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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

by Robert Hess. (With help from an anonymous friend and automotive writer). Last summer we blogged about replacing our beloved C-6 Corvette with something a bit easier [read less than 400 hp] for our sponsors and volunteers to drive on the track. And a car that is more comfortable for our annual 3,000+ mile road rallies across the US. Our first thought was a Toyota GR-86. (What's not to love there?!) But . . . Choosing a fun car is easy. Choosing one car that can carry a m

Rally4Vets is proud to announce that our parent charity, the Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network (DVEN), has earned the prestigious 2026 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. This is the highest-tier recognition awarded by Candid (formerly GuideStar) for nonprofit transparency, accountability, and public reporting. This achievement highlights DVEN’s unwavering commitment to openness, rigorous reporting, and measurable impact in serving disabled U.S. veterans and their famili

Stepping out of service, you might feel a sudden silence. The camaraderie, the shared mission, the unspoken understanding - all seem to fade. But what if you could find that connection again? What if you could join a community that speaks your language, understands your journey, and walks beside you? That’s the power of veteran peer networks. They are more than just groups; they are lifelines, bridges back to belonging. Rediscovering Connection Through Veteran Peer Networks W

A Very Special 1964 Jaguar XKE Meet our 1964 Jaguar XKE roadster—the gorgeous red car in the photo. Even in a world full of interesting cars, an early XKE still stops traffic. With its long bonnet, impossibly low stance, and wire wheels that look like jewelry, this car is a sight to behold. It’s no wonder Enzo Ferrari reportedly called the E-Type “the most beautiful car ever made.” This particular example is precisely what you’d hope for in a mid-’60s British sports car: Clas