FROM FRONTLINE TO FINISH LINE
CAF’s Operation Rebound® program strengthens the mental and physical well-being of members of the U.S. armed forces, active military personnel, as well as U.S. law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics with permanent physical injuries, by providing them opportunities to use sports and fitness to re-integrate into our communities and by empowering them through sports.
Through Operation Rebound specific grant requests and sports clinics, CAF supports our service members from the Frontline to the Finish line.
Open to active duty, veterans of all eras, and first responders.
OPERATION REBOUND GRANT PROGRAM
GRANT REQUEST OPTIONS AND ELIGIBILITY
Challenged Athletes who are honorably discharged members of the U.S. armed forces, active military personnel, as well as U.S. law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics are eligible to apply for the Operation Rebound grant. Proof of service and medical verification of disability is required.
Applicants may request one of the following grant types:
– Sports Expenses Grant
– Equipment Grant
APPLICATION WINDOW
The Operation Rebound Grant Application is open year-round.
GETTING BACK INTO THE GAME OF LIFE THROUGH SPORTS
Through Operation Rebound-specific grant requests and sports clinics, CAF is there to support our service members with:
- Individual grants that fund adaptive sports equipment, training, and competition expenses across all 50 states and over 105 different sports.
- Grantees are able to participate in any adaptive sport or recreational activity at the time and place of their choosing.
- Adaptive sports clinics that provide opportunities to learn, push the limits and connect with a powerful and supportive community.
- Focusing on integrating athletes into sporting activities that include athletes with and without physical disabilities.
WHY IT MATTERS
THE IMPACT
Operation Rebound’s tailored support allows individuals to determine their own course toward healing, promoting independence and self-reliance in other aspects of their lives:
- PTSD symptom reduction
- Improved health and lower risk of chronic diseases associated with obesity
- Decreased use of medication and mitigated healthcare costs
- Increased social and emotional well-being in community reintegration
- Focus on ability and a renewed sense of inner strength
- Increased potential for employment
THE NEED
Operation Rebound supports our troops by providing grants for things the VA does not fund, in addition to supporting first responders who do not have access to VA services.
- Most Operation Rebound beneficiaries are low-income earners, living on Social Security or earning under $25k annually
- Adaptive equipment, travel, and training can cost thousands of dollars, making sports participation untenable without support
- $2.5 billion of VA medical costs are directly attributable to treating preventable ailments associated with weight and obesity
- Veterans who suffered major service-related injuries are 2X more likely than their comrades to have difficulty readjusting to civilian life, and 3X more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress
Meet The SR. Programs Manager
Nico Marcolongo
Nico is a seasoned veteran of the Iraq conflict, having served 14 years as a Marine Officer. After concluding his military service in February 2008, Nico joined the CAF, where he leads the CAF Operation Rebound program, dedicated to supporting injured veterans and first responders.
Nico co-founded a weekly surf clinics in Del Mar, CA, which have evolved into a recognized therapeutic activity for injured veterans. These weekly surf clinics provide a unique and effective form of therapy, helping veterans in their recovery and rehabilitation.
PROGRAM SPONSORS
Join Our Newsletter
Keep informed about upcoming CAF events.
Apply for a Grant
Visit our grant page to learn more about your grant options through Operation Rebound
Join CAF Surf Clinics
Email Nico for More Information about the Del Mar weekly Surf Clinics