As the only organization that engages in policy and legislation advocacy on behalf of the men and women in the Special Operations community, SOAA is committed to identifying solutions and making recommendations that best serve Special Operation Forces on and off the battlefield.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the issues we’re currently working on. Join us, as we fight for you!
Recent studies show what we already suspected: That the rate of suicide is higher among our community than that of the civilian population and even that of the rest of the military with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) being major contributing factors.
Learn about these new findings and what we are doing to help!
Afghan and Iraqi translators and their families are being targeted and killed due to the inefficiency of the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. There is a backlog of about 19,000 Afghan translators and others who helped U.S. forces. Not protecting those that risked their lives for us would not only dishonor their sacrifices but also who we are as a nation.
Learn more about this critical issue!
For far too long, members of the military have been negatively impacted by burn pits, and it’s time to take action for the victims exposed to toxic exposure.
Register yourself and your SOF community in the Burn Pit Registry if you suspect you have ever been exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pits, even if it was just once. Early identification and monitoring could save your life and the lives of your brothers in arms.
It’s not always easy to get the benefits you deserve and it’s even harder for us operators to prove eligibility when many missions are classified in nature. We’re fighting to make sure that the SOF community gets what they have earned.
We’re demanding that the Department of Defense (DoD) make proving eligibility for Veteran’s benefits simple and straight forward for all members of SOCOM across all components.
As past and current Servicemembers ourselves, we know that decisions and policies out of Washington impact the Operator on the ground. We’re working to help educate politicians on how to make policies that free up SOF to do our best work.
Learn more about how Rules of Engagement effect troops in Afghanistan!
From the blog
Honoring Our PACT Act, Bipartisan Agreement Reached
We wish to thank all who have helped to bring justice and care to toxic-exposed Servicemembers and Veterans by contributing their time, efforts, and resources.
The Four Pillars of Action
Last April, when the Biden Administration announced U.S. forces would depart Afghanistan by September 2021, SOAA went into action. From advocating for speeding up the
Troops Exposed To Toxins Need Justice Now
Members of the Special Operations Forces are in need of further support due to their service-connected exposure to toxic substances. SOF members are diagnosed with
20 VSOs Sign Support For Senate Resolution
Since the fall of Kabul, SOAA has fought for our Afghan allies, providing safe housing, material support, and life-saving intelligence to men, women, and children
Supporting the Honor Our PACT Act
It is estimated that 3.5 million Veterans should be eligible for VA Health Care due to service-connected exposure to toxic substances. And yet, the VA
Senators Blumenthal & Moran Honor Veteran-Led Evacuation Efforts
The Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) is grateful to Senators Moran and Blumenthal of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, who introduced a Senate
Dr. Frueh Speaks On Operator Syndrome
It’s been well documented that the Special Operations community wrestles with a higher rate of suicide than the rest of the US military. As an
Camaraderie Is Essential When Transitioning Out Of SOF
Transition struggles are real for every SOF operator and those who have served with us in a direct support function. The connection we have in
Trying to Fix My Brain: Daniel Luna’s Experience
I remember asking the neurologist at the top military brain clinic in the United States if he had ways to make my brain better. I
Women in SOF Face Unique Challenges
As a valued member of the SOAA team, Jaclyn (Jax) Scott has shown tireless dedication in advocating for the SOF community. As a woman, serving
Members of Congress Support SOAA and will Work for the SOF Community
A couple of weeks ago, we published a piece about our time on Capitol Hill, meeting with our Nation’s Representatives to discuss key issues regarding
VETS Program Provides Veterans with Alternate Treatments
Our members are no strangers to the invisible scars of war that follow veterans home. Current treatments for issues such as PTSD and TBI have
