3M+ Deployed Post-9/11 7,074 Gave Their Lives 20+ Years Longest U.S. War 52,000+ Wounded in Action
🗺️ Explore the Battlefields: Our interactive Global War on Terror Battle Maps above show major operations from Tora Bora to Fallujah to the Korengal Valley. Click any marker to learn about the engagements that defined this era.

The Longest War

The attacks of September 11, 2001 launched what would become the longest sustained military conflict in American history. Operations Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Iraqi Freedom, and subsequent campaigns deployed over three million service members across multiple continents over two decades.

Unlike previous wars with defined endings, post-9/11 veterans often served multiple deployments, returned to civilian life, then deployed again. This era created unique challenges: the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury and PTSD, the strain of repeated family separations, and the complex transition back to civilian communities that often struggled to understand their service.

Understanding Post-9/11 Veteran Organizations

The post-9/11 era spawned an unprecedented wave of veteran service organizations—many founded by veterans themselves who saw gaps in existing support:

About the War on Terror

Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014): America's response to 9/11 began in Afghanistan, targeting al-Qaeda and the Taliban. The initial campaign featured Special Forces working with Northern Alliance fighters. What began as a targeted strike evolved into a 20-year nation-building effort that ended with the August 2021 withdrawal.

Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003–2011): The invasion of Iraq toppled Saddam Hussein in weeks, but the subsequent insurgency and sectarian conflict claimed thousands of American lives. Cities like Fallujah, Ramadi, and Mosul became synonymous with urban combat. Operation New Dawn continued through 2011.

The Surge & COIN: Both theaters saw "surge" operations—additional troops combined with counterinsurgency (COIN) doctrine. These strategies required service members to simultaneously fight, build, and engage with local populations.

Multiple Deployments: Unlike previous wars, post-9/11 service members often deployed multiple times. Some served 4, 5, or more combat tours. This repeated exposure to combat created cumulative stress on individuals and families.

The Invisible Wounds: Improved body armor and battlefield medicine saved lives that would have been lost in previous wars—but many survivors returned with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), PTSD, and complex physical wounds requiring years of rehabilitation.

The PACT Act (2022): The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act expanded VA benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. If you served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other post-9/11 locations, you may qualify for expanded benefits.

Ways to Support Post-9/11 Veterans

  1. Mentor a Transitioning Veteran – American Corporate Partners matches veterans with corporate mentors to help navigate career transitions.
  2. Support Service Dogs – America's VetDogs provides guide dogs, service dogs, and facility dogs to veterans at no cost.
  3. Connect Military Families – Blue Star Families builds bridges between military families and civilian communities.
  4. Help Children of the Fallen – Camp Corral provides free camp experiences for children of wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes.
  5. Engage Your Community – America's Warrior Partnership helps communities coordinate veteran support at the local level.

PACT Act Benefits: If you served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other post-9/11 locations, the PACT Act (2022) may entitle you to expanded VA healthcare and disability benefits related to burn pit and toxic exposure. Don't assume you're not eligible—contact the VA or a veterans service organization to learn more.

Mental Health Support: If you or a veteran you know is struggling, help is available. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 988 (press 1). Organizations like Bastion Community of Resilience offer peer support, and America's VetDogs provides service dogs for those with PTSD.

Military Children: The repeated deployments of this era placed unique burdens on military children. Camp Corral and Camp SHiELD provide therapeutic camping experiences specifically designed for children of wounded, ill, and fallen service members.

Organizations Supporting Post-9/11 Veterans

Organization Headquarters Locations

National Headquarters Organizations

75 organizations honoring those who served in the War on Terror

NY Flag
VETDOGS

America's VetDogs

"To help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence."

Est. 2003 Smithtown,
GA Flag
AMERICASWARRIORPARTNERSHIP

America’s Warrior Partnership

"<p>The <strong>America’s Warrior Partnership</strong> (AWP) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 to improve the quality of life for military veterans and their families by strengthening local communities and coordinating veteran support services. AWP focuses on data-driven solutions, community collaboration, and long-term outcomes to address challenges associated with military transition.</p>"

Est. 2015 Augusta,
NY Flag
ACP-USA

American Corporate Partners

"Veterans and Active-Duty Military Spouses paired with mentors from 1,800+ top organizations."

Est. 2008 York,
AZ Flag
ARIZONACOALITION

Arizona Coalition for Military Families

"To connect Arizona's service members, veterans, and their families to the right resources at the right time through collective impact and community collaboration."

