Airpower Foundation launches three new veteran mental health programs

Eden Gordon Media is representing the Airpower Foundation as the nonprofit expands its veteran support work with three new mental health programs and nearly $500,000 raised at Patriot Roundup 2026. The Washington-based foundation says the initiatives will help veterans find jobs, access service dogs and receive equine-based therapy and retreat support.

Why it matters: - The Airpower Foundation is broadening its veteran support work beyond recognition and fundraising into direct mental health services. - The new programs target employment, PTSD support and family healing for veterans and their households. - Patriot Roundup 2026 raised nearly $500,000, giving the foundation more resources to expand its reach.

What happened: - Eden Gordon Media, LLC said it is representing the Airpower Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington. - The foundation announced three new veteran mental health programs: the Veteran Workforce Development Program, the Service Dog Program and the Equine Therapy and Retreat Program. - The announcement came as the foundation marked more than 27 years of service to military members, veterans and their families. - Executive Director Melissa Kithas said Patriot Roundup 2026 raised nearly $500,000 for the military community.

The details: - The Veteran Workforce Development Program is being developed with Four Sixes Ranch, Pitchfork Ranch, Lazy E Arena, Lazy E Ranch, Reliance Ranches, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and the Texas Veterans Commission. - The workforce program aims to place veterans in meaningful employment at ranches and farms across the nation. - The foundation said the program is designed to help veterans apply military skills in civilian work and continue serving by feeding communities. - The Service Dog Program is partnered with Hiatus K9 to train and place certified service dogs with veterans. - The foundation said service dogs can reduce PTSD symptom severity, lower anxiety and depression, cut nightmares and increase daily independence. - The Equine Therapy and Retreat Program is being launched with Rush Creek Sanctuary and Retreat Center. - The retreat program will offer individual therapy for veterans coping with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and other challenges. - The retreat program will also provide couples and family therapy for veteran marriages and whole-family healing. - The foundation said equine therapy can help reduce PTSD symptoms, lower anxiety, build emotional regulation, improve mindfulness, rebuild trust and strengthen communication.

Between the lines: - The foundation is pairing emotional support with practical help, especially jobs and therapy, which suggests a focus on long-term stability rather than one-time aid. - The mix of ranch, service-dog and equine partners points to a rural, hands-on model that may appeal to veterans seeking alternatives to traditional care. - Eden Hill framed the work around the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the need to remember those who never came home, tying the programs to a broader message of service and remembrance. - Kithas cast the programs as action, not just gratitude, saying the mission is to honor, support and empower those who served.

What's next: - The foundation is expected to roll out the three programs and expand access for veterans and their families. - Additional partnerships and participation from the military community could shape how quickly the programs scale. - Kithas said the work is just beginning after the fundraising milestone.

The bottom line: - The Airpower Foundation is turning its fundraising momentum into new mental health, employment and family-support programs for veterans.