• 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.

• 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.

• 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/

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 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.