The Independence Fund

The Independence Fund The Independence Fund serves the Warfighter Community's holistic independence. Start a fundraiser!

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06/07/2026

Going beyond the call to serve, Caregivers of our nation’s wounded heroes work around the clock for our warfighters. It’s the type of service with no end date and no clock-out time.

Thanks to the sponsors of The Independence Fund’s Caregiver Program, five Caregivers spent a week in Charlotte, enjoying rare respite. This was made possible with sponsorship support from Drew and Bobbi Jo Lazarus, The Moser Group, and CRAFT Beauty!

The retreat was made special by additional partners, including Hickory Tavern, the Carolina Fitness Farm, and Fly Boards by Pamela Silva, who helped us create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories for the heroes behind our heroes!

As you hear from these Caregivers, the impact is clear. Every dollar toward this program makes a real difference. What are you doing to help? Visit independencefund.org to get involved.

For Veteran Carl Judd, adaptive sports became more than competition. They became part of his recovery, his community, an...
06/06/2026

For Veteran Carl Judd, adaptive sports became more than competition. They became part of his recovery, his community, and his path forward after service.

Carl served 21 years in the U.S. Army and Navy, including deployments to Afghanistan, where he was injured in an indirect fire blast. After medically retiring, he faced the challenges of healing and finding new ways to stay active.

At the start of the Great Lakes Games in Wilmette, Illinois, yesterday, The Independence Fund was honored to present Carl with an all-terrain trackchair, giving him the equipment he needs to continue competing and stay connected to the adaptive sports community. He also enjoyed the opportunity to meet Chicago Bears Cornerback Terell Smith!

This gift was made possible in part through a heartfelt estate gift in memory of Mario Karcich, a fellow U.S. Army Veteran whose legacy of service now lives on through Carl’s renewed freedom.

Two Veterans, one lasting impact. This is the power of the Mobility Program!

For Veteran John Kountz, mobility means more than getting from one place to another. It means staying connected to his c...
06/04/2026

For Veteran John Kountz, mobility means more than getting from one place to another. It means staying connected to his culture, his community, and the people who matter most.

John is a member of the Lenape Nation, where he serves as Peace Chief. He is also a wounded Marine Corps Veteran whose years of physically demanding service, including reconnaissance work and parachuting directly into the water, made a lasting impact on his body.

In February, The Independence Fund provided John with an all-terrain trackchair. Recently, he shared photos from a Pow Wow with the Lenape Nation, where that trackchair helped him participate fully, keep up with his community, and remain present in a place that holds deep meaning.
This is what independence looks like.

For many Veterans, coming home does not mean the battle is over. PTSD can follow Veterans into mornings, crowds, sleepl...
06/02/2026

For many Veterans, coming home does not mean the battle is over.

PTSD can follow Veterans into mornings, crowds, sleepless nights, and unsafe moments.

June is PTSD Awareness Month—a time to recognize invisible wounds among Warfighters and their families.

Behind statistics are Veterans seeking healing, caregivers bearing unseen burdens, and families hoping for peace.

At The Independence Fund, this is why the mission matters.

Our Casework team helps Veterans get VA benefits. Operation Resilience reunites combat units with high PTSD rates to restore connection and fight su***de.

Healing does not happen in isolation.

This month, take time to learn, listen, check in with a Veteran or family, and remind the Warfighter Community that they are not alone. Reach out, share resources, or volunteer to make a difference; your support truly matters.

It’s the last day of May, the Month of the Military Caregiver, and The Independence Fund is honored to recognize Veronic...
05/31/2026

It’s the last day of May, the Month of the Military Caregiver, and The Independence Fund is honored to recognize Veronica Burke and her caregiving journey. While this time is coming to an end, Veronica’s role is not. Caregivers provide unmatched care all year-round and deserve support in return!

For 12 years, Veronica has cared for her son, a Navy Veteran living with PTSD.

What began as a mother’s love became a caregiving journey filled with strength, patience, sacrifice, and devotion.

Now that her son’s condition is improving, Veronica is beginning to navigate a new part of that journey: caring for herself.

After years of putting her own needs last, she is working through the toll caregiving has taken on her mental and emotional well-being. Her story is a powerful reminder that Caregivers need care too.

Last week, Veronica spent time in Charlotte with fellow Caregivers through The Independence Fund’s Caregiver retreat and Beyond The Call event. Through shared activities, thoughtful moments, and time with others who understand this life, she was reminded that healing and connection matter for Caregivers, too.

Still, Veronica finds joy in the moments that bring peace, including family gatherings, time with her grandson, quilting, and being surrounded by the people she loves.

