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healing through helping

Supporting America’s veterans and families through
camaraderie, compassion, and action.

Veteran 501(c)(3) non-profit. No paid positions, every donation goes directly to the benefit of veterans

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Our Mission

Saving veterans lives by giving them a new mission in life and a path to healing in the outdoors.

Where Healing Meets Brotherhood

A Pathway to Healing for
Our Nation’s Heroes

Operation Pay It Forward was formed to help our returning warriors overcome the injuries and demons they brought back with them from combat. Our goal is to introduce or reintroduce these veterans to the outdoors and the associated healing effects and camaraderie that comes with it. These soldiers are then given a new mission – to connect with their veteran brothers and sisters that need help and involve them in OPIF’s mission to “pay it forward” to their brothers and sisters in arms.

“Our returning soldiers don’t deserve our pity or charity. These combat veterans are fighters and warriors. They deserve our appreciation and a path to transition back into civilian life. They deserve our help overcoming whatever physical or mental injuries they came home with and a new mission to accomplish in their civilian life.”    Eric Pauly – Founder – OPIF

Meet the Team

The “Pay it Forward”Model

What makes OPIF different from other veteran nonprofits? First of all, we acknowledge that there are many other organizations who are doing a great deal of good for the veteran community in the outdoors. OPIF is different in that it utilizes a model which makes our events an invitation to accept a new mission rather than a one and done. Here is how it works:
  • Complete the ambassador training
  • Take other veteran on events
  • The “pay it forward” cycle continues
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Getting Started

Veterans

Operation Pay It Forward was founded and is run by veterans that have been where you have been and understand what it is like to transition back to civilian life and overcome physical and mental injuries sustained while serving our country. We believe that our returning veterans are not charity cases that deserve our pity, but you are warriors and patriots that deserve our appreciation and help developing a healthy passion for the outdoors and the camaraderie and brotherhood that comes with it. Once you experience the healing effect of the outdoors, we will give you a new mission to help your veteran brothers and sisters experience the same healing process – to “Pay It Forward” and continue to heal by helping others. If you are interested or know someone that could benefit from one of our events. Please fill out the attached form or contact us directly on the “contact us” page if you have any specific questions.
veterans start here

Sponsors

Operation Pay It Forward was founded and is run by veterans that have been where you have been and understand what it is like to transition back to civilian life and overcome physical and mental injuries sustained while serving our country. We believe that our returning veterans are not charity cases that deserve our pity, but you are warriors and patriots that deserve our appreciation and help developing a healthy passion for the outdoors and the camaraderie and brotherhood that comes with it. Once you experience the healing effect of the outdoors, we will give you a new mission to help your veteran brothers and sisters experience the same healing process – to “Pay It Forward” and continue to heal by helping others. If you are interested or know someone that could benefit from one of our events. Please fill out the attached form or contact us directly on the “contact us” page if you have any specific questions.
Sponsors start here

Story Spotlight

A Powerful Testimonial From One of Our Own

This short video shares the story of a veteran whose life was profoundly changed through the support and services provided by Operation Pay-It-Forward. You’ll hear firsthand how getting back outdoors, reconnecting with fellow warriors, and finding a renewed sense of purpose made all the difference in their healing journey. It’s an honest look at the challenges many veterans face and the impact that real community, real understanding, and real mission can have on someone who’s carried the weight of service for years. We invite you to take a moment and watch this powerful message. It’s a reminder of why our mission matters—and how your involvement helps create more stories just like this.
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Every Act of Support Makes a Difference

When you choose to get involved, you’re doing far more than checking a box—you’re helping a veteran take their next step toward healing, purpose, and connection. Whether you’re donating, volunteering, sharing our mission, or simply staying informed, your support creates real moments of change for the men and women who’ve served our country. No action is too small, and every contribution strengthens the mission. If you feel inspired to help, we invite you to reach out, get connected, and join us in making a positive impact that truly lasts.

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