We’re looking for volunteers to help build and beautify the R2W House in Florida! If you have skills in gardening or construction and want to put them to work for veterans and military families, we’d love to have you.
Interested? Click here to learn more and sign up
Project: Return to Work has deep ties to Colorado’s military community, and we want to share some of what’s happening there.
R2W Founder Rob Brazell serves as the Boulder Area Chair for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a federal program that supports Guard and Reserve members and their employers. Rob gives briefings to National Guard and Reserve members on their way to and returning from deployment, and presents high military awards to exceptional employers who go above and beyond for their service members.
ESGR Colorado has been busy in early 2026. In January and February, volunteers attended events including COARNG deployment briefings across the state, the Mile High SHRM Conference, the CONG Leadership Symposium, and an in-person volunteer training. Looking ahead, the 2026 Colorado Committee Annual Program and Awards Meeting (APAM) is scheduled for April 25th at JFHQ.
We’re proud to share their newsletters here as a window into this important work. Please enjoy the latest updates from our military partners.
February 2026 Monthly Newsletter.pdf
Follow Colorado ESGR on Facebook for the latest updates, and check out this recent highlight from their page.
Project: Return to Work has a long tradition of meaningful connection with Colorado’s military community — and a recent dog show brought that tradition to life in a big way.
Yin (Bilbo) and Yang (Olive) are siblings with a compelling competitive story. When Olive competed alone, she struggled to place. But when she entered the ring alongside her brother Bilbo, no one could beat her.
Behind the scenes, groomer and handler Diedre of The Wag Shop prepares and handles Bilbo at competitions. Her story of overcoming severe disabilities makes her dedication to this work all the more inspiring.
The dogs are co-owned by Annele Henderson and Cheyscott Kennels. Annele also shows Olive, serves as President of the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver (STCGD), and is a member of R2W’s Board of Directors
This photo says it all. It was taken at an Army Yellow Ribbon Reintegration event in Vail, Colorado, where R2W Founder Rob Brazell was serving in his Military Outreach role with ESGR, briefing soldiers returning from active duty. Yang — Stryder — became an instant morale booster that day, playing with a soldier’s young son and grandfather. The moment gave everyone present a lift, including the service providers supporting troops and their families as they transitioned back to civilian life.
Bilbo is now in training to serve at future ESGR events, continuing this tradition.
Please consider donating to help support Diedre and others at R2W on the front lines — helping injured heroes back to work and back to life.
Yin (Bilbo)
Diedre and Bilbo
Yang (Olive)
Annele Henderson and Olive
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back while building real professional skills? Project: Return to Work (R2W) is looking for volunteers to help veterans and military families navigate their return to the workforce.
R2W volunteers play a hands-on role — reviewing resumes, connecting with job seekers through our call bank, and joining employer panels at events. It’s flexible, rewarding, and a great addition to any resume.
We’re especially looking for college students and members of the military community who can commit a few hours a week. No prior experience required — just a willingness to show up and make a difference.
Interested? Apply at https://return2work.org/volunteer/ or reach out to us directly.
Out here, in a world where promises crumble faster than mud-brick walls under mortar fire, you learn to recognize the real deal. And if there’s one thing that stands out as unmistakably genuine, it’s the kind of sacrifice that isn’t broadcasted—only lived like an embedded reporter.
For decades, I’ve watched people claim service; few have actually given it. But some like R2W’s Founder have logged the kind of hours that don’t show up on any report—over 200,000 volunteered, the sort of commitment that would break lesser spirits. His mother matched that spirit stride for stride until the day she passed, both of them pouring their own time, money, and strength into a charity they refused to let die on the vine.
And now, even in her absence, her legacy continues. Her estate—every bit of it—is being handed over to the family foundation, fueling the mission they built together: Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W). It’s not just philanthropy; it’s a long-term supply line for the wounded and the weary, a beacon for future legacy donors who understand that some missions matter long after the shooting stops.
But good work draws fire. In every theater—combat or civilian—there are opportunists, scavengers who would steal hope if they can’t build it themselves. That’s why this mission needs allies. People willing to stand up, dig in, and protect something worth defending.
Because if there’s one thing these decades have taught me, it’s this: integrity is rare. And when you find it, you hold the line.
Be Part of the Mission
R2W House and R2W Village exist to give veterans a real path back — to work, to stability, to community. But they only work because people like you show up.
It takes just 5 minutes to get started:
The mission continues. Will you hold the line with us?
By Alexander Baker, STEM Intern
We’re excited to share that Project: Return to Work, Inc. (R2W) founder Rob Brazell was recently featured on Colorado Conversations, a media program spotlighting impactful stories from across the state.
In the interview, Rob shares the story behind R2W — from its founding in 1998 to its ongoing mission of helping veterans, wounded warriors, their spouses, and disabled Americans find meaningful employment. He speaks candidly about the challenges veterans face when re-entering the workforce and how R2W’s free recruiting and vocational rehabilitation services are making a real difference in people’s lives right here in Colorado.
Whether you’re a veteran looking for support, an employer interested in partnering with us, or simply someone who wants to learn more about our mission, this interview is a wonderful introduction to who we are and why we do what we do.
Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/SeB7bGskzgY
If you or someone you know could benefit from R2W’s free services, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we help veterans get back to work and back to life.
By Alexander Baker, STEM Intern
We are excited to announce that Yin & Yang, Project: Return To Work’s beloved Scottish Terrier mascots, will be competing at the Terry-All Kennel Club Dog Show this April 3, 4, and 5, 2026 in what promises to be a wonderful weekend of competition and community!
These two spirited Scotties are more than just show dogs — they represent the heart of R2W’s mission: resilience, dedication, and community. Just like the veterans and job seekers we serve every day, Yin & Yang show up, work hard, and give it everything they’ve got. We couldn’t be prouder to have them carry the R2W spirit into the show ring!
Come out and cheer them on, and while you’re at it, learn more about how R2W is changing lives one career at a time. Ring numbers and show times to be announced — check back soon!
Support R2W and the people we serve:
March 20, 2026
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Eastern Daylight-Saving Time
Roundtable | R2W House – Florida | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
R2W House represents a significant strategic asset and an extraordinary philanthropic gift. The purpose of this Roundtable is to bring senior leaders together to determine how this resource can be most effectively employed in service to the nation. We aim to honor the legacy of Frankie Ruth Nixon Brazell—’Fran’—by advancing her commitment to supporting families of wounded military service members, disabled civilians, and others facing hardship. R2W Directors and subject‑matter experts will brief you on potential mission sets and operational concepts for putting Fran’s estate to work for those who need it most.
Use our Contact page for more information.
https://www.return2work.org/contact
AGENDA
Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain
Rob Brazell, R2W Founder
Larry Gustafson, R2W Treasurer and Chief Legal Officer
Raghav Singh, R2W Director (Candidate)
Peter Donlevy, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Cory Wagoner, President, Higher Yields Consulting
