Founded in 2012, Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation (SCLDF) is steadfast in our three fold mission: Veteran Advocacy, Assistance and public Awareness of the battles our heroes face when they come home. 

Advocacy:  There are 2.8 million veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Our rapid reduction in military forces finds these veterans another challenge; coming home.  Our main mission is to be a voice for these veterans who face multiple challenges entering back in to civilian society.  

Assistance: Official DoD count, as of APRIL 29, 2016:

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) 

Casualties: 4,424

 WIA:           31,952

OPERATION NEW DAWN (OND)

Casualties: 73

WIA:            295

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF)

Casualties: 2,349

WIA:            20,071

OPERATION INHERANT RESOLVE (OIR)

Casualties: 16

WIA:            14

OPERATION FREEDOM'S SENTINEL (OFS)

Casualties: 22

WIA:           100

Casualties:                6,884

Wounded In Action: 52,432

What these numbers don't speak to, are the invisible wounds our veterans face - such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  At least 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD or depression.  It is reported that 50% of these veterans do not seek treatment.  

Awareness: Deployments find mission, duty and camaraderie.  Coming home does not always mean peace, but often reveals confusion, turmoil, anger, depression and isolation. To end the pain; an estimated 22+ veterans and 1 active duty soldier succumb to suicide every day.

It is imperative that the public, decision makers, and our veterans' families understand that coming home may not mean the war has ended.