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Project: Return2Work Selected as Exhibitor at PVMH Veterans Mental Health Conference

Recently, Project: Return2Work is proud to announce that we have been accepted to joining the PVMH conference as an exhibitor. The PVMH conference, otherwise known as the Partnerships for Veterans Mental Health conference, is an annual conference designed to elevate veterans mental health issues and needs. The event, scheduled for September 3-5 at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz medical campus, is an excellent place to highlight the needs of veterans with mental issues, and is attended by a wide variety of people such as veterans, current service members, and everyday community members. The event is scheduled to have multiple guest speakers such as inspirational speakers, expert panels, and scientific tracks. Chief among them will be now retired master sergeant Cedric King, who will share his story on resilience. The movie Brothers After War will also be shown, with many more events being scheduled to take place over the 3 day event. 

Discounts will be available for veterans, service members, and their families. We hope to make a lasting impact at this year’s PVMH conference, and hope that you can show up and give your support too. To find out more about the event, please visit the event webpage, link.

By Farid Ahmadov, STEM Intern

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Charlie Gann: A Life Led by Loyalty, Love, and Scottish Terriers 

At the heart of Gallica Scottish Terriers is a woman whose life has been transformed by a breed known for its bold spirit and unwavering loyalty. Charlie Gann, owner of Gallica Scottish Terriers and a proud member of the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver, has been a cornerstone of the Scottie community since 2000. Alongside her husband, Bob Gann, Charlie has dedicated over two decades to nurturing, showing, and celebrating these remarkable dogs. 

“From the time we acquired our first Scottie in 2000, we had gone full on in everything Scottish Terrier.” 

Charlie’s journey began with a single Scottish Terrier—and from that moment, she and Bob dove headfirst into everything Scottie-related. Their passion has taken them across the U.S., and even to the UK, where Charlie qualified to show at the prestigious Crufts Dog Show in 2022. Her home-bred wheaten-colored girl, Sorcha (CH. Gallica’s Edelweiss), won Best of Breed at the national specialty—an honor not seen for a wheaten Scottie since 1986. 

“It was a great honor. The last time a wheaten-colored Scottish Terrier won the national was in 1986.” 

Charlie’s involvement with the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver spans 18 years, during which she has served as President, Vice President, Newsletter Editor, and Board Member. Bob, equally committed, has been the club’s webmaster for 15 years and is also an AKC Earthdog Judge, certified to judge at all levels across the U.S. and Canada. 

“Bob has judged all over the US and Canada. He’s passed all qualifications to judge at every Earthdog level.” 

Beyond conformation events, the Ganns are active in AKC Scent Work, Barn Hunts, and are now exploring AKC Tracking. Charlie also contributes nationally, having served on the board of the Scottish Terrier Club of America for five years and currently holding committee positions. 

Their love for Scotties extends to the next generation. Charlie affectionately refers to Bilbo and Olive as her “grand-Scotties.” These energetic pups are descendants of her champion Sorcha, through her wheaten male Lars’ son, Gallica’s Sea Dragon. Bilbo is cherished by Rob, and Olive by Annel Henderson—both deeply involved with R2W. 

“Bilbo and Olive are fun-loving, energetic, and very lucky Scotties to be loved by Rob and Annel.” 

Charlie’s connection to Project: Return To Work (R2W) has been a meaningful one. “After being introduced to Rob, it has been wonderful to witness his love for our military members and his endless dedication to helping them,” she says. The opportunity to bring dogs into the fold of R2W’s mission has added a joyful and healing dimension to the work. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to get together with the workers of R2W and have dogs be a part of it!” 

Charlie Gann’s story is one of devotion—to her dogs, her community, and the people she’s met along the way. Through Gallica Scottish Terriers and her work with R2W, she continues to inspire others with her warmth, expertise, and the enduring charm of the Scottish Terrier. 

 

By Nathan Megersa, STEM Intern 

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Bridging the Gap: Project: Return to Work’s Mission to Reintegrate Veterans into Civilian Careers

Transitioning from military to civilian life is a tough problem facing many veterans today, with many proposed solutions either not working or not working well enough. Veterans often lack the proper skills demanded by the job market, or they face discrimination due to the disabilities they incurred during their service. These obstacles can lead to unemployment, underemployment, or financial stress. Below, we outline Project: Return to Work’s (R2W) unique approach in reintegrating veterans into civil society.

