Contact Active Heroes via Email for Rapid Response or Phone (takes 1 business week for reply)
Email Us:
General Questions:
info@activeheroes.org
Online & Retail Store:
customerservice@activeheroes.org
Call our Office &
Community Center:
502.277.9280

Headquarters Address:
Active Heroes
5809 Bardstown Rd
Louisville, KY 40291
Get Directions
Visitation by appointment only.
General Active Heroes Questions
- Is Active Heroes affiliated with the VA?
While the VA has wonderful resources, Active Heroes is not affiliated with them, we are a separate organization. We also appreciate the local VA allowing us to leave materials with them for veterans to learn about our organization and how to utilize our services.
- How did Active Heroes get started?
Active Heroes was formed by our president, Troy Yocum. Troy came up with a plan to raise awareness and funds to help military families by hiking across America, after coping with loss by suicide of his battle buddies, as well as his grandfather. He began the 17-month journey, dubbed the “Hike for Heroes”, on April 17, 2010 and finished more than 7,800 miles across 37 states on September 3rd, 2011. Troy became the first veteran to ever walk the length of 3 times across America and was awarded the Citizen Honors Medal by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The hike garnered national attention for veteran suicide awareness, raised $1.3 million for military families, and helped to create Active Heroes to continue a mission to end veteran suicide.
- How do you verify my service record?
Upon use of our services or facilities, for the first time, we ask you bring with you some form of government issued ID that proves you are a veteran or a current service member. This could be your military ID, your VA card, a driver’s license with veteran status, or a copy of your DD214. For your family members, we ask that they have proof of their relationship to you, via military ID, driver’s license with the same last name and address, birth certificate, or marriage license. It is necessary for the veteran’s status to be verified if the family member is not providing proof of relationship through a military ID.
- Do you have veterans on staff?
Our president, and founder, Troy Yocum is a veteran that understands the impact of suicide due to personal experiences with family and friends. Because of that, Troy has made vast efforts to ensure the Active Heroes staff has the same passion for serving veterans and military families, whether they are a veteran, military family member, or a civilian that shares an appreciation of those that serve our country.
- Is Active Heroes similar to/affiliated with Wounded Warrior?
Active Heroes is not affiliated with the Wounded Warrior in any way. We are similar in the fact that we want to improve the lives of those that have served our country, but we have different missions. Active Heroes’ mission is to support all U.S. military service members, veterans and their families through physical, educational, and emotional programs in an effort to eliminate suicide.
- Do you partner with other non-profit organizations?
In general, Active Heroes operates separately from most non-profit organizations. We are open to the possibility of partnering with organizations and groups that compliment our mission statement. However, any partnerships are determined by the executive staff and Board of Directors, after diligent research, and decisions are only made in the best interest of those we serve.
- Do you help people create their own charities?
Although we commend people in their pursuit to support causes, Active Heroes does not have resources available to assist anyone in the creation of their own charity, foundation, group, company or organization. We suggest you find a non-profit lawyer and register for training and educational courses for non-profits. The most successful organizations are led by educated staff.
- Does Active Heroes have a counselor on staff/ provide mental health services?
Active Heroes is not a licensed medical mental health provider with licensed mental health professionals on staff. While our focus is on suicide prevention, we do that through programs that encourage controlled integration, camaraderie among peers, suicide prevention training in addition to stress and trigger point reducing services.
If you are in need of a mental health facility, we recommend searching for the nearest “Patriot Support Program.” Learn more at: http://patriotsupportprogram.com/locations/
In addition, you may also find veteranscrisisline.net to be a beneficial source when searching for support facilities. Go to veteranscrisisline.net. Click “I am a Veteran” > Resource Locator > Enter Zip Code.
Veteran Suicide Questions
- Are 22 veterans still committing suicide every day?
The latest statistic released by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs concluded that an average of 20 veterans commit suicide daily. The previous statistic claimed an average of 22 veterans committed suicide daily. We understand that this statistic is most likely higher, but we strive to significantly decrease this issue that has plagued our community. We do know that many veterans’ lives have been saved due to our efforts and we will never give up our fight.
Personal Information
- What are you going to do with my email/phone number?
At Active Heroes, we value your privacy. Any information you provide us is kept private in a secured database that is only accessible by select Active Heroes executive staff members. If you have selected additional communication, newsletters and emails are only sent to those who are subscribed to the specific program or opportunities. You have the opportunity to unsubscribe at any time by going _______ or calling us at (502)277-9280. You can view our full privacy policy at: https://activeheroes.org/policies/
Volunteer Information
How do I Volunteer?
- Active Heroes is always looking for volunteers. We have multiple ways to get involved with the charity’s events and locations. Find all of the opportunities listed here: https://activeheroes.org/volunteer/
What volunteer opportunities are there?
Volunteers are needed to become trained Team Leaders and host our national events; ruck marches, gym workouts, shooting competitions and more. We also need volunteers at our community center and retreat center. The projects range from physical labor to helping organize inventory.
How to Donate and Donation Questions
How do I donate online?
Online donations can be made on our website located at: https://activeheroes.org/donate/
Where to send checks?
