Military And Veterans
Veteran-owned companies commit up to $25M to wipe out vets' medical debt
Veteran-owned companies commit up to $25M to wipe out vets' medical debt
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Virginia Beach, Virginia
(TNND) Two veteran-owned businesses have an ambitious goal this Veterans Day: raise $25 million to wipe out medical debt for over 10,000 veterans. Born Primitive, an apparel brand founded by veterans, generated $11 million for the cause last year. This year, it has teamed up with Black Rifle Coffee Company, another well-known veteran-owned brand, to raise funds for their initiative. Their target is ambitious but noble, and they remain optimistic about reaching it. Bear Handlon, CEO and co-founder of Born Primitive and a former Navy SEAL officer, expressed confidence during an interview, stating, "We're looking good, but the hays not in the barn yet. The campaign runs through Veterans Day, a fitting time for this effort, which resonates deeply with their core audience. Earlier this year, Handlon and Evan Hafer, the founder of Black Rifle Coffee Company and a former Green Beret, secured $5 million in donations upfront. This strategic move allowed them to start impacting veterans' lives immediately. They have made it a point to show potential contributors the tangible effects of their contributions. For example, Handlon shared a poignant story about delivering a debt relief letter to a Gold Star spouse and Army veteran in Denver, amounting to $341,000 a life-changing amount for her and her family. He also highlighted a situation in Virginia Beach, where a local woman received relief from $12,000 in medical bills at their retail store. This personal touch is a vital part of the campaign, as Handlon believes that behind every dollar raised, there are real people who experience the impact. He aims to alleviate financial burdens that often go unnoticed but can significantly affect veterans' well-being and family stability. Handlon reflects on why he and his fellow veterans zeroed in on medical debt: "No one deliberately incurs medical debt. It doesn't happen because of poor financial decisions. It's a circumstance completely beyond your control." This perspective underscores the need for support systems that cater to the unique challenges veterans face after serving their country. The duo hopes to streamline the process of relieving medical debt through a partnership with ForgiveCo, a company specializing in debt forgiveness. They intend to complete the debt elimination process by Christmas, aiming to provide relief in time for the holidays. Looking ahead, Handlon mentioned plans to expand the campaign in upcoming years. However, he also stressed the importance of collaborating with lawmakers and the Department of Veterans Affairs to prevent new veterans from accumulating medical debt. By targeting both relief and prevention, they hope to create long-term solutions that benefit the veteran community. As the campaign progresses, it emphasizes the responsibility of businesses to help their communities and the unique bond veterans share. Their efforts not only assist those in need but also elevate the conversation about veterans' issues in society, pushing for more comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of financial distress among veterans. With less than a week until Veterans Day, the spotlight is on these businesses and their commitment to serve those who have served the nation. The campaign not only seeks to alleviate debts but also to raise awareness about the struggles many veterans face daily.