CHARLESTOWN, Mass. — On October 23, 2024, Home Base, in partnership with Suffolk and Wounded Warrior Project, proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Home Base National Center of Excellence expansion, featuring the Suffolk Innovation Clinic and Wounded Warrior Project Brain Health and Special Operations Performance Clinic.

This state-of-the-art facility, pictured above, is dedicated to providing clinical support for Special Operators and Veterans affected by traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and polytrauma from both combat and training. The expansion will enhance Home Base’s ability to serve Veterans and their Families, offering comprehensive evaluations and treatments for neurological, psychological and physical conditions related to TBI, musculoskeletal injuries and mental health challenges faced by Special Operators.

In addition to clinical services, the enhanced space is dedicated to innovation and research aimed at developing new treatment modalities, including studies on improving the HealthSpan and brain health of our Warriors, and the effectiveness of psychedelic therapies. This initiative represents a significant advancement in care for those who have bravely served our Nation, ensuring they receive the support and treatment they need and deserve.

Featured speakers included Home Base Executive Director Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, Chief Operating Officer Michael Allard and former participant Michelle Ekoniak as well as Suffolk Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Fish, Wounded Warrior Project Chief Executive Officer Retired Lieutenant General Walt Piatt, Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey, Mass General Brigham Chief Integration Officer and Executive Vice President Dr. O’Neill Britton, Secretariat for Special Operations Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Dr. Sandra Hobson and Blue Angels Foundation President Scott “Intake” Kartvedt.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING…

Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, Executive Director, Home Base:

“Home Base is shifting our focus to include HealthSpan, allowing us to continue healing invisible wounds while addressing exposures like toxic environments and physical injuries. By integrating cancer and cardiovascular screenings, we aim to better assess risk and detect issues early. We also recognize that identifying unseen trauma is crucial to their overall health and well-being, and we are committed to providing this life saving care and support they have earned and deserve. We sincerely thank all of our partners including Suffolk and Wounded Warrior Project for providing the support, vision and expertise to take this from a concept and turn into a meaningful space to heal our Heroes.”

Michael Allard, Chief Operating Officer, Home Base:

“Our expanded facility is a dedicated space for providing critical care to Special Operators and Veterans facing traumatic brain injuries and polytrauma. This enhances space allows Home Base to better serve Veterans and their Families with comprehensive evaluations and treatments for the often invisible wounds they encounter. Our expansion represents not just care but innovation, as we advance brain health for our Warriors and redefine mental health care for Veterans.”

John Fish, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Suffolk:

“We are incredibly proud to have partnered with General Hammond and Home Base on a project that will have such an enormous impact on military veterans in need. We owe our freedom and quality of life to these wounded warriors and heroes, so it has been a distinct honor and privilege to be associated with the Home Base team that cares deeply about the wellbeing and future of our veterans who have sacrificed so much for all of us.”

Retired Lieutenant General Walt Piatt, Chief Executive Officer, Wounded Warrior Project:

“At Wounded Warrior Project we help rebuild lives for the latest generation impacted by war and military service. It should not be harder for people to come back from war than to go to war, but it is. Home Base is a founding member of our Warrior Care Network partnership because they are leaders in caring for those who serve. We have many more warriors to bring home, so let’s keep the promise and work together to support those who kept us free.”

Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey:

I was humbled to join servicemembers and veterans in celebrating @homebaseprogram’s expansion. With new clinics to aid their mission to treat patients' unseen injuries, they are setting the national standard for integrated care—for the military and our entire health care system. pic.twitter.com/hUiZAjTYkn

— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) October 24, 2024

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