SOAR
Special Operations Additional Resource Program
A Lifeline When It’s Needed Most
OHF’s Special Operations Additional Resource (SOAR) Program serves as a vital safety net for the SOF community, offering critical support during times of hardship, crisis, and beyond. At its core is the Immediate Needs Program (INP), which delivers rapid, compassionate assistance to wounded, ill, injured, and Fallen SOF service members and their families.
Beyond crisis response, SOAR invests in long-term well-being. It offers career transition assistance, skill certification support, and access to expert financial planning. Participants also benefit from OHF’s innovative virtual wellness program which connects SOF families with certified health coaches for personalized, holistic care—empowering them to build healthier, more resilient lives.
SOAR is a trusted partner of the U.S. Special Operations Command’s Warrior Care Program, fulfilling 30 to 40 urgent requests each month—often within 24 hours. In 2024, thanks to expanded capacity and growing need, SOAR supported more SOF families than ever before, ensuring those who have sacrificed in service to our nation receive the help they deserve – when they need it most.
Immediate Needs and Crisis Support Programs
The OHF Immediate Needs Program is designed to support families in times of crisis. OHF provides financial help, emergency support, and resources to address immediate, life-changing situations.
Programs Include:
- Emergency financial assistance for medical needs
- Funeral expense support
- Emergency travel coverage
- Other crisis-related situations
Wellness Coaching for Veterans and Their Families
Exclusive Resources for OHF Alumni
These services are exclusively available to SOF alumni who have participated in an OHF retreat. As part of our commitment to support military families long after the retreat ends, these Veterans Assistance Programs help them thrive in civilian life.
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Operation Healing Forces works closely with several employers and organizations to assist transitioning or retired SOF service members and their families find employment.
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OHF connects Retreat Program and SOAR Program Alumni to tax professionals with experience in how to navigate all tax related aspects.
Legal Assistance Program
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Operation Healing Forces and Foley Lardner LLP are developing a resource to assist Special Operations families with legal needs such as real estate matters, general business matters, contractor agreements, estate planning including will and trusts, probate, guardianships, immigration matters, income tax controversy matters, and general litigation issues.
The SOAR program will provide the initial assessment and referral for all OHF families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the SOAR program?
All service members, Veterans, and their families from the Special Operations community are eligible for SOAR programs.
Are family members supported in the SOAR program?
Yes, spouses and children from the Special Operations community are also supported by the SOAR program.
How does your selection process work?
While many program requests come from the USSOCOM Warrior Care Program (Care Coalition), requests can be made from the SOF community on our website or emailed to desiree.holley@ophf.org. Every SOAR request is reviewed and vetted by our program staff on a case-by-case basis. OHF remains committed to helping every SOF family find the resources they need most.
What are some examples of what Immediate Needs covers?
The Immediate Needs program covers travel and expenses related to medical emergencies for Service Members, Veterans, and their families, medical and adaptive equipment not covered by government means, funeral and memorials costs not covered by government means including family travel, relief or respite care for full-time caregivers, one-time financial assistance related to transition or employment opportunities including travel, and other as needed crisis support for families including emergency financial support.
How long does it take for OHF to respond to a request for support?
Typically, immediate needs requests are answered within hours. Complex cases requiring additional info, verification, or approval may take longer 1-2 days.
What constitutes the Special Operations Community?
Special Operations Forces (SOF) are known as the Rangers, Green Berets, Night Stalkers, Delta Force, SEALS, Air Force Special Tactics, and Marine Raiders but there are other SOF that you rarely or may never hear mentioned. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has its own Special Operations units. The parent command of all SOF is U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), which is headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Comprising only about 3.5 percent of Department of Defense personnel, SOF are reportedly working in up to 76 countries on any given day, and they’re tasked with carrying out the military’s most secretive and specialized missions.
Whom do you share personal information with?
We will never share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request, e.g. contact with United States Special Operations Command’s Care Coalition if the request originated with them. We take every precaution to protect your information as your privacy and security is our priority. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline. Wherever we collect sensitive information, that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. For more information regarding privacy, please review the privacy and donor privacy policy found on our website under documents.
