As fathers, we wear many hats—provider, protector, mentor, and role model. We strive to build strong foundations for our families and teach our kids the values of resilience, responsibility, and community. But what happens when the men and women who’ve served our country—many of them dads themselves—struggle to find that same foundation after leaving the military? In a recent episode of the Call With Dad podcast, hosts E.a. Maynard and Mr. Pancakes sat down with Darryl Money, a veteran and founder of the American Warrior Foundation, to dive into the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life and how dads can step up to make a difference.
The Veteran’s Struggle: A Dad’s Perspective
Imagine coming home from years of service, where every aspect of life—when to eat, where to sleep, how to solve problems—was structured and supported by a tight-knit team. Now, picture being dropped into civilian life with little more than a resume-writing workshop and a pat on the back. For many veterans, this is reality. Darryl Money likens it to being “dropped off in Mandarin, China, with a piece of paper saying, ‘Good luck finding a job.’”
As dads, we know the weight of responsibility. Veterans, especially those with families, carry that same burden but often without the tools or support to navigate civilian life. Darryl shared stories of veterans facing homelessness, addiction, and divorce, compounded by the loss of camaraderie and purpose. One veteran, a middle-aged dad in Michigan, lost his job after his car broke down, used his VA disability payment to fix it, and couldn’t cover rent—leading to an eviction notice. Another, a father in North Carolina, struggles with family estrangement and no safety net.
These stories hit home for dads. We’ve all faced moments where life feels overwhelming, but for veterans, the stakes are often higher. The lack of a stable foundation—whether it’s a job, a community, or a supportive family—can spiral into crisis. As Pancakes With Dad, a veteran himself, pointed out, the military doesn’t teach reintegration. “You come back after a year-long deployment, and your wife’s built a life without you. You’re crashing the party, and nobody prepares you for that.”
Why Dads Should Care
Veterans aren’t just soldiers—they’re our neighbors, our kids’ coaches, and often, fellow dads at the school pickup line. Their struggles affect our communities and our kids’ futures. When a veteran dad can’t provide for his family or a veteran mom isolates herself, it ripples through schools, neighborhoods, and local economies. Darryl emphasized that veterans’ issues aren’t isolated; they’re part of the broader challenges we all face, like financial stress or family breakdowns.
Moreover, supporting veterans aligns with the values we teach our kids: honor, service, and lifting others up. By helping veterans rebuild their foundations, we model what it means to be a man of action and compassion. As E.a. Maynard, a homeschooling dad, noted, teaching his son American history and civics is about instilling a sense of duty. Supporting veterans is a real-world way to live that duty.
The American Warrior Foundation: A Game-Changer for Veterans
Darryl Money isn’t just talking about the problem—he’s building a solution. His American Warrior Foundation aims to create self-sufficient veteran ranches across the country, offering a one-stop shop for reintegration. Picture this: a veteran arrives at a ranch and finds on-site housing, vocational training, therapy, and a job—day one. Whether it’s learning a trade, managing a farm, or working in a high-tech data center, the ranch provides purpose, structure, and camaraderie, much like the military did.
What sets this apart from traditional programs? It’s holistic and sustainable. Instead of referrals or temporary vouchers, the foundation addresses the whole person—veteran, spouse, and kids. Darryl’s vision includes empowering veterans to start their own ranches, creating a network of 2,000 facilities with 2,000 beds, 2,000 jobs, and 2,000 training opportunities. This isn’t charity; it’s empowerment, giving veterans the tools to thrive as providers and parents.
How Dads Can Get Involved
As fathers, we have the power to make a difference—both for veterans and our own families. Here’s how you can step up:
- Learn and Share: Visit www.amwarriorsfdn.org to understand the American Warrior Foundation’s mission. Follow them on social media (X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube) and share their story with your network. Awareness is the first step to change.
- Donate: Every dollar counts. Pancakes With Dad shared how a $200 donation to his American Liberty Foundation (american-liberty-foundation.org) upgraded software, creating a donor portal that benefits every future contributor. Similarly, donations to Darryl’s foundation fuel ranches, training, and jobs. Even small amounts add up to big impact.
- Connect Locally: Reach out to veterans in your community. Invite a veteran dad to your next barbecue or offer to grab coffee. As Darryl noted, single veterans often isolate themselves more than those with families. Your friendship could be the lifeline they need.
- Advocate: Talk to your local representatives about supporting veteran-focused programs like the American Warrior Foundation. Push for policies that prioritize results over bureaucracy, like leveraging the Small Business Administration for veteran entrepreneurship.
- Teach Your Kids: Use this as a teaching moment. Share stories of veterans’ service and struggles with your children. As E.a. Maynard does with his son, instill a sense of civic duty and gratitude for those who’ve served.
A Call to Action for Dads
Darryl’s passion is contagious: “If you give men and women purpose, direction, motivation, and camaraderie, you’ll have successful, amazing people doing all kinds of stuff.” As dads, we know the power of purpose—it’s what gets us up at 5 a.m. to pack lunches or work overtime for our families. Veterans deserve that same drive, and we can help them find it.
Head to www.amwarriorsfdn.org to learn how you can support Darryl’s mission. Check out american-liberty-foundation.org for Pancakes With Dad’s resources and courses on building strong families. And visit callwithdad.com for more episodes that dive into real talk for dads. Let’s show our kids what it means to be men who don’t just talk about change but make it happen.
Together, we can help our heroes—and our fellow dads—build the foundations they need to thrive.
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This article is based on a Call With Dad podcast episode recorded on July 25, 2025. For more insights, follow @CallWithDad on X and other social platforms.
