Boulder, CO – Project:  Return To Work Inc,  (R2W) announces a heartwarming partnership with the Macy family, who are donating seven Walker hound puppies to loving families in our community. 

INTERESTED IN ADOPTING? Contact us immediately at https://return2work.org/contact/ – Priority given to Guard and Reserve families. 

Meet the Puppies 

Born July 29th, these seven pups (4 females, 3 males) are offspring of Sis, a sweet-natured running walker, and Boone, a well-minded hunting companion. Individual photos showcase each puppy’s unique personality and appeal. 

Ready Now 

Puppies are 8 weeks old and ready for their forever homes. Walker hounds offer gentle temperament, intelligence, and loyalty – excellent family pets with natural hunting instincts. 

Pickup & Delivery 

• Pickup: Boulder, Colorado or Rock Springs, Wyoming 

• Shipping: Available nationwide (costs apply) 

• Health: Contact us for shot records and healthcare information.

About the Donation 

The Macy family – extended family of R2W founders Rob, DeLisle, Fran, and Ray Brazell – continues their tradition of giving back to the community through this generous donation. 

Apply now: https://return2work.org/contact/ 

By Alexander Baker, STEM Intern 

FORT CARSON, CO — In 2009, Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W) played a vital role in honoring and supporting wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan through its signature “Wounded Warrior Welcome Social” at Fort Carson. 

At the time, the Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) served as a critical waypoint for injured service members—some preparing to rejoin their units, others beginning the transition to civilian life through medical discharge. Regardless of their path, the Welcome Social offered a moment of recognition, connection, and hope. 

The event was part of a long-standing tradition initiated in 2006 by LTC Joe Gmelch, who began hosting monthly socials to welcome and uplift transitioning soldiers. By 2009, these gatherings had become a cornerstone of community support, even as the frequency shifted to quarterly due to a decline in combat-related injuries. 

The January 2009 social drew notable attendees, including U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Mrs. Colorado Christina Sacha, reflecting the community’s deep appreciation for its service members. Major General Mark Graham, then Commanding General of Division West, First Army and Fort Carson, was also present to personally greet the soldiers. 

Rob Brazell, President of R2W, attended alongside his father Ray Brazell, a WWII Marine, and a team of R2W Employment Specialists—many of whom were veterans themselves. R2W’s mission was clear: to provide free vocational rehabilitation services to injured soldiers, using a unique blend of advanced technology and personalized job placement strategies. 

The event allowed R2W specialists to connect directly with wounded soldiers and Marines, offering guidance and reassurance about life after service. “Once the word gets out about what we do, R2W is always requested and accepted,” said one specialist. “The soldiers walk away knowing they’ll be taken care of.” 

R2W’s slogan—“Back to Work, Back to Life”—captured the spirit of the event and the organization’s enduring commitment to helping veterans reclaim their futures. 

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

In July 2011, Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W) reached a pivotal milestone when its founder, Rob Brazell, and board member Jay D. VanderWerff were invited to a daylong White House briefing. This event was more than a ceremonial visit—it was a powerful recognition of R2W’s grassroots impact and its unwavering commitment to serving disabled veterans and Wounded Warriors. 

A Seat at the Table 

The White House gathering brought together community leaders from across the nation to engage directly with senior officials. For R2W, this was an opportunity to elevate the voices of veterans and their families at the highest levels of government. Rob Brazell’s remarks—calling it “the most open White House in history”—captured the spirit of collaboration and transparency that defined the event. 

Policy Meets Purpose 

The discussions centered on federal initiatives supporting disabled Americans, with a strong emphasis on veterans’ affairs. R2W’s mission aligned seamlessly with the administration’s priorities, particularly through the Joining Forces initiative, which aimed to support military families through employment, education, and wellness programs. 

This alignment catalyzed a strategic shift in R2W’s operations. Following the White House visit and subsequent engagements with the Department of Defense and other agencies, R2W began restructuring its business model to more rapidly respond to the employment needs of Wounded Warriors. This transformation laid the groundwork for future partnerships and program expansions. 

Legacy and Impact 

Looking back from 2025, this moment stands as a testament to R2W’s credibility and influence. It validated the organization’s work since its founding in 1998 and helped shape its trajectory in the years that followed. The White House visit also reinforced R2W’s role as a bridge between federal policy and local action, ensuring that the needs of veterans were not only heard but addressed. 

Today, as R2W continues to evolve—navigating funding challenges, expanding digital outreach, and reimagining workforce development—the 2011 White House briefing remains a proud chapter in its history. It reminds us that meaningful change begins with courageous conversations, and that grassroots organizations like R2W can indeed shape national policy.

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant