Dear Home Base Nation,

Military forces may be front of mind for many during this season as we celebrate Independence Day and our Nation’s birth. Home Base and our Grateful Nation are ever mindful of this steadfast community, their service, and their sacrifice. We are committed to serving Veterans of all eras, Active Duty Service Members of all branches, the Families of all military, and Families of those fallen.

As we continue to honor all who have served, this year, Home Base asks you to recognize and consider a unique group of the military community that has worked tirelessly to defend the freedoms set forth by our Nation’s forefathers and the first patriots: Special Operations Forces (SOF). In recent years, military operations in hostile areas have been almost exclusively conducted by Special Operations Forces (SOF). SOF has been the force of choice leading to an increase care need for active duty, Veterans, and Family Members of the this community for specialized treatment in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), whole body care, and other mental health needs.

In 2019, Home Base answered this call to help those affected by the unprecedented rise in care needs and suicides in the SOF community, by establishing the country’s first private sector special operations clinic for physical and traumatic brain injuries.  In just four years, the demand has surpassed all expectations and current resources. As a result, Home Base is asking a Grateful Nation to once again come together and help us reach our goal of raising an additional $1 million needed to expand space and clinical resources at the Home Base National Center of Excellence, specifically for our Special Operations heroes.

Another way we are honoring the service and sacrifice of this elite group, Veterans, Services Members, and their Families  is at the 14^th Annual Run to Home Base, a 9K run/5K run/walk through Boston, with racers crossing the “home base” finish line at Fenway Park be  on Saturday, July 22. This year’s ceremony is honoring the service and sacrifice of our Special Operations Forces and the stories of hope and healing they experienced upon coming home from war.

In addition to the Run to Home Base, Home Base and the Red Sox Foundation will also host a pre-game ceremony to recognize and honor the SOF community, prior to the afternoon game that pits the Red Sox against the Mets.

The Fourth of July is a commemoration of our independence and a celebration of the birth of the United States of America. As we all plan to celebrate this year, we reflect upon the sacrifices made by millions of Patriots – including Special Operations Forces – to protect our unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. To those who have served, we thank you. For those currently serving, we stand with you. And, to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we honor you.

Please join Home Base in remembering, honoring, and supporting our Military Members and Families this July.

Their mission is complete.

Ours has just begun.

Sincerely,

Brigadier General Jack Hammond
USA Retired
Executive Director
Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and
Massachusetts General Hospital Program

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Home Base is a national nonprofit dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class, direct clinical care, wellness, education and research – all at no cost to them – regardless of era of service, discharge status or geographical location. The program was founded by Massachusetts General Hospital and the Boston Red Sox. Learn more at www.homebase.org.