MISSION & IMPACT
Serving those who’ve served our country
Heroes Linked is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing supplemental support to our Heroes — veterans, those serving, their spouses, and Gold Star families.
Founded in 2009, our work is shaped by the evolving needs of veterans and their families.
We provide career-building support, home repair, and educational grants to the children of fallen soldiers.
Mission
Heroes Linked recognizes that we all have a debt to pay for the freedom we live under. Through unparalleled networks, programs, and services, Heroes Linked endeavors to provide exceptional solutions that satisfy the most pressing needs of active military personnel, veterans, their families, and Gold Star family members.
Gold Star family members are the immediate family members of a service member who died in the line of duty.
Gold Star Mother/Father — the parent (biological, step, adoptive, or a foster parent who stood in loco parentis) of a service member who died in the line of duty.
Gold Star Spouse (historically "Gold Star Wife") — the widow or widower of the fallen service member. Under DoD Instruction 1348.36, this recognition continues even if the spouse later remarries.
Gold Star Child — the biological, adopted, or stepchild of the fallen service member.
Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day is a national day of remembrance held on the last Sunday of September each year.
Vision
To provide best-in-class programs for the most pressing needs of those serving, veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star Families.
79,674
veterans, those currently serving, and supporters connected to the Heroes Network
45%
Heroes Network year-over-year user growth
3,950
daily average number of veteran-friendly job listings posted in the Heroes Network
History
In 2009, a small group of volunteers in Los Angeles founded the Military and Veterans Appreciation Trust Foundation (MVAT). They were motivated by a belief that our service members and veterans need and deserve greater support than they received from the underfunded programs available to them. MVAT updated its name to Heroes Linked in 2023. Today, Heroes Linked has grown into a national nonprofit, offering several invaluable programs that support our Heroes—those serving, veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star families.
2007
A small group of volunteers in Los Angeles host the first of what becomes MVAT’s annual golf tournament to raise funds in support of veterans and their families.
2009
The MVAT Foundation is officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization.
2017
Over the past decade, MVAT provided more than $1.5 million in grants to charities supporting veterans and their families.
2019
The Heroes Network, MVAT’s first program, is launched.
2022
Heroes Home Repair, MVAT’s second program, completes its first project.
2023
MVAT changes its name to Heroes Linked to better communicate its commitment to doing more for America’s veterans and their families.