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About Us
About Us
Thank A Vet Now is a unique nonprofit organization made up of veterans and community volunteers who share a common mission: to honor, support, and serve those who have served our nation.
Thank A Vet Now is a unique nonprofit organization made up of veterans and community volunteers who share a common mission: to honor, support, and serve those who have served our nation.
We proudly assist veterans of all eras—from World War II to today's post-9/11 veterans—and everyone who served in between. Our organization works to bridge the gaps that often exist in available services, providing veterans with resources, advocacy, and emergency assistance when they need it most.
We proudly assist veterans of all eras—from World War II to today's post-9/11 veterans—and everyone who served in between. Our organization works to bridge the gaps that often exist in available services, providing veterans with resources, advocacy, and emergency assistance when they need it most.
Every day, veterans reach out to us for help with challenges such as resources, transportation, auto repairs, and other unexpected hardships. Through the generosity of our supporters and community partners, we are often able to provide immediate relief and connect veterans with the resources they need to regain stability and move forward.
Every day, veterans reach out to us for help with challenges such as resources, transportation, auto repairs, and other unexpected hardships. Through the generosity of our supporters and community partners, we are often able to provide immediate relief and connect veterans with the resources they need to regain stability and move forward.
At Thank A Vet, we believe no veteran should ever face life's challenges alone. We are committed to ensuring every veteran is honored, valued, and supported.
At Thank A Vet, we believe no veteran should ever face life's challenges alone. We are committed to ensuring every veteran is honored, valued, and supported.
Our Mission
Our Mission
At Thank A Vet Now, our mission is to empower veterans by promoting self-respect, self-confidence, and purpose through education, training, employment assistance, health resources, and support services, including programs for homeless veterans.
At Thank A Vet Now, our mission is to empower veterans by promoting self-respect, self-confidence, and purpose through education, training, employment assistance, health resources, and support services, including programs for homeless veterans.
We are dedicated to helping veterans successfully transition from military service to civilian life by transforming their valuable skills, leadership, and experience into meaningful career opportunities. Through mentorship, guidance, and advocacy, we help our nation's heroes overcome challenges, rebuild stability, and achieve their personal and professional goals.
We are dedicated to helping veterans successfully transition from military service to civilian life by transforming their valuable skills, leadership, and experience into meaningful career opportunities. Through mentorship, guidance, and advocacy, we help our nation's heroes overcome challenges, rebuild stability, and achieve their personal and professional goals.
With integrity, compassion, and determination, Thank A Vet Now remains committed to ensuring that every veteran has the support, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive and live with dignity.
With integrity, compassion, and determination, Thank A Vet Now remains committed to ensuring that every veteran has the support, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive and live with dignity.
Meet Our Board Members
Meet Our Board Members
Jesse Acosta - President
Jesse Acosta - President
Sergeant Major (Retired) , United States Army
Sergeant Major Acosta
Sergeant Major Acosta
Born in East Los Angeles and raised in Santa Fe Springs, California, Sergeant Major Acosta began his military career in 1975 when he enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18. Through dedication, leadership, and hard work, he earned his Sergeant stripes by December 1979. After completing two active-duty enlistments, he separated from active service on November 15, 1982.
Following a brief break from military service, Sergeant Major Acosta joined the Army Reserve, where he continued to excel and rise through the ranks. In 1998, he was promoted to Master Sergeant and soon became the First Sergeant of the 349th General Hospital in Los Angeles.
In June 2003, he entered the Individual Ready Reserve and remained there until being mobilized to active duty with the 376th Adjutant General Battalion, Detachment 4, in June 2005. Later that year, his unit deployed to Logistics Support Area (LSA) Anaconda in Balad, Iraq, the largest support base in the country at the time.
In January 2006, he achieved the rank of Sergeant Major. Just two weeks after his promotion, he was severely wounded during a mortar attack on LSA Anaconda. His injuries included the loss of his eyesight and a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). At the time, he was one of the highest-ranking noncommissioned officers to sustain such catastrophic combat injuries.
Despite these life-changing wounds, Sergeant Major Acosta continued serving on active duty for four more years before retiring from the Army in 2010. Retirement did not mark the end of his service. Instead, it became the beginning of a new mission—advocating for and supporting fellow veterans as they navigate the challenges of life after military service.
Since 2007, Sergeant Major Acosta has traveled across the nation—from the White House to correctional facilities—sharing his story, mentoring veterans, and helping them access the benefits and services they have earned. Alongside his first guide dog, Charlie Boy, he became a powerful advocate for disabled veterans and accessibility awareness. In 2014, Sergeant Major Acosta and Charlie Boy were nationally recognized as Fortune 500 Heroes for their extraordinary service and advocacy.
A respected voice for veterans and individuals with disabilities, Sergeant Major Acosta has testified before Congress on accessibility issues and has been recognized for his service by President Barack Obama, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, members of Congress, and numerous state and local officials.