Project: Return to Work focuses on vocational training to help build up the skills veterans will need to reintegrate into civil society. R2W works with a wide array of career counselors to work with clients to make individualized career plans that align with the clients’ personal skills and interests. Our services also include job search assistance, resume and cover letter writing, and ongoing job placement support. Furthermore, we provide guidance by disclosing any disabilities a client may have so that they can get the accommodations they need. Military spouses are also provided with help to help them navigate any hurdles they may face while their spouses seek employment, such as relocation assistance and networking opportunities. 

Our program has many success stories, many of which can be found on our website, return2work.org. We have placed many veterans in many different industries, leveraging their own personal skills and our connections to these industries. Military spouses also have benefited from our support, finding fulfilling employment that also accommodates their own personal circumstances. 

We look forward to expanding our services to reach and help even more people, as well as to connect with more organizations to help provide employment. We hope to inspire other organizations by sharing our model with them so that they adopt similar approaches to help contribute to a more equitable and supportive employment landscape.

By Farid Ahmadov, STEM Intern

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The Fight Continues – Sgt. Juback’s Journey to a New Purpose After Service

With just two months left before completing his active military service, Sergeant Logan Joic is preparing for a new chapter in life—one filled with opportunity, purpose, and hope. Thanks to the support of the nonprofit organization Project: Return2Work (R2W), Logan is now envisioning a future that once felt out of reach.

 

“I probably could’ve found a job on my own,” Logan shared, “but it wouldn’t have been this easy.” Injured while serving in Iraq, Logan’s military career is coming to an early end. But when he learned about R2W, he saw a chance to move forward with confidence. “I had a little bit of schooling and a little bit of experience, but I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to apply at the places where I’m interviewing right now.”
Founded in 1998 by veteran Rob Brazell, R2W was created to help fellow veterans navigate the transition from military to civilian life. “If a soldier has Social Security income or disability income, we offer extensive vocational rehabilitation services,” Brazell explained. “And right now, there are a lot of employers looking for soldiers.”

R2W partners with businesses and volunteers across the country to connect veterans with meaningful employment opportunities. The organization has helped countless individuals find jobs they never imagined possible—jobs that match their skills, values, and resilience. 

 

Logan recently interviewed with an engineering firm, and the prospects look promising. His story is a testament to the mission of R2W: empowering veterans to reclaim their futures. “These soldiers have an attitude that just can’t be beat,” said one R2W supporter. “They may have lost their arms or legs, but they have a spirit that says, ‘I’m going to fight, I’m going to win, and I’m never going to give up.’”

 

As Logan prepares to leave the military, he does so with renewed hope and a clear path forward—thanks to the unwavering support of Project: Return2Work. 

 

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

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A Legacy of Empowerment: R2W’s Journey Since 1998 and Vision for the Future

In a heartfelt interview on Comcast Newsmakers over 16 years ago, Rob Brazell, founder of Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W), shared the story of an organization built on hope, resilience, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Founded in 1998, R2W was created to help veterans and disabled citizens overcome barriers and return to the workforce with confidence and dignity. 

Rob outlined R2W’s innovative model—one that integrates vocational, physical, and therapeutic rehabilitation to support job seekers holistically. It wasn’t just about employment; it was about restoring purpose and independence. He also issued a powerful call to action, urging employers across industries to partner with R2W and become part of a movement that transforms lives. 

Today, that mission is not only alive—it’s thriving. 

Over the past two decades, R2W has helped thousands of individuals find meaningful employment through personalized support, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. The organization continues to serve as a trusted bridge between untapped talent and inclusive employers, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the unique needs of each job seeker. 

Looking ahead, R2W is setting its sights even higher. The goal: to serve one million clients over the next decade. This ambitious vision is fueled by powerful collaborations with organizations like StaffCV and Microsoft, whose technologies and platforms have propelled R2W’s reach and impact. These partnerships enable R2W to deliver cutting-edge tools, streamline job matching, and provide the best possible support to those seeking employment. 

But the journey is far from over. 

R2W is actively seeking new volunteers, job seekers, and employers to join its mission. Whether you’re looking to give back, find your path forward, or hire exceptional talent, R2W is here to help you take that next step. 

From its founding in 1998 to its future vision, R2W remains a beacon of hope, empowerment, and opportunity. Join us in shaping the next chapter.

By Nathan Mergusa, STEM Intern