Before May ends, make an immediate impact by supporting The Independence Fund’s Caregiver Program. Donate now to honor Caregivers like Veronica and help provide crucial support year-round.

As May, the Month of the Military Caregiver, comes to a close, The Independence Fund proudly shares Kristi Wheeler's sto...
05/30/2026

As May, the Month of the Military Caregiver, comes to a close, The Independence Fund proudly shares Kristi Wheeler's story.

For Kristi, resilience looks different every day.

It looks like caring for her husband Jase, a Veteran who is a double above-knee amputee living with chronic pain, PTSD, and complex medical needs.

It looks like managing care, supporting recovery, navigating daily challenges, and still showing up as a mother of six.

It also looks like finding joy in travel, making memories with family, and continuing to grow as a person while carrying the weight of caregiving.

Last week, Kristi was in Charlotte with fellow Caregivers through The Independence Fund’s Caregiver retreat and Beyond The Call event. From time spent enjoying local activities to moments of connection with other Caregivers, the retreat offered space to breathe, laugh, share, and be supported.

Kristi’s story is a powerful reminder that Caregivers are more than the responsibilities they manage. They are spouses, parents, friends, and individuals who need connection, restoration, and support of their own.

Through The Independence Fund’s Caregiver Program, Caregivers like Kristi find community with others who understand this journey and receive meaningful support long after a retreat ends.

This week, take action to honor the Month of the Military Caregiver. Support Caregivers like Kristi by making a direct impact. Visit independencefund.org to donate to The Independence Fund’s Caregiver Program and help us continue this vital work.

Earlier this week, The Independence Fund was honored to attend the 158th Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National C...
05/28/2026

Earlier this week, The Independence Fund was honored to attend the 158th Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery and take part in the solemn tradition of presenting a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

While Memorial Day has passed for the year, it is much more than a day. We continue to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation year-round. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion will never be forgotten.

It is a privilege to stand among fellow Americans in tribute to our fallen heroes and the families who carry their legacy forward.

During the Month of the Military Caregiver, The Independence Fund is honored to recognize Debbie Nizynski, a mother, gra...
05/28/2026

During the Month of the Military Caregiver, The Independence Fund is honored to recognize Debbie Nizynski, a mother, grandmother, and longtime Caregiver.

For more than 20 years, Debbie has cared for her son Joshua, a U.S. Air Force Veteran living with TBI, PTSD, and other lasting injuries.

Through long days, uncertainty, and sacrifice, Debbie has remained a steady source of strength, stability, and love for her son and her family.
Last week, Debbie joined fellow Caregivers in Charlotte through The Independence Fund’s Caregiver retreat and Beyond The Call event.

Time together, thoughtful activities, and moments of encouragement gave Caregivers like Debbie the chance to feel seen, supported, and surrounded by people who understand the weight they carry.

Caregivers often spend years showing up quietly for the people they love. Through The Independence Fund’s Caregiver Program, they receive connection, respite, and support that reminds them they deserve care too.

This May, you can honor the Month of the Military Caregiver by supporting Caregivers like Debbie. Give to The Independence Fund’s Caregiver Program at independence fund.org.

During the Coca-Cola 600 this Memorial Day weekend, RFK Racing featured the name of the late SGT Michael Verardo on one ...
05/26/2026

During the Coca-Cola 600 this Memorial Day weekend, RFK Racing featured the name of the late SGT Michael Verardo on one of its cars as part of its tribute to Veterans and fallen servicemembers.

Michael died as a result of his combat injuries on August 26, 2025, after enduring more than one hundred surgeries and years of recovery. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their three daughters: Grace, Mary Scott, and Elizabeth.

As the nation took time to honor those who gave their lives for our country, this tribute held special meaning for The Independence Fund and the Warfighter Community.

Hickory Tavern, a proud partner of The Independence Fund, also showed its support throughout the weekend with the Freedom Burger on the No. 41 car. Through the Freedom Burger, Hickory Tavern helps support our mission by donating $1 from every burger sold to programs serving Veterans, Caregivers, and their families.

Thank you to RFK Racing for honoring Michael’s legacy, and to Hickory Tavern for standing with The Independence Fund and the families we serve.

Today, The Independence Fund pauses to remember the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nati...
05/25/2026

Today, The Independence Fund pauses to remember the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Memorial Day is not simply a long weekend. It is a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and the families who carry that loss every day.

As communities gather, flags are raised, and names are spoken, may we each take time to reflect with gratitude and intention.

Visit a memorial. Say their names. Support a Gold Star family. Teach the next generation why this day matters.

Today and every day, The Independence Fund honors the fallen, remembers their sacrifice, and stands with the families who carry their legacy forward.

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412 Louise Avenue
Charlotte, NC
28204

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