Est. 2009 Phoenix,
VA Flag
ASAPASAP

Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP)

"To use creative arts to support the well-being of veterans and military families."

Alexandria,
VA Flag
AUSN

Association of the United States Navy

"To support U.S. Navy service members, veterans, and their families through education, career development, and advocacy programs."

Arlington,
LA Flag
JOINBASTION

Bastion Community of Resilience

"To support veterans through peer support, community, and comprehensive services that promote resilience and well-being."

New Orleans,
CA Flag
BLUESTARFAM

Blue Star Families

"To empower military families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors, both people and organizations, to create strong communities of support."

Est. 2009 Encinitas,
NY Flag
BOBWOODRUFFFOUNDATION

Bob Woodruff Foundation - Got Your 6

"To stand for the people who stood for us by raising awareness about the challenges veterans and military families face, and investing in solutions to help support them in the next chapter of their lives."

Est. 2006 Long Island City,
AR Flag
CAMPALLIANCEINC

Camp Alliance, Inc

"To support veterans through outdoor adventure and community."

Springdale,
NC Flag
CAMPCORRAL

Camp Corral

"To transform the lives of children of wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes by providing camp, advocacy, and enrichment programs."

Est. 2011 Raleigh,
TX Flag
CAMPSHIELD

Camp SHiEld

"To support military children through therapeutic camping experiences."

Houston,
NY Flag
CLEARPATH4VETS

Clear Path for Veterans, Inc.

"To help veterans and their families navigate life's challenges through community connection and comprehensive support."

Est. 2009 Chittenango,
VA Flag
CODEOFSUPPORT

Code of Support Foundation

"To help bridge the gap between veterans in need and available resources."

Est. 2010 Vienna,
NY Flag
COHENVETERANSBIOSCIENCE

Cohen Veterans Bio Science

"To fast-track precision diagnostics and treatments for brain health conditions affecting veterans."

Est. 2016 York,
NY Flag
COHENVETERANSNETWORK

Cohen Veterans Network

"To improve the mental health of post-9/11 veterans and their families by removing barriers to care and serving as a model for mental health care."

Est. 2016 New York,
DC Flag
DOGTAGINC

Dog Tag Inc

"<p>The <strong>Dog Tag Inc.</strong> is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 to empower veterans, military spouses, and caregivers through entrepreneurship education and leadership development. Dog Tag Inc. delivers a rigorous, values-based fellowship program designed to help participants build purpose-driven businesses and successful post-military careers.</p>"

Est. 2014 Washington,
DC Flag
ELIZABETHDOLEFOUNDATION

Elizabeth Dole Foundation

"To empower, support, and honor military caregivers, the hidden heroes of the U.S. military."

Est. 2012 Washington,
OK Flag
FOLDSOFHONOR

Folds of Honor

"Honor Their Sacrifice. Educate Their Legacy"

Est. 2007 Owasso,
MO Flag
KCFOOTPRINTS

Footprints, Inc.

"To provide housing and support services to those in need."

City,
NY Flag
FOURBLOCK

FourBlock Foundation

"To empower veterans to successfully transition to civilian careers."

Est. 2013 York,
TN Flag
GSF

Gary Sinise Foundation

"The Gary Sinise Foundation serves our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. We do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities."

Est. 2011 Franklin,
DC Flag
GWOTMF

Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation

"To establish a memorial honoring GWOT service members."

Washington,
TX Flag
GRACEAFTERFIRE

Grace After Fire

"To provide advocacy, community, and resources for women veterans."

Est. 2011 Houston,
FL Flag
MEDICALSERVICEDOGS

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs

Overview Individuals with permanent disabilities including PTSD, TBI, seizure disorders, mobility issues. Led by CEO …

Est. 2009 Beverly Hills,
NY Flag
GETHEADSTRONG

Headstrong Project

"To ensure all post-9/11 combat veterans and their families have immediate and barrier-free access to mental health care."

Est. 2012 New York,
NY Flag
THEHEADSTRONGPROJECT

Headstrong Project, Inc

"Veterans, service members, and their families seeking PTSD treatment."

Est. 2012 Flushing,
DC Flag
H2H

Helmets to Hardhats’

"The Helmets to Hardhats is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2003 to help veterans, transitioning service members, National Guard, and Reserve personnel build successful civilian careers in the construction industry. The organization connects the military community with career training, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities in skilled trades."