Thank you so much for helping Active Heroes. We really appreciate donors and fundraisers like you. Please make the check out to Active Heroes and mail the check or money order to:
Active Heroes 5809 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40291
How do I get a donation receipt
Donation receipts are given out after donations are received. We send out an automatic email to anyone donating online. If donations are mailed via check or money order, Active Heroes will mail back a receipt when the donation is over $200. (is this correct)
How to I donate in-kind gifts (materials)?
Active Heroes accepts donations of cleaning supplies and other materials at our main address: Active Heroes 5809 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40291. For a list of gifts we are seeking, please check our our amazon wish list at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/372C5GFI31E7Y/ref=cm_sw_su_w
How do I get a donation receipt
Donation receipts are given out after donations are received. We send out an automatic email to anyone donating online. If donations are mailed via check or money order, Active Heroes will mail back a receipt when the donation is over $200.
What Services or Programs Does Active Heroes Provide?
- What does AH do? OR What services do you provide?
At Active Heroes, our goal is to eliminate veteran suicide. We believe that can be done in a variety of ways. We have a retreat center, located in Shepherdsville, KY, that provides many therapeutic and relaxation opportunities to veterans, current service members, and their families. At our community center, we have programs such as acupuncture, massage therapy and reiki, yoga, music lessons, and family events. Everything we offer is completely free to use, providing stress-free opportunities at no cost to the veteran, current service member or their family. Our Active Challenges held throughout the nation and overseas helps to provide camaraderie and focuses on preventing suicide among our veterans and current service members.
- Can Active Heroes help me file for VA benefits?
Unfortunately, we do not have any affiliation with the VA, nor do we have the ability to assist in filing with them. We recommend contacting your local DAV chapter, as they are better equipped and familiar with the process. Find the nearest DAV chapter: https://www.dav.org/membership/local-chapters/
- Do you provide legal services?
While we do not provide legal services out of our offices, we do have resources available that we would be happy to share with you. The Legal Aid Society is an organization of lawyers that provide free services for those in poverty. They often provide free legal advice for veterans as well. We recommend searching for the nearest “Legal Aid Society” in your state.
- Do you provide Financial Assistance
Active Heroes does not provide financial assistance. Instead we focus on healing activities, our retreat center and community centers. If you are in need of financial assistance, please research financial assistance or emergency financial aid charities online in your local area.
- Do you provide Home repairs
Active Heroes only provides a few home repairs each year through a TV contest with Media stations. Military Families must check with their local Media station to see if they are hosting the contest and apply only with them. Additionally Active Heroes announces these contest on social media. Active Heroes doesn’t have the financial capabilities to donate home repairs outside of these contests since the TV stations are handling the donations.
Event Questions?
- What events/teams are in my area?
You can find all of our events listed in our calendar and online map system on the national resources page: https://activeheroes.org/national-resources/
Or the calendar located here: https://activeheroes.org/event-calendar/
- How do I sign up for ______________?
To sign up for a program or an event, please visit the event calendar our website activeheroes.org/events to search for opportunities near you. While viewing the calendar you have the abilty to sign up for the opportunity using the calendar link. Make sure to register for a ticket to any event. Some free tickets options re available for select events for veterans and military families. Fundraising is optional.
Speech requests
- Can AH send a representative to my school/business/etc. to share info?
Depending on events being fundraisers for Active Heroes, will depend on us being able to travel to events with executive staff. Speakers can be requested below by filling out the form. We do require a donation or fundraising event. In some cases we may have a local volunteer represent Active Heroes or train someone in your event committee to represent the charity.
Retreat Center Questions
- What Construction projects are going on at the retreat?
Construction projects are ongoing at the retreat center as we development more phases. We are fundraising to build more cabins and more healing areas throughout the retreat including amenities.
- How can I schedule a time to see the retreat?
During the winter months, the retreat center is generally not open for visitors. In the spring, summer and fall there will be plenty of opportunities to visit the retreat. You can schedule your visit on our website at www.activeheroes.org/military-family-retreat/.
- What activities/services are available at the retreat center?
The Military Family Retreat Center offers activities for the entire family. Currently, there is a four mile hiking trail, an archery course, children’s playground, grills, open fields for family games, and more. There are benches and pergolas throughout the retreat for you to unwind with the sounds of nature, to include the 5 creeks that run throughout the retreat. Camping events are listed on our event calendar In the future, we will provide more activities that include classroom exercises and agricultural training.
- How long can I stay at the retreat?
Military Families can stay at the retreat for up to 5 nights, whether tent camping or using one of our cabins. Cabins are available for reservation upon completion. Any stay at the retreat has to be scheduled with Active Heroes. Reservations for camping or cabin stays are available by reservations at: https://activeheroes.org/military-family-retreat/, click on “Cabin Reservations”
- Who can visit the retreat?
Veterans, service members, military families
The retreat is available for use by veterans, service members and their families. We define family as the spouse, children, parents, siblings and children of siblings of the veteran or servicemember. Verification is required for all utilizing the retreat.
General Public
The General Public can visit the retreat and take part in some activities for a donation. Specific activities at the Retreat Center will belated on our event calendar.
Company & Organization Representatives
While the retreat is only available for use by veterans and military families, we would be happy to provide you with a guided tour by scheduling an appointment. To schedule a time to visit, please send us an email to info@ActiveHeroes.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Police/Fire/EMS
Though it is not an advertised often, we do welcome police, fire, and EMS personnel to visit our retreat center just like our veterans, service members and their families. We will have an annual camping or event date for all service personnel every year.