This blog was written by Nico Marcolongo, a Marine Corps veteran and Program Manager for CAF’s Operation Rebound program. Nico oversees program grants and experiential sports programming that supports veterans and first responders with physical disabilities, helping participants build community, confidence, and long-term well-being through sport.

The CAF Operation Rebound program supports military veterans and first responders with permanent physical disabilities by providing opportunities to engage in sport and physical activity as part of their recovery and long-term well-being. Through grants, community-based programming, and partnerships with VA hospitals, the program empowers participants to pursue active, fulfilling lives on their own terms.

Operation Rebound Recognized with the 2025 Fisher Service Award

In October, the Fisher House Foundation recognized Operation Rebound for its innovative and effective approach to supporting the needs of injured veterans, selecting the program as a recipient of a 2025 Fisher Service Award. The award celebrates programs that strengthen military and veteran communities through measurable impact and responsible stewardship.

As an awardee, Operation Rebound received a $75,000 grant and an advertising package in the Military Times, valued at $50,000.  This recognition affirms the program’s commitment to delivering cost-effective, participant-centered support that improves health outcomes and builds long-term resilience.

Why This Recognition Matters

Opportunities to generate awareness and secure funding for Operation Rebound are more critical than ever. Tightening government budgets, growing veteran disability claims, and the associated veteran care continue to place strain on the VA healthcare system. Programs that complement clinical care with effective, community-based solutions play an important role in supporting recovery, independence, and quality of life.

Operation Rebound addresses these challenges by pairing accountability with compassion. Its model supports rehabilitative needs through sport in ways that are scalable, measurable, and responsive to each participant’s goals.

Operation Rebound Supports Veterans and First Responders

Operation Rebound provides year-round grant funding to veterans and first responders for adaptive sports equipment and sports expenses related to participation, such as coaching, training, and competition travel. Since its inception, Operation Rebound has provided $8.2M in sports grants to over 2,500 athletes nationwide.

Whether a person’s goal is to ride bikes with their loved ones or win a gold medal on the world’s biggest stage, Operation Rebound is here to help veterans reach their goals at the time and place of their own choosing.

In addition to the year-round grant program, Operation Rebound partners with VA hospitals to offer experiential therapy sports clinics. CAF takes the lead in delivering the recreational activity, allowing VA practitioners to focus on addressing participants’ broader emotional, psychological, social, and physical needs as part of their treatment plan. These experiential therapy clinics support resilience and recovery through hands-on, sport-based experiences.

The recognition and support that come with receiving a 2025 Fisher Service Award empower Operation Rebound to continue offering year-round sports funding and provide an opportunity to expand the experiential therapy model to other VA hospitals.

Measurable Impact

The program’s historical data demonstrate that the individualized support it provides has a positive impact on participants. A 2019 survey of 100 CAF Operation Rebound beneficiaries reported improvements across physical health, mental health, and social connection. Participants attributed decreased prescription medication use (57%), improved physical health (77%), improved mental health (78%), increased social engagement (66%), and reduced body fat (68%) to their involvement in the program. Notably, 81% reported that Operation Rebound supported them better than any other adaptive sports program.

In addition, 57 veterans received support that directly impacted their selection for a National or Paralympic team. CAF helps athletes track their progress, deepening our ability to provide individual support and, in consultation with the program participant, adjust support levels or goals for each person. For example, the adjustment could lead to additional training or to an equipment upgrade for someone who is exceeding goals and needs higher-end equipment to compete at a higher level. Operation Rebound is truly unique in its support model and implementation.

Looking Ahead

The recognition and support associated with the 2025 Fisher Service Award strengthen Operation Rebound’s ability to continue offering year-round sports funding while expanding its experiential therapy model to additional VA hospitals. This investment helps ensure that more veterans and first responders have access to effective, sport-based pathways that support long-term health, independence, and community connection.

CAF deeply appreciates the Fisher House Foundation’s recognition and support of the work and impact Operation Rebound has made through our innovative approaches to enhancing veteran health outcomes.