Founded in 2012, Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation (SCLDF) is steadfast in our threefold 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 goal is to be a voice for veterans facing multiple challenges entering civilian society. We assist veterans and their families navigate the proper channels to get benefits they’ve earned, connect them with Veteran Service Officers in their local area, and help provide direction during their difficult time.

Assistance: Official DoD count, as of January 3, 2024:

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF)

Casualties: 4,431 WIA: 31,994

OPERATION NEW DAWN (OND)

Casualties: 74 WIA: 298

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF)

Casualties: 2,354 WIA: 20,149

OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR)

Casualties: 111 WIA: 364

OPERATION FREEDOM'S SENTINEL (OFS)

Casualties: 109 WIA: 620

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. We assist with a multitude of different financial obligations our veterans face. SCLDF has assisted with mortgage payments, car payments, utility bills, car repairs, bus tickets, plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, daycare, home repairs, groceries, and many other requests since our inception.

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 coming home may not mean the war has ended. We hold many public fundraising events, working with community partners to raise awareness around military suicide and prevention.