- 4 mins
TWO BLACK RAVENS ADVOCACY: A Mission to Heal and Empower Service Members
In August 2023, I found myself stepping into the maze of the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Resiliency Programs. As the founder of the TWO BLACK RAVENS FOUNDATION, my mission was clear: to observe, assess, and ultimately partner with AFW2. We aimed to fill the gaps in their current training by integrating our unique art therapy programs to assist more service members and veterans. What followed was an eye-opening journey, revealing, in my opinion, the bureaucratic resistance and questionable practices within AFW2.
The Proposal: A Modest and Effective Solution
Our vision was simple: conduct workshops spanning eight hours a day over five days at each of the AFW2’s four C.A.R.E. Events throughout the year—all for an annual cost of $24,000. This would allow us to focus intensively on 6-10 participants per class, benefiting 24-40 individuals in the first year. Despite the clear benefits and cost-efficiency, our proposal was dismissed as too expensive. It was baffling, especially considering AFW2’s current instructors were working far fewer hours for significantly more pay, often spending their entire instruction time describing and processing their own trauma for the entirety of the class.
The Rejection: A Glaring Disparity
AFW2’s rejection highlighted a glaring disparity. Some contracted workers were making two to almost four times as much as we were requesting. This discrepancy raised questions about the allocation of funds and the overall efficiency of the program.
The Obstacles: Unreasonable Demands and Favoritism
As we pressed forward, AFW2's demands grew more unreasonable. During one phone call, I was asked to submit our proprietary courseware for review before they could send us a contract—an unusual request that my board and I concluded was an attempt to appropriate our methods without compensation. I instead offered a resume and a course itinerary sent via email, but the resistance continued, raising concerns about, what I would assess as, a lack of fairness in their contracting process.
The Whistleblowers: Exposing Issues
After reaching out to a few people to understand the contract process and pay rates for instructors, several AFW2 employees, contracted instructors, and participants (who wish to remain anonymous) contacted me, sharing concerns about program management. They described instances of government funds being used for questionable trips, tag-along visits to the White House meant for athletes and coaches (that they thought fell under Fraud, Waste, and Abuse), and efforts focused on networking with celebrities. Additionally, there was a participant who detailed a situation when donated Visa gift cards, meant for participants meals, were not being distributed as intended, and possibly being kept due to the inability to track them. These accounts, along with an article by Task & Purpose (Read it Here), painted a troubling picture of the program's leadership.
The FOIA Request: A Quest for Transparency
Determined to bring transparency and accountability, I filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. I sought documents from AFW2 and the Air Force to gather facts about how taxpayer money was being spent and the efficacy of their programs. My aim was to present factual data to Congress, highlighting where current programs fall short and proposing actionable solutions to improve the support provided to our service members and veterans.. However, the process was anything but straightforward. The Air Force initially avoided providing any data requested as noted in their Final Response Letter to FOIA Request #2024-03740-F. Forcing our foundation to have to appeal. Recently and probably the most disheartening moment was finding out that the appeal we sent in, went directly back to the same office and people for review, and they recently categorized our foundation as a commercial entity because, "...it is has been told to us [502 CS/SCOK-RND] that Two Black Raven Foundation Organization is a Commercial organization not a Educational or Non-Commercial Scientific Institution...". This mischaracterization not only diverted valuable work hours away from securing corporate sponsorships, grant writing, and networking with individual donors; while also threatening to impose unnecessary fees, diverting our limited resources from vital work. It also disrupted and delayed the process of our business operations concerning this FOIA request and it furthermore complicates our efforts to secure work with other DoD Service Branch Wounded Warrior programs. The willful and intentional mischaracterization, without attempting to obtain any facts, that TWO BLACK RAVENS FOUNDATION is a commercial entity has become a significant obstacle. As an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and aligning with our Articles of Incorporation (dated 27 February 2023) section 8.01 Purpose:
"8.01 Purpose: TWO BLACK RAVENS FOUNDATION is a non-profit corporation organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our purpose is to assist DoD military service members and veterans who are wounded, injured, or ill, offering them the opportunity to learn positive coping mechanisms through art."
It has been frustrating to see this incorrect classification being used to hinder our FOIA request as a way to deter us from obtaining the required documents.
Persistence in the Face of Bureaucracy
Despite these challenges, I remain persistent. I communicate tirelessly with the relevant authorities, providing detailed explanations and evidence to support our nonprofit status. This process is time-consuming and often exasperating, but my determination never wavers. I know that the information we are seeking is crucial for the betterment of our veterans and service members.
The Importance of Transparency and Accountability
The data we aim to retrieve is not just about numbers; it is about real people and their lives. By obtaining factual information on the efficacy of AFW2 programs, we can advocate for more effective solutions and better use of taxpayer money. Our goal is to present this data to Congress, highlighting where current programs fall short and proposing actionable solutions through the use of art therapy to improve the support provided to our veterans.
Moving Forward: A Commitment to Change
This journey has reinforced my belief in the importance of transparency and accountability. At TWO BLACK RAVENS FOUNDATION, we are committed to advocating for meaningful change, ensuring that our service members and veterans receive the support they deserve. We believe that bureaucracies like the VA and DoD often incentivize maintaining problems rather than solving them. Our mission is to shift this paradigm, offering creative, attainable goals that truly benefit those in need.
The challenges we face in dealing with AFW2's leadership only strengthen our resolve to make a difference. We call on the community to support our cause, ensuring that every service member and veteran receives the care and respect they deserve. Together, we can heal, empower, and create lasting generational change.
