Veterans Assistance The Chrysalis Vision is a non-profit think tank that takes on some of today’s most pressing issues by transforming how we approach change, both locally and globally. Our organization is founded on the belief that true growth emerges from collaboration, innovation, and a thoughtful approach to leadership. Through the merging of proven strategies with cutting-edge methodologies, we strive to create sustainable and balanced outcomes that benefit individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Forgotten Warriors

One of the key initiatives within The Chrysalis Vision is our Forgotten Warriors initiative, dedicated to supporting Veterans who have fallen through the cracks of government and corporate assistance. While many Americans assume that all Veterans are well-supported through the Veterans Administration (VA) and other programs, the reality is that numerous veterans, especially those who served before 2001, face significant gaps in access to benefits. These individuals often struggle with injuries or illnesses that are deemed ineligible for assistance due to restrictive policies.

The Chrysalis Vision is committed to raising awareness about these Forgotten Warriors and ensuring they receive the respect, recognition, and support they deserve. We believe that our mission is about more than helping individual Veterans—it’s about acknowledging their sacrifices and advocating for systematic changes that bring dignity and aid to all who have served, regardless of when or where.

What We Do

The Chrysalis Vision’s Forgotten Warriors initiative seeks to highlight and address the challenges faced by Veterans who are underserved by both the VA and well known corporate programs. The current system often limits access to support, particularly for those who served before September 11, 2001. Many of these Veterans do not qualify for full medical benefits unless their service records indicate specific, documented injuries or illnesses sustained during active duty. This policy leaves countless Veterans with later-developing conditions or insufficient documentation, struggling to receive the care they need.

Dispelling the Myth of Full Veteran Benefits for Forgotten Warriors

A common misconception is that all Veterans are granted full medical benefits. However, for those who served between approximately 1986 and 2001, this is far from true. These “forgotten warriors” often face the additional burden of battling for benefits that many others receive without question. Rather than receiving automatic support, they must navigate a complex system that frequently denies them the assistance they need, especially if their medical issues arose after active duty.

One of the most glaring issues from this period is the loss, lack, or mishandling of military medical records, affecting thousands of Veterans who served between 1986 and 1998. Without these crucial documents, Veterans are unable to validate their service-connected medical conditions, which leads to denials in their benefits claims. For example, illnesses like Gulf War Syndrome, which the VA still lists as having uncertain origins, were often poorly understood and inconsistently documented by medical professionals at the time. This led to Veterans receiving inaccurate or incomplete diagnoses and a quick transition out of the military, making it extraordinarily difficult for them to seek treatment today.

Additionally, many stateside Veterans who transported or handled materials from the Gulf show similar symptoms to those of Gulf War Syndrome but are denied benefits because they were not physically “in-country.” The strict policy of location-based eligibility overlooks the realities of hazardous exposure risks for these Veterans and leaves them without the care they require.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this era is the mishandling and, in some cases, loss or destruction of medical records by government entities and the Veterans Administration. Without these records, many Veterans are entirely ineligible for support—no documentation, no assistance. The Chrysalis Vision’s Forgotten Warriors initiative is not only committed to shedding light on this injustice but is also dedicated to actively supporting these Veterans in their pursuit of fair treatment and alternative assistance where possible.

How You Can Help

To achieve these goals, The Chrysalis Vision partners with “boots on the ground” organizations—groups that already provide direct support services for Veterans in their communities. By offering training, financial support, and expertise, we empower these organizations to expand their services and reach more Veterans in need. In addition to advocacy, we also focus on securing medical devices and technologies that can significantly improve quality of life for Veterans who face physical limitations or disabilities.

Our strategy centers on providing tangible support while also advocating for a broader recognition of the challenges facing these Veterans. This dual approach ensures that, while immediate needs are met, we are also working toward lasting change in how Veterans’ issues are addressed at both community and national levels.

You can play a critical role in helping The Chrysalis Vision and our Forgotten Warriors initiative make a lasting impact. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Spread Awareness: Many people are unaware of the gaps in the support system for Veterans, particularly those who served before 2001. Sharing information about Forgotten Warriors with your networks can help educate the public on these issues and dispel the myth that all Veterans receive equal benefits.

2. Volunteer with Local Organizations: Our initiative works closely with community-based organizations that provide direct support to Veterans. By volunteering with these groups, you can make a real difference in the lives of Veterans who often feel forgotten or overlooked. Your time and commitment can help expand these organizations’ capacity to serve more individuals.

3. Donate: Financial contributions enable us to continue our work, providing grants and resources to partner organizations and purchasing medical devices that enhance quality of life for Veterans in need. Donations go directly toward expanding our reach and ensuring that as many Veterans as possible can access the support they deserve.

4. Advocate for Policy Change: Advocacy is essential for long-term, meaningful change. By supporting legislation that expands eligibility and improves benefits for Veterans who served before 2001, you can help ensure that all who have served are treated with dignity and respect. Write to your representatives, participate in advocacy events, and raise your voice in support of Veterans’ rights.

5. Join Our Community: At The Chrysalis Vision, we view change as an ongoing process. We invite you to join us in our journey to reimagine what’s possible and make our collective vision a reality. By connecting with us, attending events, and staying informed, you can be part of a community committed to creating lasting change for those who have sacrificed so much.

The Chrysalis Vision and the Forgotten Warriors initiative are about more than providing support; they’re about acknowledging the resilience and dedication of Veterans who are often left without the resources they need. Together, we can bridge these gaps and help our forgotten warriors find the hope, support, and recognition they deserve. Join us in making a difference by turning this vision into reality and honoring those who have served with unwavering dedication.

Meet Our Veterans