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
Call To Action
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.
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.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
2025
Get ‘er done.
Purpose
My time at Project: Return to Work has been one of the most impactful experiences of my career…. I am doing this work because veterans have sacrificed a lot …. When you find work that aligns with your values that creates real changes in your community, you hold onto it. Alexander, R2W STEM Intern
read full story
Fox 31 Interview – Founder’s Testimonial
Ken Clark, Anchor interviews Rob Brazell, R2W Founder
watch video
Mascots
Yin & Yang went paw-to-paw at dog shows all summer, proudly championing our National Guard and Reserve clients—and their exemplary employers. When they weren’t collecting ribbons, these award-winning Scotties reported for duty at military briefings for soldiers returning from overseas, expertly breaking the ice, boosting morale, and helping set the stage for positive outcomes (with wagging tails and impeccable timing).
Read more here
Scientific Research
R2W Showcases Innovation in Veteran Recovery – Partnerships for Veteran and Military Health Conference, College of Nursing, University of Colorado
R2W’s Work Therapy Program caught the attention of researchers worldwide at the Partnerships for Veteran and Military Health Conference. The results? Veterans achieving stability and purpose faster than ever before.
STEM Interns
This summer, exceptional STEM interns joined Project: Return to Work, bringing more than just technical skills—they also brought a commitment to helping National Guard and Reserve families and Americans with disabilities find meaningful careers.
Respect.
What exactly are they working on behind the scenes? And how are their efforts advancing R2W’s mission to serve one million clients?
R2W STEM Interns enjoying a free meal at Naked Lunch
Outstanding Volunteers
Raghav Singh started as a STEM Intern but quickly rose to lead R2W’s students for one of the most productive and meaningful years in R2W’s history. He deserves a lot of credit and our deepest gratitude for helping us bridge the gap between military and civilian communities.
Filip Forejtek, Olympic Athlete, Champion CU Buffs Ski Team, and R2W Advocate
R2W created over 300 volunteer accounts in 2025 via a grant from Microsoft.
Nathan Mergesa – STEM Intern
“I love to help others and make an impact on the community. And I’m happy to be able to do that by working with R2W, helping veterans and their families.”
Hiale Haile – STEM Intern
“R2W’s mission allows me to impact people’s lives directly, and that has always been a dream of mine. Because of R2W, I can now help those in need.”
Community Partners
It wouldn’t be possible without you!
Charlie Gann: A Life Led by Loyalty, Love, and Scottish Terriers
Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Denver (STCGD)
Gayleen Pratt, Owner, StaffCV and Suitable
Empowering Veterans
At Project Return To Work Inc. (R2W), Suitable has transformed how we support veteran job seekers and volunteers.
Thank you, Gayleen Pratt, for your generous contribution of this technology. read more
High Military Award
Rob Brazell, R2W Founder and STCGD Director, wins the prestigious 7 Seals Award from the military
Military Briefings and Awards to Employers
Rob Brazell, R2W Founder, is an Area Chair at the military’s Employers Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). In that role, he gave briefings to Guard and Reserve members returning from active duty overseas (Military Outreach). He also presented high military awards to exemplary employers and helped host Boss Lifts (Employer Outreach).
Vote4us.org!
Yin & Yang
R2W Mascots
Served over 10,000 veterans & disabled civilians.
R2W Showcases Innovation in Veteran Recovery – Partnerships for Veteran and Military Health Conference, College of Nursing, University of Colorado
We’re proud to share that R2W was both an exhibitor and presenter at this prestigious international conference. Our Founder, Rob Brazell, highlighted R2W’s groundbreaking Work Therapy Program—a model designed to help severely injured veterans rebuild purpose, stability, and confidence.
Researchers from around the world expressed strong interest in studying R2W’s approach, which has shown remarkable success in fostering resiliency and helping veterans achieve stability far more rapidly than in previous generations.
Rob also spoke about the vital role of STEM interns and mentors in bridging the divide between military and civilian communities—an essential step in helping veterans reintegrate and thrive.
Your support makes achievements like this possible. Together, we’re setting a new standard for veteran recovery and reintegration.
PVMH 2025, “Elevating Veteran Voices: Advocacy & Innovation,” was September 3-5, 2025. Inspirational speakers, expert panels, and scientific tracks filled the two-day event with post-conference workshops.
