Operation TBI Freedom

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 and offers case management services including crisis management, mental health referrals, classes, and emergency assistance for food and housing needs for veterans with traumatic brain injury. OTF supports many service members from Fort Carson. In the past eight years, the nonprofit has assisted more than 1,300 service members.

Services

Crisis management
Mentoring
Emergency financial assistance for food and housing needs
Employment training
Parenting classes
Mental health referrals
Assistance navigating complicated benefit processes
Medical care
Assistive technology devices

339,462

U.S. service members diagnosed with TBI since 2000.

7,200

is the approximate number of Colorado service members who return from conflict with TBI

1,300

Colorado service members have received support from Operation TBI Freedom

Colorado Veterans Living with TBI

In Colorado alone, more than 7,200 veterans will return from conflict with a TBI. Traumatic brain injury is a serious, yet many times invisible injury. For those with TBI, the transition to civilian life can be especially difficult. Operation TBI Freedom tailors a unique plan for each client that promotes optimum independence, productivity and successful reintegration into civilian life.

Eligibility for Operation TBI Freedom:

Served in any branch or component of the military at least one day on or after September 11, 2001.
Residing in Colorado (temporarily or permanently).
Medically diagnosed TBI or residual thereof.
TBI or residual injury must have occurred while in service and/or be directly related to other combat injury(ies). For example, Service Member (SM) may have a diagnosis of combat-related PTSD. SM may have incurred a head injury from some activity such as reckless driving due to a symptom of his PTSD (such as anxiety, fear, drinking as coping mechanism).

Contact us

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

Phone: (855) 355-6824
Email: OTF@craighospital.org

Military Support Specialists

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. It is the responsibility of the MSS to use all resources - the Veterans Administration, local government programs and private service 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 or her access to healthcare and other benefits. OTF has leveraged more than $5.5 million in services and therapies through our partnerships with military and community organizations.

OTF Team Members

Susan Holmes, Program Manager; US Army, Military Spouse, 21 Years

Operation TBI Freedom
Frederick Hinton, Eligibility Specialist; US Army, 21 Years

Operation TBI Freedom
Michelle Bonkoski, Military Support Specialist; US Air Force, 24 Years

Operation TBI Freedom
Dennis Gerber, Military Support Specialist; US Army, 22 Years

Operation TBI Freedom
John Lenz, Military Support Specialist; US Air Force, 20 Years

Operation TBI Freedom
Tim Patrick, Military Support Specialist; US Army, 23 Years

Operation TBI Freedom