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About Vetlinks

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About VetLinks

It all started with Brian.

As U.S. Army Major Brian Kavanagh transitioned out of active duty service, he became frustrated with the lack of Veterans Affairs provided care and resources available to veterans’ facing challenges similar to his own. He and his wife Jessica struggled and battled with their local Veteran’s Affairs facility month in and month out as Brian continued to face multiple challenges associated with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Through this long and painful struggle, Brian conceptualized of a non-profit organization dedicated to linking combat veterans to the resources and services that were not being provided by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

Out of the Kavanagh family’s own struggles, Vetlinks.org was founded and launched with the singular goal of providing one on one support to combat veterans and their families.

Our Mission

We believe the value of our society is determined largely by the way we care for those who sacrifice on our behalf. It is therefore our responsibility to do what we can to support veterans, their loved ones, and their caregivers. VetLinks.org provides personalized, tailored support to individual combat veterans and caregivers suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

Our Vision

Vetlinks.org will accomplish their mission through its singular dedication to understanding each Family’s unique, individual situation.

This focus on the individual Family will facilitate VetLinks.org’s ability to fill in the resource and support gaps lacking in the support provided by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs(VA) and / or the Family’s current non-VA sourced care plan. By serving as a resource bridge between what care and resources the Family currently receives and the care and resources the Family actually needs, VetLinks.org can make tangible, long-term improvements in the overall health of each supported Family’s lives.

The care and resources provided by VetLinks.org is multi-faceted and includes: mental health care, therapy, counseling, legal assistance, education, and administrative assistance. In addition, VetLinks.org can also connect combat veterans and their Families to additional resources not provided directly through our charity.

About The Board

The VetLinks.org Board of Directors unknowingly developed almost 30 years ago.

Lifelong friends and classmates, LTC Kirk Duncan, MAJ Brian Kavanagh, Joe Fleming, and Pat McNally shared  bond and friendship few will ever experience. Brian touched the lives of many with his enthusiasm for life and contagious smile. After his passing in June 2016, his widow Jessica vowed to continue on his concept forVetLinks.org.

Pat, Kirk, and Joe joined Jessica on her mission. Becky Duncan, Sara Huerter, John Purcell, and Mark Schremmer were recruited to help with marketing, legal, fundraising, and public relations – all Brian’s friends and former classmates. Together, this group of friends and accomplished professionals continue to shape VetLinks.org into a resource for supplying caregivers, families, and Veterans with PTSD financial support and program referrals.

The board of directors assess each case on an individual basis and a customized plan of action is created.

Jessica Kavanagh

CEO/President

Jessica Kavanagh

CEO/President
Jessica and her late husband, Major Brian Kavanagh, conceptualized VetLinks.org while battling with their local Veteran's Affairs facility. In 2015, Jessica began advocating for the importance of VA mental health care reform, the need for alternative post traumatic stress & traumatic brain injury treatment, and the support of Caregivers affected by their Veteran's PTSD. Jessica copes with her difficult loss through caring for her two young daughters, spending time with close friends, and pouring her efforts into helping other families via VetLinks.org.

Kyle Duncan

CFO/Treasurer

Kyle Duncan

CFO/Treasurer

Kirk Duncan

CMO/Military Liason

Kirk Duncan

CMO/Military Liason
Kirk has served for 17 years an active duty Soldier in the United States Army. He understands the issues Combat Service Members face serving our country and the struggles with reintegration at home. He is passionate about helping Veterans & Families find the appropriate therapy and treatment needed to move past the affects of PTSD and TBI.

Pat McNally

COO/Operations

Pat McNally

COO/Operations
Pat's business expertise and experience as a CEO managing multiple clients, projects, and employees helps VetLinks.org with growth decisions. Pat oversees where VetLinks.org invests time and efforts to maximize Veteran outreach and Caregiver support. As a true outdoorsmen, Pat is a believer in the therapeutic value of reconnecting mind and spirit through hiking, fishing, and traversing in nature.

John Purcell

Development

John Purcell

Development
As an award winning CEO of a quickly growing sales team, John is a seasoned leader with significant experience in growing small business. He assesses partnerships, analyzes fundraising, and identifies new opportunities for VetLinks.org to expand. John understands the importance of family life. He strives to ensure a better quality of life for veterans and families members affected by PTSD.

Joe Fleming

Veterans Affairs

Joe Fleming

Veterans Affairs
Joe's history and passion for working with those suffering from PTSD and TBI related symptoms makes him a valuable asset to VetLinks.org. His passion helps reassure that our veterans and their families receive the care they need at the times they need it.

Sara Huerter

Legal Counsel

Sara Huerter

Legal Counsel
Sara Huerter has been an attorney at Carpenter Chartered in Topeka Kansas since 2004. Carpenter Chartered primarily represents psychiatrically disabled veterans with service connection claims and veterans seeking total ratings based on unemployability. She helps VetLinks.org better understand VA processes and new legislature.

Justin Finn

Development

Justin Finn

Development

General Don Bolduc

General

General Don Bolduc

General
During his 32 year career, Brig. Gen. Bolduc spent more than 80 months deployed in support of military operations around the world. Bolduc is one of the few military officers, and the only active duty general officer on record, to openly discuss his own struggles with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. {photo credit: Andrew Harnik/AP}

Dan

Event Coordinator

Dan

Event Coordinator

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    Vetlinks.org is an IRS tax exempt 501 (c)(3) Organization. All donations are tax deductible. EIN # 81-3680935