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Operation TBI Freedom

Operation Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Freedom at Craig Hospital

Operation TBI Freedom (OTF) is a program of Craig Hospital that provides support for veterans and active duty military personnel with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Operation TBI Freedom is located in Colorado Springs but serves the entire state of Colorado. OTF offers long-term nonmedical case management services, including crisis management, medical and mental health referrals, employment/education assistance, limited emergency assistance for severe needs (case-by-case only), and much more. OTF supports many service members from the multiple military installations and military communities throughout the state, including Fort Carson, Peterson AFB, US Air Force Academy, Buckley AFB, and the Colorado National Guard.

Services

  • Long-term nonmedical case management
  • Crisis management
  • Mentoring/peer support
  • Limited emergency financial assistance for immediate and urgent needs (case-by-case)
  • Employment training and assistance
  • Medical and mental health referrals
  • Assistance navigating complicated benefit processes (both governmental and nongovernmental)
  • Assistive technology resources

Statistics

Colorado Veterans Living with TBI

TBI is a serious yet often invisible injury. For those with TBI, the return to a military career or transition into civilian life can be especially difficult. Operation TBI Freedom tailors a unique life plan for each client that promotes optimum independence and productivity. OTF walks the journey with the veteran through recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Eligibility for Operation TBI Freedom

  • Served in any branch or component of the military for at least one day on or after September 11, 2001
  • Resident of Colorado
  • Evidence or history of traumatic brain injury event(s)
  • TBI must have occurred after start of military service, whether active, reserve or veteran status

Referrals to Operation TBI Freedom can be made by the individual veteran, a community partner, a clinician, etc.

Contact us

For more information or to apply for our assistance please call or email us.

Operation TBI Freedom - A Program of Craig Hospital
Toll-Free: 855-355-6824
Email: OTF@craighospital.org
Facebook: facebook.com/OperationTBIFreedom

Each veteran is assigned a military support specialist (MSS) who is a veteran and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist. The MSS begins with a comprehensive analysis of the veteran's needs and concerns, including the needs and concerns of his/her family and caregivers. It is the responsibility of the MSS to use all resources – the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), governmental programs and private sector programs/providers – as efficiently as possible, ensuring no duplication of effort.

Operation TBI Freedom analyzes complex VA benefits, identifies potential benefit enhancements and assists the veteran in maximizing his/her access to healthcare and other valuable resources.

Operation TBI Freedom Team Members

  • Steve Smith Military Programs Coordinator

    Operation TBI Freedom

    U.S. Army, 25 years

  • Glen Cooper Veteran Mentor

    Operation TBI Freedom

    U.S. Army, 25 years

  • Alfredo Garcia Military Support Specialist

    U.S. Army, 10 years

  • Nikki Gibson Administrative Specialist

    Operation TBI Freedom

    U.S. Army, 8 years

  • Jesus Guerra Military Support Specialist

    U.S. Army, 23 Years

  • Frederick Hinton Eligibility Specialist

    Operation TBI Freedom

    U.S. Army, 21 Years

  • John Lenz Military Support Specialist

    Operation TBI Freedom

    U.S. Air Force, 20 Years

  • Tim Patrick Military Support Specialist

    Operation TBI Freedom

    U.S. Army, 23 Years

Funding

Operation TBI Freedom is a program of Craig Hospital and relies entirely on private donations.

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