How We Help

3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans Foundation is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization that provides financial and lifetime support and assistance to 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Veterans, Post-9/11 Veterans, and their families. 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 and other Post-9/11 veterans have returned home, they have been dealing with physical, mental, and emotional wounds, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). We want to ensure they have the resources they need to recover from their injuries and transition back to civilian life.

We offer a variety of services, which are tailored to the individual need of each veteran. Since 2017, we have helped over 769 veterans and their families and provided over $160,000 in grants and services. Please donate to 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans and assist our heroes in need.

Check out some of our success stories below.

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Provided Emergency Financial Assistance to a Disabled Veteran to Assist with Medical Bills

In November 2018, 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans provided Emergency Financial Assistance for a combat veteran, James Butler, and his family. James served in Iraq and after sustaining severe injuries in combat, he was medically discharged. His injuries kept him from holding a full time job. When his daughter was diagnosed with brain tumors and had to undergo chemotherapy, Butler family struggled financially to cover all the medical bills and fell behind on their rent. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans was able to assist the Butler Family to make sure their bills are paid and they can focus on providing the necessary support for their daughter.

“Thank you so much for your help.” – Shannon Butler, James’ wife.

Paid to Replace Tombstone Plaque for PFC. Henry Sanchez

In September 2018, 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans paid to replace the tombstone plaque for a Bronze Star with a “V” recipient, PFC Enrique “Henry” C. Sanchez. Henry served in 3/8 Weapons Company and deployed to Fallujah, 2005, and Ramadi, 2006. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a “V” for his actions on June 8, 2006, while conducting combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. He was buried before he was awarded the medal, and his family wanted to update and correct his tombstone to properly display his valor and information, however, they were not able to afford the new plaque. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans was able to provide the family with the funds to cover the cost of the plaque and properly honor this hero.

“I am blown away with love and gratitude for [3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans]. You are awesome! I so appreciate this so much!” - Pat Ayscue, Henry’s grandmother.

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Provided Emergency Financial Assistance to a Combat Veteran and his Family to Help with Rent and Utility Bills

In August 2018, 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans provided Emergency Financial Assistance for a Marine combat veteran, Richard Caseltine, and his family. Richard served with 3/8 India Company on multiple tours in Iraq. After his service, Richard has been dealing with his injuries from Iraq and trying to provide for his wife and three kids. Due to unexpected financial expenses the family fell behind two months on their rent and car payments. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans was able to assist the Caseltine Family to make sure their bills are paid and Richard continued on his road to recovery. Financial stability is an important part of recovery for any veterans, and when unexpected expenses come up, some veterans can be thrown off the course.

“Thank you very much for your assistance.” - Bridget Caseltine, Richard’s wife.

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Provided Financial Assistance for Two Marine Veterans to Help with Utility Bills

In June 2018, 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans provided Emergency Financial Assistance to GySgt Joe Modestro, 3/8 India Company, and Sgt. Joseph Zigler, 3/8 Lima Company. Financial stability is an important part of recovery for any veterans, and when unexpected expenses come up, some veterans can be thrown off the course. Two of our brothers were behind on their utilities and car payments and were not able to make the next payment before being in default. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans was able to step in and pay their bills, making sure they got back on the road to recovery.

"Payments went through, thank you very much once again.” - GySgt. Joe Modestro, 3/8 India Company

"Caught up on car for first time in awhile, that is a really great feeling, huge weight off! So thanks again for that!!" - Sgt. Joseph Zigler, 3/8 Lima Company.

Provided Emergency Financial Relief Assistance to a Wounded Veteran after his House Burnt

In May 2018, 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans provided Emergency Financial Assistance to a decorated wounded combat Marine, Tim Chuzas. Tim served with 3/8 India Company in Fallujah and Ramadi, Iraq, sustaining few injuries. Due to faulty wiring in his kitchen, Tim’s house caught on fire and burnt his kitchen and many of his belonging. Due to the fire and smoke damage, the house was not livable and Tim did not have a place to stay during the repairs. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans paid for Tim’s hotel while his house was cleaned and renovated, making it livable again.

"Thank you [3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans] again for helping me out and checking in on me." - Tim Chuzas, 3/8 India Company.

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Provided Financial Assistance to Pay for a Funeral of a Marine Veteran, Nick Norris

In May 2018, we lost a decorated Marine veteran, Cpl. Nick Norris and his girlfriend Kristie Lyn, in a car accident. Nick served with 3rd Battalion 8th Marines, Lima Company in Afghanistan in 2012 where he received many decorations. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans was able to assist his family and cover the funeral expenses. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans also assisted the family in dealing with VA's administrative issues.

