all of you have our backs! So a HUGE thank you to everyone who supported, and to Bart and Ian for helping us along the way! Semper Fi" - Alisha Callahan
"I would like to extend a huge thank you to 3/8 OIF&OEF Veterans for helping me through a very difficult time recently and ensuring I had everything in order. They made sure all the means to complete my mission to get to from Florida to Ohio and back were available to me and contributed towards the cost of the trip by picking up the difference of what I was unable to come up with myself... And they did so without me even having to ask. Bart Skiba, the President of the charity whom I've known for many years and served with, reached out to me after seeing a post on social media and told me not to worry that they would help me make it happen. And that's exactly what they did. It’s still about the brotherhood and having each other’s backs to this day... This is what they do and I know of several others whom they have been able to help as well. S/F." - Sgt. Joseph Zigler, 3/8 Lima Company
"Thank you 3/8 OIF&OEF Veterans for making it easier for us to get together. It's been so long since I've seen our fellow Marines. I know myself and the other Marines greatly appreciate your generosity. Thanks again." - Mark Carpenter, 3/8 Lima Company
"Had a blast this weekend with my brothers from 3/8 Lima Co!! Looking forward to making this an annual thing! Thanks to 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans, Travis Gundrum and Danielle Gundrum for making it happen for us!" - Sgt. Joseph Zigler, 3/8 Lima Company
"Thank u so much!!!...I just love the fact that everyone is supporting Shane. Thank you again… so much. I'm amazed at the time and help you guys put into this. My mom is forever thankful.”- Brooke Smith, Shane's Sister
"Thank you so much for all that you and your organization has done for our family. I really appreciate all of your support." - Dorothy Porter, Shane's Mother
"Thank you all for your service. For doing what many are not willing to do so we can enjoy freedom. I hope you will continue to get together periodically to keep the bond strong among the 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans. God Bless you all, you have more Heart then Scars!" - The Greene Family