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Looking Back R2W’s 2009 Welcome Event for Wounded Warriors at Fort Carson

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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

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R2W Sponsors: Powering Possibilities for American Heroes

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At Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W), we are proud to partner with some of the world’s most innovative and impactful organizations—including Microsoft, Google, Suitable, and many more. These sponsors share our mission to empower Americans with disabilities, injured veterans, and their families through meaningful employment and career development.  

Why Sponsorship Matters. 

 

R2W believes in the power of collaboration. By networking with community leaders and industry giants, we amplify our ability to deliver life-changing services. Our sponsors contribute not only funding, but also technology, expertise, and visibility—helping us reach more people and create lasting impact.  

 

Each year, R2W participates in highly publicized events where sponsor logos are proudly displayed across our website, marketing materials, and media coverage. Members of our elite Employers Corps—pillars of the community—are recognized at events and in interviews for their outstanding support.  

Programs You Can Support  

 

Sponsors and donors can choose to support a variety of impactful programs:  

  • General Fund  
  • A JOB FOR LIFE Endowment  
  • Sponsor Events  
  • Sponsor Injured Veterans & Families  
  • Job Posting & Screening Services  
  • Mentor Program  
  • STEM Internship Program  

 

These programs are designed to provide long-term support and career pathways for those who need it most.  

Join the Movement  

 

R2W has helped thousands of American Heroes and their families over the decades. With your support, we can continue to grow our reach and deepen our impact. Whether you’re a tech company, a local business, or an individual donor, your contribution helps build a more inclusive workforce.

 

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

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🎯 Using AI to Improve Outreach: R2W Launches User Engagement Research Initiative

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August 31, 2025 — Project Return to Work Inc. (R2W) is proud to announce a new research initiative led by Raghav Singh, a Business Intelligence Developer at R2W and a graduate student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Colorado State University. This project aims to uncover patterns in user engagement on the R2W website to enhance outreach and messaging strategies. 

The research explores a central question:
“What patterns in user engagement on the Project Return to Work website could help inform and improve outreach or messaging efforts?” 

To answer this, Raghav is combining cutting-edge analytics tools with thoughtful survey design. A Qualtrics survey will be deployed to gather qualitative insights from visitors—asking how they arrived at the site, what content resonated with them, and what emotions they experienced during their visit. These responses will help contextualize the quantitative data collected through Google Analytics, including metrics like: 

  • Click-through rates 
  • Page views and time on page 
  • Bounce rates and exit pages 
  • Traffic sources and user flow analysis 

“This is about finding the intersection between numbers and narratives,” Raghav explains. “If someone says they felt inspired by a veteran success story, and we see high scroll depth and time-on-page for that story, that’s a strong signal. But if users bounce quickly from the homepage, that tells us something needs to change.” 

The survey will be accessible via the R2W landing page and promoted across social media platforms. On-site feedback forms and pop-up surveys may also be used to increase participation—balanced carefully to avoid overwhelming users. 

Beyond improving the website, this initiative has strategic implications. By identifying which traffic sources bring in the most engaged users—not just the most users—R2W can prioritize outreach efforts more effectively. For example, LinkedIn may attract fewer visitors, but those visitors might be more likely to donate or engage deeply with content. 

Raghav’s work reflects a broader commitment to data-driven decision-making at R2W. “Setting up a GA4 property and web stream is a profound contribution,” he notes. “But it often requires advocacy and persistence. The insights we gain will help us better serve our mission and connect with the people who need us most.”

 

By Raghav Singh, Business Intelligence Developer

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Looking Back: R2W’s 26th Annual Awards Ceremony (May 2024)

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Last year, Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W) proudly hosted its 26th Annual Awards Ceremony, celebrating the dedication of volunteers and community leaders who have helped veterans and people with disabilities return to work and life. 

Two Celebrations, One Mission 

To better serve our honorees and engage local communities, we held ceremonies in both Englewood, Florida and Boulder, Colorado. Special thanks to: 

  • Ronald Aylward, Executive Director of Heritage Oaks of Englewood, for hosting in Florida 
  • Chris Lites, for opening his clubhouse in Colorado 
  • General Thomas Mills, who presented medals in Colorado 

Presidential Honors 

Gold medals were awarded through the President’s Volunteer Service Awards, with recognition from President Joe Biden: 

Florida Honorees: 

  • Fern Ballou 
  • Debbie Henderson 

Colorado Honorees: 

  • Rob Brazell 
  • Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr. 
  • Larry Gustafson 
  • Jay VanderWerff 
  • Chuck Wright 

Additionally, Rob Brazell received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and R2W was honored with a Company Gold Medal. 