His distinguished military awards and decorations include:
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal (6 Awards)
Army Achievement Medal (3 Awards)
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (6 Awards)
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass and "M" Device
Combat Action Badge
Presidential Certificate of Appreciation
Numerous additional military and civic honors
Sergeant Major Acosta's life is a testament to courage, perseverance, leadership, and selfless service. His commitment to veterans continues to inspire countless individuals and remains at the heart of Thank A Vet's mission to honor, support, and empower those who have served our nation
Erick Castro - Vice President
Erick Castro - Vice President
Treasurer
Treasurer
Sergeant (Retired) , United States Army
Sergeant Erick Castro
Sergeant Erick Castro
Sergeant Erick Castro enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 19 and answered the call to serve his adopted country with courage and determination. In 2003, he deployed to Iraq, where he participated in raids on key targets, foot patrols, undercover missions, traffic control operations, and security details protecting high-value locations.
Sergeant Erick Castro enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 19 and answered the call to serve his adopted country with courage and determination. In 2003, he deployed to Iraq, where he participated in raids on key targets, foot patrols, undercover missions, traffic control operations, and security details protecting high-value locations.
Six months into his deployment, Sergeant Castro's unit was ambushed. During the attack, his team was struck by a light anti-tank weapon, resulting in the loss of his leg at the hip. He was evacuated from Iraq and transported to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for treatment and recovery.
Six months into his deployment, Sergeant Castro's unit was ambushed. During the attack, his team was struck by a light anti-tank weapon, resulting in the loss of his leg at the hip. He was evacuated from Iraq and transported to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for treatment and recovery.
Just one week after arriving at Walter Reed, Sergeant Castro was awarded the Purple Heart by President George W. Bush in recognition of his sacrifice and bravery. One month later, Senator Ted Kennedy assisted him in completing his path to citizenship, and Erick proudly became a naturalized United States citizen during a ceremony on Capitol Hill.
Just one week after arriving at Walter Reed, Sergeant Castro was awarded the Purple Heart by President George W. Bush in recognition of his sacrifice and bravery. One month later, Senator Ted Kennedy assisted him in completing his path to citizenship, and Erick proudly became a naturalized United States citizen during a ceremony on Capitol Hill.
In May 2004, Sergeant Castro was medically retired from the Army while retaining his rank of Sergeant. Refusing to let adversity define his future, he pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
In May 2004, Sergeant Castro was medically retired from the Army while retaining his rank of Sergeant. Refusing to let adversity define his future, he pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
His inspiring story has been recognized nationwide. In 2005, he was honored during the National Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill, broadcast by PBS. In 2010, he was featured in Latinos Living the American Dream, a documentary sponsored by PepsiCo and directed by Eva Longoria.
His inspiring story has been recognized nationwide. In 2005, he was honored during the National Memorial Day Concert on Capitol Hill, broadcast by PBS. In 2010, he was featured in Latinos Living the American Dream, a documentary sponsored by PepsiCo and directed by Eva Longoria.
Sergeant Castro's military decorations and honors include:
Sergeant Castro's military decorations and honors include:
- Purple Heart
- Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device (3 Awards)
- Army Achievement Medal (3 Awards)
- Army Good Conduct Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- VA-DAV Freedom Award (2004)
Sergeant Erick Castro's story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and perseverance. His service and sacrifice embody the very best of the American spirit, and Thank A Vet is proud to honor his legacy and continued commitment to excellence. 🇺🇸
Sergeant Erick Castro's story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and perseverance. His service and sacrifice embody the very best of the American spirit, and Thank A Vet is proud to honor his legacy and continued commitment to excellence. 🇺🇸
Evelyn McLarty - Chief Of Operation
Evelyn McLarty - Chief Of Operation
Staff Sergeant (Retired) , United States Army
Evelyn McLarty
Evelyn McLarty began her military career in the U.S. Army Reserve in January 1986 and proudly served her country for more than two decades. During her distinguished service, she deployed in support of Operation Joint Endeavor in Germany and served in designated imminent danger areas in Kuwait and Iraq. She also served on Active Duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Throughout her military career, Evelyn held numerous leadership and administrative positions, including Hospital Nutritionist, Food Service Administrator, Cash Collection and Treasury Custodian, Squad Leader, and Equal Opportunity Representative. Her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service made a lasting impact on the soldiers and communities she served.
In recognition of her outstanding military service, Evelyn received numerous awards and decorations, including:
Army Commendation Medal (4 Awards)
Army Achievement Medal (2 Awards)
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device (2 Awards)
Evelyn's continued dedication to serving others reflects the values of leadership, integrity, and selfless service that define our nation's veterans. Thank A Vet is honored to recognize her commitment and contributions to both military and community service. 🇺🇸
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