Washington,
GA Flag
HIREHEROESUSA

Hire Heroes USA

"To empower U.S. military members, veterans, and spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce through personalized employment training and corporate engagement at no cost."

Est. 2007 Alpharetta,
DC Flag
HIRINGOURHEROES

Hiring Our Heroes

"To connect veterans and military spouses with meaningful employment opportunities."

Est. 2011 Washington,
MA Flag
REDSOXFOUNDATION

Home Base Veteran and Family Care

"To heal the invisible wounds of war for veterans of all eras, service members, and their families through clinical care, wellness, education, and research."

Est. 2009 Boston,
MA Flag
HFOTUSA

Homes For Our Troops, Inc.

"To build and donate specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives."

Est. 2004 Taunton,
VA Flag
HOPEFORTHEWARRIORS

Hope For The Warriors

"To restore a sense of self, family, and hope for post-9/11 veterans, service members, and military families through comprehensive support programs."

Est. 2006 Springfield,
DC Flag
IAVA

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

"To connect, unite, and empower post-9/11 generation veterans through education, advocacy, and community building while advocating on behalf of all veterans in health, education, employment, and community."

Est. 2004 Washington,
FL Flag
K9SFORWARRIORS

K9s For Warriors

"To end veteran suicide by providing highly-trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma at no cost to the veteran."

Est. 2011 Ponte Vedra,
IL Flag
LEAVENOVETERANBEHIND

Leave No Veteran Behind

"To prevent veteran homelessness through emergency financial assistance and create long-term stability through workforce development."

Est. 2011 Chicago,
TN Flag
MEMORIESOFHONOR

Memories of Honor

"To provide dignified funerals for homeless and indigent veterans."

Arrington,
MA Flag
MILESFORMILITARY

Miles for Military

"To provide free travel to military families."

Boston,
TX Flag
MCEC

Military Child Education Coalition

"To ensure inclusive, quality educational opportunities for military and veteran-connected children."

Est. 1998 Harker Heights,
CA Flag
MCC

Military Children’s Charity

"Military Children’s Charity exists to provide gifts and recognition to the children of American service members. The United States has endured years of lengthy wars on multiple fronts. An entire generation of American military children have grown up and never known our country during a time of peace."

Wildomar,
WA Flag
MVA

Minority Veterans of America

"To create equity for underrepresented veterans through community building, policy change, and public awareness."

Est. 2017 Seattle,
MO Flag
MISSIONCONTINUES

Mission Continues

"To connect veterans with under-resourced communities, empowering veterans to continue their service and empowering communities with veteran talent and leadership."

Est. 2007 Saint Louis,
TX Flag
MISSIONK9RESCUE

Mission K9 Rescue

"To Rescue, Reunite, Re-Home, Rehabilitate and Repair any retired working dog that has served mankind in some capacity."

Est. 2013 Magnolia,
VA Flag
HEALTHYVETERANS

National Center for Healthy Veterans

"To improve the health and wellness of veterans through prevention, education, and holistic support programs."

Altavista,
VA Flag
NOONELEFT

No One Left Behind

"To ensure that our allies who served with U.S. forces are not left behind."

Est. 2008 Arlington,
CA Flag
OPERATIONFREEDOMPAWS

Operation Freedom Paws

"To empower veterans to regain their independence by training them to train their own service dogs."

Est. 2010 San Jose,
TX Flag
OPERATIONHOMEFRONT

Operation Homefront, Inc

"Our mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in the communities – OUR communities – they have worked so hard to protect."

Est. 2002 San Antonio,
VA Flag
OURMILITARYKIDS

Our Military Kids

"To support children of deployed service members through enrichment activities."

Est. 2004 Oakton,
AZ Flag
PATTILLMANFOUNDATION

Pat Tillman Foundation

"Unite and empower remarkable military service members, veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self."

Est. 2004 Tempe,
TX Flag
PATRIOTPAWS

Patriot PAWS Service Dogs

"To train and provide service dogs of the highest quality at no cost to disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities and PTSD."

Est. 2006 Rockwall,
OR Flag
PPH

Paws for Purple Hearts

"To help veterans heal through Canine-Assisted Warrior Therapy while raising top-tier service dogs for Veterans and active duty Service Members with mobility and trauma challenges."

Est. 2006 Canyonville,
NY Flag
POW

Paws of War

"To support our military through a variety of veteran support initiatives, including service and companion dog adoption programs."

Est. 2014 Nesconset,
VA Flag
SFAF

Semper Fi Fund

"To provide urgently needed resources and financial support for combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families."

