top of page
RALLY4VETS
DISPATCH


Day 7 Rest Day in Portland: Doughnuts, a Skeleton, and a Very Dirty Car
2026 Rally4Vets America Grand Tour After six days and 1,348 miles, both the car and the crew had officially earned a day off. So we took one. No schedule, no mission stops on the clock, just blue sky over Portland and the rare luxury of nowhere we had to be. Turns out we're terrible at doing nothing — we still managed to visit a VFW and trade coins — but we'll get to that. Breakfast Was a Doughnut. We Regret Nothing. You can't roll through Portland and not hit the original Vo

Robert W. Hess
Jun 183 min read


2026 America Grand Tour - Day 1
Day 1: Los Angeles to San Francisco — The Road Remembers The Rally4Vets team rolled out of Los Angeles on June 13, 2026, at the start of something we've been building toward for a long time: the 2026 Rally4Vets America Grand Tour, a coast-to-coast run honoring America's 250th birthday and 250 years of service by the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Thirty-seven days, fourteen metro areas, and a country's worth of history between our front bumper and Washington, DC. Day 1 took us

Robert W. Hess
Jun 133 min read


10 Essential Tips Every First-Time Racetrack Driver Should Know
Starting your journey on a racetrack can be thrilling and intimidating at the same time. The roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the rush of speed create an atmosphere unlike any other. But before you take your first lap, there are important steps to ensure your experience is safe, enjoyable, and rewarding. Whether you are driving a sports car, a track-prepped vehicle, or a rental, these 10 essential tips will prepare you for your first time on the track. Unders

Robert W. Hess
May 243 min read


Essential Military Family Support: Building Strength and Resilience Together
When I think about the life of a military family, I see a tapestry woven with threads of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering love. The challenges are many - frequent moves, long deployments, and the constant uncertainty that shadows every goodbye. Yet, amid these trials, there is a profound strength that emerges. How do these families sustain themselves? What essential support systems help them thrive, not just survive? Let’s explore the vital pillars of military family suppor

Robert W. Hess
May 223 min read
Race With Kellymoss: Compete for $3,500 on iRacing, May 27
Kellymoss iRacing event.

Robert W. Hess
May 212 min read


Memorial Day 2026
A Memorial Day reflection from a Vietnam veteran on loss, the veteran suicide crisis, and the Rally4Vets 2026 America Grand Tour . Memorial Day means something different when you've worn the uniform. For most Americans, it's the start of summer. Backyard barbecues, a long weekend, maybe a parade. I don't begrudge them that. A country at peace is worth celebrating. But for those of us who served — and especially for those of us who lost brothers and sisters along the way — Mon

Robert W. Hess
May 212 min read


Veteran Family Support: Valuable Resources for Veteran Families
When I first stepped into the world of veteran family support, I was struck by the sheer depth of challenges and triumphs that come with military life. It’s a journey marked by sacrifice, resilience, and an unspoken bond that ties families together. But where do you turn when the road gets tough? What resources can truly make a difference? Today, I want to share with you a curated guide to valuable resources for veteran families—tools and programs designed to uplift, empower,

Robert W. Hess
May 193 min read


Veteran Fitness Initiatives: Empowering Strength and Resilience
When I first stepped off the battlefield and back into civilian life, I realized that the fight didn’t end there. The battle for health, for purpose, for connection - it was just beginning. Fitness became my anchor, my therapy, my way to reclaim control. But not all veterans have the same access or guidance. That’s why veteran fitness initiatives matter so deeply. They are more than workouts - they are lifelines. The Power of Veteran Fitness Initiatives Fitness is not just ph

Robert W. Hess
May 164 min read


Support Resources for Veterans with PTSD: Veteran Mental Health Resources
Living with PTSD is a journey marked by shadows and light. I know this because I have walked that path, felt the weight of memories that refuse to fade, and sought the lifelines that bring hope. If you are reading this, you might be searching for answers, for support, for a way forward. This post is for you. Together, we will explore the vital veteran mental health resources that can help navigate the storm of PTSD. Understanding the Landscape of Veteran Mental Health Resourc

Robert W. Hess
May 114 min read


The Benefits of Service Dogs: Service Dog Training Programs for Veterans
There is a quiet strength in the bond between a veteran and a service dog. It is a connection forged through trust, resilience, and healing. When I think about the journey many veterans face after service, I see how a service dog can become a lifeline - a companion who understands without words, who supports without judgment. Service dog training programs for veterans are more than just training sessions; they are gateways to renewed independence and hope. The Benefits of Ser

Robert W. Hess
May 84 min read


Prepping our WRX for a 6,554-mile Road Trip - The Roof Rack
What Would You Take on a 37-Day, 6,554-Mile Drive Across the US? Celebrating America's 250th Birthday What would you take on a 37-day, 6,554-mile drive across the US? And what would you put on your itinerary to celebrate America's 250th birthday? You can see our itinerary here. Preparing for the Journey With 37 days on the road, our team needs to carry a bunch of gear. While the WRX has a backseat, we expect some of our sponsors to join us along the way. So, we're adding a ro

Robert W. Hess
Apr 122 min read


Why the Subaru WRX Was the Right Car for Rally4Vets
by Robert Hess (With a lot of help from my anonymous automotive writer). The best Rally4Vets vehicle could not just be exciting. It had to be useful. It had to be durable. It had to be fun enough to matter, practical enough to justify, and distinctive enough to represent the mission well from Los Angeles to Washington, DC and everywhere in between. That is why the Subaru WRX won. After weighing a varied field that included the Toyota GR86, Volkswagen GTI, Mazda Miata, Subaru

Robert W. Hess
Apr 86 min read

Dark Wolf Gets It Right
Why Veterans See Themselves and Civilians Should Watch
ROBERT HESS

THE TERMINAL LIST: DARK WOLF
Loyalty, Silence, and the Fracture No One Saw Coming
YASAMIN DARA

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
In an industry known for controlled access, Cruise makes room.
YASAMIN DARA

COMMANDER’S DISPATCH
From the desk of a veteran, racer, and unapologetic advocate for common sense.
ROBERT HESS
The Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network (DVEN) is a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.
Our federal tax identification number (EIN) is 99-5053861
Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for this donation.


