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Calling CU Students & Military Families: Volunteer with Project: Return to Work

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.

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Integrity Is Rare. Hold the Line.

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:

  • Volunteer — Sign up to support R2W House or R2W Village: https://return2work.org/volunteer/
  • Donate — Help fund the mission and carry the legacy forward: https://return2work.org/donate/

The mission continues. Will you hold the line with us?

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R2W Featured on Colorado Conversations with Ken Clark

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.

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Yin & Yang at the Terry-All Kennel Club Dog Show

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!

View Event

 

Support R2W and the people we serve:

DONATE

VOLUNTEER

JOB SEEKERS

EMPLOYERS

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Roundtable – Pressing R2W House into Service

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

  • Opening Prayer – Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain
  • The Estate – Rob Brazell, R2W Founder
  • The Foundation and Trust Fund – Larry Gustafson, R2W Treasurer
  • R2W Programs – Raghav Singh, R2W Director (Candidate)
  • Community Engagement – Peter Donlevy and Steve Muse, Edward Jones
  • Stacking Grow Containers on The Back Lot – Corey Waggoner, President, Higher Yields Consulting
    • Revenue for R2W House
    • Training opportunities for students and injured Guard & Reserve families
  • R2W Mentors – Ryan Chester, R2W Volunteer
  • Testimonials
  • Closing Prayer – Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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From Setbacks to Success: A Veteran’s Road to Employment


Testimonial

My name is Dack Anderson, and it has been a long road. As a U.S. Navy veteran who recovered from homelessness in 2020, I completed my college degree through the VA’s VR&E Chapter 31 Program in 2024, and successfully interned with Colorado Springs Utilities.  But then I eventually found myself unemployed for fourteen months. After submitting more than 450 applications, I’m nevertheless grateful for the people and organizations who supported me along the way until I finally found a new job.

Volunteers of America Colorado (VOA‑CO), especially my Employment Counselor, Ms. Sara Ramirez, provided steady guidance throughout my search. She introduced me to Project:  Return To Work Inc. (R2W) only a few weeks before my breakthrough, but even in that short time, their online workshops and encouragement were meaningful. I was especially humbled to learn that R2W’s Chaplain, Ms. Fern Ballou (at 96 years old!), had been praying for me daily. As a man of faith, that meant more to me than I can fully express.

While the final success came through persistence, preparation, and God’s timing, I’m thankful for every person who helped me stay focused and hopeful. I appreciate the collaboration between VOA and R2W, and I hope my story encourages others who are still working toward their own breakthrough.

Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain

 

 

Dack Anderson

Dack Anderson

 

Call To Action

DONATE

VOLUNTEER

JOB SEEKERS

EMPLOYERS

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R2W Mascots Shine at Colorado Kennel Club Show! 🐾🇺🇸

R2W’s own mascots, Yin and Yang—better known as Bilbo and Olive—made an impressive showing at the Colorado Kennel Club Dog Show, held February 13–15, 2026, at the National Western Events Center in Denver.

Now officially “adults” at 12 months, this brother‑sister team stepped into the ring with confidence and delivered outstanding results:

  • Olive (Yang) swept Best in Breed all three days
  • Bilbo (Yin) earned Best Opposite each day
  • Olive went on to compete head‑to‑head with all breeds for the top ribbons

These wins weren’t just personal victories—they were proudly dedicated to our Guard and Reserve families, and to the STEM interns who help drive millions of dollars in donated technologies to bridge the civilian–military divide. 🎖️💻

R2W Founder Rob Brazell shared:\ “This is the largest show Yin and Yang have competed in. Grooming bays stretched endlessly—you should’ve seen the parade of perfectly primped competitors. Thanks to Diedre, our new master Groomer and Handler from The Wag Shop, our pups have never looked or performed better. Her story is inspiring—stay tuned for what’s next.”

 

Annell Henderson, Olive’s owner, shares grooming tips with Diedre Hered, Owner of The Wag Shop.

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In Loving Memory | Rear Admiral Richard “Dick” E. Young

 

 

 

Rear Admiral Richard “Dick” E. Young 
1931 – 2026      In 2009, Governor Bill Ritter asked Dick to serve as Chair of the Colorado Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency. During his tenure he received numerous awards and recognition for turning the Colorado ESGR into the largest and most productive state ESGR in the country.

Dick Young was my mentor and a defining influence on my life. He entrusted me with extraordinary opportunities and, without hesitation, absorbed the pressure that leadership inevitably brings. He protected those he believed in, often at personal cost.

I witnessed him confront prejudice within our community with absolute resolve. There was nothing passive about his leadership—he met injustice head-on, with clarity, courage, and an unyielding moral compass. He was among the toughest leaders I have known, yet always one of the most fair-minded.

He pushed me beyond my perceived limits—again and again. In doing so, he taught me that true leadership is not about relentless pressure alone, but about developing people for the long term. He demanded that I live the values I spoke about, and through that discipline, helped me become a better leader and a better human being than I ever thought possible.

The lessons he imparted remain central to how I lead and serve today. My mother and I modeled our charitable work after the command structure and philosophy he demonstrated at ESGR—service rooted in integrity, accountability, and care for people. By following his example, we were privileged to serve more than 10,000 active-duty and retired service members and their families.

What a privilege and honor it was to serve under such leadership. Rear Admiral Richard “Dick” E. Young was truly a force of nature, and I will remain grateful for his impact for the rest of my life.

At ease, Admiral. Rest in peace, Sir.

– Read full obituary –