"Thank you so much. The funds will be very helpful.” - Ashely Aldridge, Nick's mother.

Provided Financial Assistance with Medical Bills to a Wounded Hero and his Family

Starting in May 2017, 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans has assisted, and continues to help, an injured 3/8 Veteran, Brian Callahan and his family. Brian served with 3/8 and has deployed to Ramadi, Iraq 2006, 22nd MEU, 2007-2008, and Afghanistan, 2008-2009, becoming a highly decorated Marine. In 2016 Brian has been diagnosed with serious medical issues, related to his combat service. These injuries have been misdiagnosed and improperly treated by the Veterans Affairs (VA) since 2009, and have worsened to a point which physically restricted him from working. The VA has been unable to provide proper treatment or compensation for Brian, making him go through long and tenuous VA bureaucratic process, leaving his family in a dire financial situation. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans has been able provide the Callahan’s with financial assistance which helped them pay their bills and pay off their debt that has accumulated due to Brian’s condition. Assistance provided also allowed the Callahan Family to rebuild portions of their house to assist Brian getting safe access to his home. Our team also helped to speed up the VA claims process, making sure he and his family receive the VA assistance he rates.

"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 [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, Brian's wife.

Provided Emergency Financial Assistance to Help a Marine Veteran Get Home for a Funeral

In November 2017, Cpl. Jose Negron, who served in Iraq with 3rd Battalion 8th Marines, lost a family member and had to travel for the funeral. However, due to his financial situation he was not able to afford the travel cost. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans was able to provide Jose with Financial Emergency Assistance which provided Jose with the means to return home after the funeral. Additional funds were provided to Jose's family to cover other expenses.

"Thank You [3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans], I do appreciate it and this means a lot to me. Thank You again." - Cpl. Jose Negron, 3/8 India Company

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Helped Reunite a Marines Veteran and His Service Dog

In October 2017, Joseph Zigler, who served with 3/8 Lima Company for over 8 years on multiple combat tours in Iraq, was reunited with his service dog Rocky thanks to 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans. Joseph medically retired USMC in 2011, and since has dealt with many issues, battling PTSD, depression and substance abuse. In 2016 Joseph got clean and changed his life around when he adopted a rescue pit-bull, Rocky, who has provided support. Joseph decided to move from Ohio to Florida to get away from his old ways that were waiting for him in Ohio. However, he was not able to bring Rocky with him at that time due to breed restrictions where he lived in Florida. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans was able to assist Joseph in getting Rocky registered as an Emotional Service Animal (ESA), allowing him to bring him to Florida. However, due to Hurricane Irma, Joseph’s finances did not allow him to fly up to Ohio and bring Rocky and reminder of his belongings to Florida. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans was able to provide financial assistance to pay for Joseph’s flight to Ohio, his Uhaul, and travel expenses that allowed him to get back to Florida with Rocky.

"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

Provided Assistance to Pay for a Funeral for a Marine Veteran, Shane Smith

In July of 2017 we lost a decorated combat veteran, LCpl. Shane Allen Smith. Shane served in 3/8 Weapons Company during their 2008-2009 deployment to Afghanistan. Shane's family was dealing with a lot after his death and 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans was able to step in and assist the Smith Family by providing financial assistance to cover full funeral expenses. We also were able to assist the Smiths by providing guidance with additional administrative and legal issues that have come up after Shane’s passing.

"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 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.

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Provided Assistance with Funeral Expenses for a Marine Veteran, Blake Thomas

In August of 2017 we lost a decorated combat veteran, Blake Aaron Thomas. Blake served in 3/8 Kilo Company from 2007 to 2011 and had a combat tour in Afghanistan, 2008-2009. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans was able to assist the Thomas Family with providing some financial assistance in covering the funeral expenses.

"We really appreciate [3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans] help the last few weeks." - Blake Thomas Sr., Blake's father.

Provided Financial Assistance for 3/8 India Company Reunion, July 2017

Unit Reunions are 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans’ one of the most important mission goals. Many wounded veterans deal with PTSD and isolation as they return home. This quickly can lead these warriors to a path of depression and even suicide. These reunions provide mental and emotional support, and healing environment for many wounded veterans by offering an opportunity to reconnect with brothers-in-arms. In July 2017, 3/8 India Company received financial support from 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans which assisted them with funding a successful reunion and reconnecting brothers-in-arms.

Provided Emergency Relief to a Marine Veteran Who Lost Everything to Hurricane Harvey

In August 2017, Joshua Tolleson, a decorated Marine veteran, and his family, lost their home and all of their belongings during Hurricane Harvey. 3/8 OIF & OEF Veterans was able to provide financial assistance to Josh and his family for basic essentials after the storm, while they waited for the insurance company process.