Operation Vet NOW Inc. OVN

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

OVN Freedom Festival: Honoring Service, Building Community Event webpage www.opvetnow.org/freedom

06/09/2026

This is common even outside of military. We see poor completion rates on mental health, therapies and processes.
There is valid concern we are stuck in a silo and spinning in the same rotation funding the same things over and over again. We need to break the cycle.
Reach VEterans early, don’t wait till there’s issues, create programs that support them in their daily lives not when crisis or huge problems occur. We have a congested mental health system because of this, and creates emphasis on crisis. . Together we can make a difference

Service members are required to take annual su***de prevention training each year, so they can learn about the warning signs and mental health resources available to them. However, a new federal watchdog report found that the majority of military services do not “effectively monitor training completion” for annual su***de prevention courses, with the exception of the Air Force.

For troops that do finish the annual training, the services have also not “fully assessed” whether the courses are effective at educating troops on topics like lifestyle factors that increase su***de risk or how to seek mental health help.

“The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offices do not regularly track required annual training completion and only the National Guard Bureau takes action to help ensure training completion,” the Government Accountability Office said in a report released Wednesday. “Addressing these issues would help the service headquarters offices ensure training and service-specific learning objectives are reaching the military community as intended.”

Su***de rates across the military have increased since 2011, Pentagon researchers found in a recent annual report.

Additionally, the Department of Defense’s office in charge of su***de prevention policy and training does not currently require that the services report this kind of information. But by requiring that the branches report this data, the department could “make informed decisions” as it oversees those programs, the GAO said.

06/08/2026

Check out the full episode at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603288/episodes/19284820

06/08/2026

Check out episode 6, of the No Neutral podcast series. A podcast that highlights the many active Military & Veteran athletes that are part of the OVN team. Take a listen as our host Taylor, sits down with Obie to talk about his career in the Coast Guard, his passion to help others, and how motocross and music became a lifeline for him and how he now shares that passion and lifeline with other VEterans.
Obie Trice
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603288/episodes/19284820

06/06/2026

🇺🇸 Please join us in welcoming our newest OVN Ambassador Athlete, Brad Branum aka Turtle!

Brad served a combined 16 years in the United States Navy & Army, with multiple deployments throughout Iraq and Africa. We thank Brad for his service and his continued commitment to helping others.

Today, Brad competes in motocross, where he has earned impressive accomplishments including a Texas State Championship and a 2nd Place finish at the AMA VetMX Championship. But for Brad, success isn't measured solely by podiums.

As he puts it:

"I just like to see seconds coming off my laps. That keeps me engaged."

Like many Veterans, Brad found himself searching for purpose after years of service and combat deployments.

His path back began in an unexpected place — rescuing tortoises. That experience helped him rediscover meaning, rebuild confidence, and eventually find his way back to motocross.

Now, Brad is committed to helping other Veterans find their own path forward.

When asked why he wanted to become an OVN Ambassador Athlete, Brad shared:

"I needed to find my reason to be. After multiple combat deployments, I had lost my way."

He added:

"I want to be a beacon that shines in the frequency they can only see... bring them in and help them on their journey to find their reason."

That message embodies what the OVN Ambassador Athlete Program is all about.

Being an Ambassador Athlete is about more than racing. It's about being the front door — creating connection through shared experiences, helping Veterans find purpose through sport, and reminding them they don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.

Brad understands that every Veteran's story is different, but everyone deserves the opportunity to find their next mission.

Welcome to the team, Brad — and thank you for helping keep Veterans moving forward.

06/05/2026

We would like to send an enormous shout out to this guy! Tom Golik, and the whole Golik Motorsports team for their help and partnership to honor so many of our heroes over the years. Tom is a great American, and a incredible supporter of our Veterans and military. We salute you Tom, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you do to help the mission at Operation Vet NOW Inc. OVN!!
One additinal note, Tom has carried the name of USAF Maj James Crew of Windber, PA, who is still missing in action, on the #98 for 3 years now and running - so if you see him at the track thank him!.

06/05/2026

Some photos from the Armed Forces Day event at Jennerstown Speedway Complex LLC - thank you to our volunteers, Gold Star families, Jennerstown Speedway, opening ceremony performers and more - th weather was crazy, but the people were tremmendous! photos by Zack Aubrey & Jennerstown Track photographer