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Covenant of Courage California Action News Updates

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In the U.S. Marine Corps, the drill instructor’s stare is more than just intense—it’s a rite of passage. It’s the fire that forges warriors, the presence that turns doubt into discipline. But not every battle is fought on the battlefield. Some of the most difficult wars are waged silently—within our own minds, bodies, and systems.


At Covenant of Courage, we believe that service doesn’t end with an injury or discharge. Leadership, grit, and honor don’t retire—they evolve. We are reimagining what it means to serve, leading a movement that keeps veterans in the fight—not through combat, but through mentorship, disaster response, and youth empowerment.


🛡️ Our message is clear: COURAGE IS A LIFETIME COMMITMENT.

Whether you’re shouting orders on the yellow footprints or helping a young cadet overcome fear, the warrior spirit doesn’t fade—it transforms.


This iconic image of a Marine drill instructor reminds us that strength is not about the loudest bark, but the deepest sense of responsibility. And that responsibility doesn’t end at the gate—it expands into our communities, our classrooms, and our future.


That’s why we’re fighting for policy change—because wounded warriors deserve the right to continue serving, to be reassigned, not discarded. They are still Built For Legends.




✍️ Join the Movement

✔️ Sign the petition to support our campaign: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR

🌐 Learn more: www.covenantofcourage.com




“Some still stand at attention long after the formation ends. Not because they have to—but because they refuse to stop showing up.”


Let’s honor them with action. Let’s build the future they were trained to lead.

 
 
 



In every era of American history, brave men and women have stepped forward to wear the uniform, to face danger, and to serve a cause greater than themselves. Yet when these warriors return home with wounds—seen or unseen—they often find themselves navigating a legal system that is unprepared, unjust, and in some cases, unforgiving.



🇺🇸 The Crisis Facing Our Injured Veterans



While the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs provide benefits and programs intended to care for wounded service members, the reality is that thousands of injured veterans fall through the cracks. Many are discharged due to injury without due process, denied reassignments that could allow them to serve in non-combat roles, and left with incomplete records that make it harder to access critical care or benefits.


For some, this discharge marks the beginning of years—even decades—of legal and medical battles. The lack of a consistent, fair pathway for administrative reassignment instead of discharge for injured troops is a legal and moral failure of our current system.





🛡️ A Legal Battlefield After the War



Veterans discharged under medical, entry-level, or other non-punitive classifications often struggle to:


  • Secure disability benefits or ratings

  • Upgrade their discharge status

  • Prove service-connected conditions without adequate documentation

  • Navigate a complex system without legal representation



Worse still, the system often treats them as if their service didn’t count—especially those who were injured during training or before deployment. But courage isn’t measured by combat exposure. It’s measured by willingness to serve.





✊ The Legal Reforms We Urgently Need



Justice for our wounded warriors requires bold action from Congress, the Department of Defense, and the VA. These reforms include:


✅ Creating a formal reassignment option for injured service members who can still contribute in cyber, instructional, or support roles.


✅ Ensuring full documentation of injuries and service records before any discharge, especially during training.


✅ Expanding access to legal aid for discharge upgrades, benefits appeals, and disability claims.


✅ Aligning military discharge practices with the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and civil rights law.





⚖️ The #ReasonableRanks Movement



Covenant of Courage is proud to lead the #ReasonableRanks campaign—a national effort to advocate for legislative change that protects the dignity, careers, and futures of injured service members. We’re building alliances with legal scholars, veteran advocates, civic leaders, and military families who believe that no one should be punished for getting hurt while serving their country.





💬 Join the Fight for Justice



We don’t leave anyone behind on the battlefield. We shouldn’t leave them behind in our legal system either. It’s time to ensure that wounded warriors have a fair shot at healing, honor, and continued service.


📝 Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR

🌐 Learn more: www.covenantofcourage.com




Justice delayed is dignity denied. Let’s fix the system. Let’s honor the promise. Let’s stand with our wounded warriors.


 
 
 

In a world often obsessed with noise and perfection, sometimes the most powerful act is the quietest: showing up. Whether you’re donning the uniform of the United States military or standing in solidarity with those who did, presence is a form of protest, of protection, and of promise.


The image of a lone service member saluting the American flag may seem simple—but it tells a story of commitment, sacrifice, and unshakable values. It reminds us that courage isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always charge into battle. Sometimes it stands still. Sometimes it salutes. Sometimes it just shows up.


At Covenant of Courage, we believe in honoring those who continue to serve—whether on the battlefield, in our communities, or through mentorship and leadership. We’re not just a nonprofit; we’re a movement dedicated to ensuring that injured veterans, regardless of deployment history, are recognized, retained, and reassigned—not discharged and discarded.


Why It Matters:


  • Thousands of service members are discharged due to injuries before they ever see deployment.

  • Many of these injuries occur during training, leaving them without benefits or recognition.

  • Covenant of Courage exists to change that narrative.



We’re calling on Congress and the Department of Defense to implement Reasonable Ranks, a commonsense reassignment pathway that respects disability rights and preserves a veteran’s dignity.


Want to make a difference?

📣 Share your story or tag a veteran who inspires you

💬 Start the conversation in your community


Because real courage doesn’t need applause. It just needs a reason to keep showing up.

And together, we’ll make sure every veteran has one.

 
 
 

ABOUT US >

Covenant of Courage
The specific purpose of this corporation is to empower and support veteran defenders, guiding them to rediscover their purpose through comprehensive support and training. We are dedicated to building a resilient community that leverages the unique skills of veterans to mentor and inspire the next generation through dynamic youth programs.

The Covenant of Courage is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

CONTACT 

F: 323 471 7279

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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not legal advice. They are meant solely as educational content. Individual cases will vary.
Covenant of Courage is not a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or law firm and is not affiliated with the U.S. Veterans Administration (“VA”). Covenant of Courage does not provide legal or medical advice or assist clients with preparing or filing claims for benefits with the VA.

This content is for educational awareness. Covenant of Courage (501(c)(3)) does not endorse political candidates or lobby.

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