Conference Events
Movie: Brothers After WarThe film “Brothers After War” was screened and followed by a seminar with the producer, Jake Rademacher.
See: Official trailer
2025 Keynote Speaker: Master Sergeant (Retired) Cedric King
Finding Sunshine in Darkness
Veteran Shares His Story of Resilience
Pre-conference events
September 3rd
3:00 p.m. – Tour of Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center
5:00 p.m. – Conference Reception
Pre-conference events
September 5th
6:00 – 7:00 a.m. – Rise & Run with Cedric
Before a day of deep conversations and advocacy, join our Keynote speaker, Master Sergeant (Retired) Cedric King, for an energizing start. This special session is included with your PVMH 2025 Conference Registration.
The Honor Bell
September 5th / 8:15 a.m.
Saluting the sacrifice. It will sound during our conference, tolled by veterans and active-duty members. In front of Building 500, the old Fitzsimmons Hospital
Post-conference workshop
September 6th
Inkblot, Intuition and I: Creating art to connect with your inner wisdom
Event Details
Who
Veterans, Service Members, Family and Community Members
More than half of the 2024 attendees were active duty members, veterans, military family members, and caregivers; a third were healthcare providers and faculty; and a dozen community service organizations were represented.
When
September 3-5, 2025
Where
CU Anschutz Medical Campus
Krugman Conference Hall
12700 E. 19th Ave
Aurora, CO 80045
Conference Highlights
Free Tours and Events
- Reception and art exhibit on campus with artists from the Veterans Art Council Art Gallery
- Tour the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
Post-Conference Workshops
- 2024 Colorado Horsepower Empowering Through Horses Workshop
- 2023 StoryCenter Workshop: Storytelling and deep listening as tools for understanding
- 2023 Creative Expression in Mixed Media Art for Veterans and Community with acclaimed mixed media artist Wayne Brezinka
- 2022 Songwriting Workshop: “Healing Through Music” with Richard Casper, Co-founder & Executive Director, CreatiVets AND Nashville Hit Songwriter, Tommy Karlas
Free – Local Family Donates Seven Purebred Walker Hound Puppies
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
R2W Village LLC Seeks Rehabilitation Counselors for Florida Contract
The incubator for Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W), R2W Village LLC, is excited to announce several positions for Rehabilitation Counselors in Florida. Join a company that has helped disabled Americans and veterans find fulfilling work for more than 26 years, has won numerous awards, and has a proud history of winning government contracts. Since 1998, R2W has established a solid, purpose-driven organization that genuinely improves people’s lives. We have received praise for our creative approach to vocational rehabilitation and our steadfast dedication to helping people get “Back to Work, Back to Life.”
With an emphasis on Tier 3 Employment Services and Tier 4 Supported Employment, we are hiring up to seven certified professionals to support our contract with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the State of Florida Department of Education. For counselors with a track record of success and genuine confidence in their abilities, this remote-friendly role offers competitive compensation that surpasses industry standards, along with generous commission opportunities. In addition to certification from recognized organizations, qualified candidates must hold a BA with relevant experience or a PhD or Master’s degree in a related field. Join a team that has been changing lives for decades and start your own fulfilling career in vocational rehabilitation if you’re passionate about helping people with personal, social, and professional challenges become as independent and employable as possible.
By Alexander Baker, STEM Intern
R2W Job Seeker’s Workshops: Your Gateway Back to the Workforce
With our extensive Job Seeker’s Workshops, created especially for Veterans, Americans with disabilities, and anyone else prepared to confidently reenter the workforce, Project: Return to Work, Inc. (R2W) continues to empower job seekers. Our workshops offer individualized guidance from compassionate professionals who understand your unique challenges, whether you’re a disabled person looking to explore new career paths, a wounded warrior transitioning from military service, or someone just looking to brush up on your job search techniques.
New to R2W? We invite you to attend our Job Seeker’s Workshops to learn more about how to get started. There, you will meet people going through similar experiences and gain the skills and confidence needed for a successful career. Our workshops create a friendly, community-based setting where participants can exchange stories, rehearse interviewing skills, and get input from both professionals and peers.
With over 25 years of experience helping thousands of Americans return to meaningful work, R2W’s workshops have become a trusted stepping stone for those ready to write the next chapter of their careers. Contact us today and check out our events page to learn more about upcoming workshops and take the first step toward your “Back to Work, Back to Life” journey.
By Alexander Baker, STEM Intern
