Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Earle and Angelo Martinez . They and their team shared their story with us below:
Natalia and Angelo’s paths first crossed at a March 2023 fundraiser, where Angelo served as a keynote speaker shedding light on the harsh realities of veteran suicide.
His impactful speech deeply moved Natalia, prompting a profound realization that extended beyond mere awareness to a call for tangible action. As a civilian, she was astonished and saddened by the daily struggles veterans endure, especially the alarming statistic of forty-four veterans succumbing to suicide each day. This revelation brought her to tears, challenging her previous belief in comprehensive government support for veterans.
Their heartfelt conversations fueled a shared commitment, leading Natalia and Angelo to establish The Barracks Legend Foundation. This nonprofit is dedicated to organizing dynamic and affordable fundraising events to pull veterans out of isolation and immerse them in a supportive community that truly understands their unique experiences. From concerts and fishing trips to vetsgiving and comedy nights, the Foundation crafts diverse events designed to combat veteran isolation.
At the core of their mission is a proactive stance against veteran suicide, focusing on creating tangible, measurable impact. Since its inception, the Foundation has successfully executed over twenty diverse events in the past year. These include everything from adventurous activities like axe throwing and shark diving to hosting festive ugly sweater parties at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium, where attendees can enjoy watching games like the Dolphins vs. Titans.
Each event serves as a vital step in dismantling the isolation many veterans face, ushering them into a community that genuinely cares and supports them. In the critical fight against veteran suicide, every moment and every event plays a crucial role.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant struggles for The Barracks Legend Foundation has been the quest to find individuals with the right values and genuine commitment to the mission. Building a team with a shared passion for supporting veterans and fostering a compassionate community proved to be a demanding yet crucial aspect of the foundation’s development.
Another notable hurdle was the process of legitimizing the organization. The approval of paperwork by the IRS, a vital step in establishing the foundation’s official status, encountered delays, extending over ten months. Navigating through bureaucratic procedures and waiting for the necessary approvals added a layer of complexity to the foundation’s early stages.
Additionally, a considerable effort went into educating the community about the critical issue of veteran suicide. Communicating the reasons behind the alarming statistic of 44 veterans taking their lives each day required a concerted outreach and awareness campaign. The foundation faced the challenge of dispelling misconceptions, raising awareness, and fostering understanding within the community regarding the struggles faced by veterans.
Despite these obstacles, The Barracks Legend Foundation persevered, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges. Overcoming these hurdles has only strengthened the commitment to the mission, emphasizing the importance of community support and understanding in the fight against veteran isolation and suicide.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Barracks Legend Foundation?
Our mission is to host electrifying events at little to no cost, empowering and maximizing our impact on veterans in need.
By organizing a range of events, from concerts to comedy shows, we aim to consistently draw veterans out of isolation and into a supportive community that understands and loves them. Our goal is to take decisive action in preventing veteran suicide, focusing on tangible outcomes rather than mere awareness.
Our vision is to create a nationwide network of electrifying fundraising events, providing our organization with the resources and capabilities to reach and support a larger number of veterans globally.
Through our diverse range of events, we will foster an inclusive and compassionate community that prioritizes understanding and connection. By channeling our efforts toward taking concrete action, we aim to significantly reduce the prevalence of veteran suicide and create a lasting positive impact on the lives of those who have served our nation.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Natalia immigrated to the U.S. in the early ’90s and has been living the true American dream of entrepreneurship, embracing the belief that anything is possible in the land of the free.
Following high school, Angelo enlisted in the Marine Corps, dedicating eight years of service and experiencing deployment in Iraq. Post his military service, Angelo pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree at FAU. Currently, he is actively engaged in the pursuit of a doctorate in chiropractic medicine.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.barrackslegendfoundation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrackslegendfoundation/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-barracks-legend-foundation/about/