Spiritual Leadership and Community Support 

Prayers were led by: 

  • Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., Chaplain, Denver Sheriff’s Department (Colorado) 
  • Chaplain Jim Mosely, American Legion Post 113 (Florida) 

Rob Brazell also read a prayer from the Committee on Publications, 1st Church of Christ Scientists, Englewood, Florida, where Fern Ballou and Debbie Henderson are members. 

Words That Inspired 

The ceremonies featured moving testimonials and speeches from: 

  • Fern Ballou, Debbie Henderson, and Ron Aylward in Florida 
  • General Thomas Mills, Chuck Wright, Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., Larry Gustafson, and Rob Brazell in Colorado 

Notable attendees included neighbors, church members, first responders, and dignitaries such as Elisabeth Patierno, President, and Robert Patierno, Commander, American Legion Post 113, Rotonda West, Florida. 

A Personal Reflection from Fern Ballou 

“I thought my working years were over when my company moved away. But after a chance meeting with Rob Brazell at our church in Englewood, he asked for my resume and hired me. I never imagined it would lead to this award. It’s been deeply gratifying to help veterans and others with disabilities return to work and life. I’m still volunteering and grateful every day.” 

Support Still Needed 

As economic conditions evolve, grant foundations increasingly require nonprofits to demonstrate strong individual and corporate donor support. Every contribution helps sustain R2W’s mission. 

“Heritage Oaks of Englewood doesn’t just say ‘This isn’t like home, it is home’—they live it. Thank you to Ron, Kimberly, Chris, and all the staff and volunteers who made this celebration possible.”
— Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain and Director 

 

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

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The Fight Continues – A Dream Come True

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By Raghav Singh, Lead STEM Intern.  

R2W helped its first soldier nearly three decades ago.  With just two months left before completing his active-duty military service, Sergeant Logan Jubeck had to prepare for a new chapter in life—one filled with opportunity, purpose, and hope. Thanks to the support of the nonprofit organization Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W), Logan was able to envision a future that he once felt out of reach.

SGT Logan Jubeck was R2W’s first soldier via the National Guard’s Community Based Health Care Organization (CBHCO) nearly three decades ago.

“Without [R2W] I probably could have found a job on my own, but it wouldn’t have been as easy.”  Seargent Logan Jubeck

Injured while serving in Iraq, Jubeck found himself on another path with the National Guard’s Community Based Health Care Origination (CBHCO) where he met Rob Brazell, R2W’s Founder, and his father and Uncles at a special Muster for injured soldiers. When he learned about R2W, he saw a chance to move forward with confidence.

Rob and Fran Brazell quickly found an employer in a civil engineering field that Jubeck was just dreaming about.  He didn’t have the prerequisite education or experience, but the employer waived the requirements for Jubeck and mentored him while providing a high salary that helped stabilize his family after his combat injuries.

“I had a little bit of schooling and a little bit of experience, but I probably wouldn’t have had the courage to apply…”  Seargent Logan Jubeck

R2W was founded in 1998 by Rob Brazell, his mother Frankie (Fran) Nixon Brazell, his father Ray Brazell, and his lifetime mentor, Malcolm Crawford out of his victories over severe injuries and terminal illness.  They created R2W to help injured Guard and Reserve members transition from military to civilian life. “… 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 over 10,000 individuals find jobs they never imagined possible—jobs that match their skills and values to bring out their resiliency.

Logan’s story is a testament to R2W’s mission empowering veterans to reclaim their futures. “These soldiers have an attitude that just can’t be beat,” said Brazell. “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.’

“These soldiers have an attitude that just can’t be beat.”   Rob Brazell.

 

As Logan separated from the military, he was able to renew his hope and find a clear path forward—thanks to the unwavering support of Project: Return To Work Inc.  (R2W) .

 

About The Author

Raghav Singh
– Lead STEM Intern
“As a Business Intelligence Developer with three years of experience and a Bachelor’s in Information Science, I transform complex data into actionable insights. I’m passionate about making a meaningful impact, particularly in empowering veterans, disabled civilians, and sundry communities, through my work with Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W).”  (read more)