Est. 2004 Quantico,
VA Flag
SEMPERK9

Semper K9 Assistance Dogs

"To enhance the quality of life for wounded, critically ill, and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families by providing them with trained service dogs."

Est. 2014 Fairfax,
DC Flag
SWAN

Service Women’s Action Network

"<p>The <strong>Service Women’s Action Network</strong> (SWAN) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to advocate for the rights, well-being, and equitable treatment of service women and women veterans. The organization focuses on policy advocacy, community organizing, and public education to address issues affecting women who serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces.</p>"

Washington,
CA Flag
SHELTERTOSOLDIER

Shelter to Soldier

"To rescue dogs and train them as service dogs for veterans with PTSD."

Est. 2014 Oceanside,
CT Flag
SOLDIERSTRONG

SoldierStrong

"To help veterans who have been injured in service to our country walk again, and to help all veterans reintegrate into their communities."

Est. 2012 Greenwich,
NC Flag
STOPSOLDIERSUICIDE

Stop Soldier Suicide

"Military suicide has claimed more lives than we’ve lost in most major conflicts, including World War I, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terror."

Est. 2010 Durham,
DC Flag
SVA

Student Veterans of America

"To act as a catalyst for student veteran success by providing resources, network support and advocacy to, through, and beyond higher education"

Est. 2008 Washington,
IN Flag
TEAMRWB

Team Red White and Blue Inc

"Enriching Veterans’ Lives"

Est. 2010 Knobs,
MD Flag
TRR

Team River Runner

"To provide veterans with opportunities to heal through kayaking."

Est. 2004 Rockville,
DC Flag
NCHV

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

"To end homelessness among veterans by shaping public policy, promoting collaboration, and building the capacity of service providers."

Est. 1990 Washington,
NY Flag
T2T

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

"To honor the sacrifice of first responders who lost their lives on 9/11 and military heroes."

Est. 2001 Staten Island,
VA Flag
UAP

United American Patriots

"To provide legal defense for service members."

Alexandria,
DC Flag
VETERANSCRISISLINE

Veterans Crisis Line

"If you’re a Veteran in crisis (<strong>Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.</strong>) or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7, confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255."

Washington,
IN Flag
AMERICAN LEGION

Veterans Support Council, Inc.

"Veterans.ooo serves military veterans, transitioning service members, technologists, and allies who are interested in open source software, technology careers, and collaborative digital innovation"

Indianapolis,
CA Flag
VYP

Veterans Yoga Project

"To support recovery and resilience among veterans, families, and communities through yoga, meditation, and mindfulness."

Est. 2010 Alameda,
NC Flag
VETERANSPLUS

VeteransPlus

"To empower military and veteran families with financial education, counseling, and coaching to achieve financial stability."

Est. 2014 Durham,
MD Flag
WARRIORCANINECONNECTION

Warrior Canine Connection

"To reconnect Warriors to life, family, and community through a mission of training service dogs for fellow Veterans with disabilities."

Est. 2011 Boyds,
TX Flag
WARRIORSHEART

Warriors Heart

"Mission is to heal our nation’s warriors through private, licensed, and accredited resort-style healing centers."

Est. 2016 Bandera,
WA Flag
WEARBLUERUNTOREMEMBER

Wear Blue: Run to Remember

"A healthy, ready, and resilient military family. We enhance and exemplify community, wellness, respect, grit, and excellence in everything we do. We run for the fallen, for the fighting, and for the families."

Est. 2010 University Place,
MA Flag
WOVENWOMENVETS

Women Veterans Network (WoVeN)

"To provide a unique social network of women Veterans to foster connections and build relationships in local communities and across the nation."

Boston,
FL Flag
WWP

Wounded Warrior Project

"To honor and empower wounded warriors by providing free programs and services for post-9/11 veterans covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellness to help them thrive for a lifetime."

Est. 2003 Jacksonville,
ME Flag
WREATHSACROSSAMERICA

Wreaths Across America

"To Remember, Honor, and Teach about the sacrifices of our veterans."

Est. 1992 Columbia Falls,
CA Flag
ZERO8HUNDRED

Zero8Hundred

"<p>The <strong>Zero8Hundred</strong> is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending veteran homelessness and supporting veterans in crisis through housing assistance, peer support, and coordinated care. The organization focuses on helping veterans overcome immediate challenges while building pathways to long-term stability and independence.</p>"

Diego,