Our Mission
At Camp V.O.W., our driving purpose is to serve all those who have served our country in combat. We provide community, care, and empowerment to veterans from all branches, theaters of conflict, and generations. Founded on the Christian values of compassion and servanthood, we aim to nourish the well-being and God-given potential of every veteran.
Camp V.O.W. (Veterans of War) is a non-profit organization that serves all combat veterans and their families, regardless of when or where they served.
Founded by Marine Corps veteran Walter Ybarbo III, Camp V.O.W. originated from Walter's efforts to support veterans struggling with PTSD. After hosting support groups at his Olathe, Kansas nutrition store, Walter recognized the immense need to help more veterans—not just recent post-9/11 vets, but those from Vietnam, Desert Storm, and other conflicts.
Walter established Camp V.O.W. as a faith-based nonprofit to provide spiritual healing alongside practical support. Drawing from Walter’s own experience recovering from combat trauma with help from his Christian faith, the Camp integrates pastoral care and peer support groups.
Our Duty
At Camp V.O.W., our solemn duty is to empower veterans struggling after service, no matter when, where, or how they served. We provide individualized care, community, and connection for a lifetime of support.
Standing by all who stood for America’s freedom, we assist combat veterans from every generation and branch. Our nonprofit meets urgent needs like disability, PTSD, and lack of purpose after service. We walk with veterans through grief and into growth.
Led by veterans who listen deeply, we integrate mental healthcare with recreation, career mentoring, and more. Through judgment-free understanding, forged in shared experience, we nourish transformation.
The Camp V.O.W. family believes that after selfless sacrifice in battle, all veterans deserve care without question. And all carry the potential for whole and fulfilling lives beyond service.
Our duty is to help veterans continue serving in new ways - as leaders, mentors, creators - while serving them first. Restoring identity. Renewing purpose. Reviving community. Reminding them that they are never alone. We stand by our heroes, through trauma into triumph.
Today. Tomorrow. Together.
Our Vision
The vision of Camp V.O.W. is to build a dedicated community where veterans understand they are never alone. We welcome veterans from all branches of service and generations of service. Through compassion and shared experience, we aim to empower veterans to transform struggle into strength.
We strive to uplift veterans and military families through four key areas:
Faith & Purpose
Restore meaning and hope through peer support groups, counseling, and outdoor retreats.
Wellness
Promote whole health through fitness activities, nutrition education, and holistic wellness programs.
Transition Help
Assist veterans in navigating VA resources, finding housing and jobs, upgrading discharge status, and adjusting to civilian life.
Camaraderie
Foster connection and unite veterans through shared experiences such as volunteerism, recreation, creative arts, mentorship programs, speaking events, and outreach.
Our Values
We uphold values of compassion, servanthood, integrity, and inclusion. The Camp V.O.W. family believes that through shared community and compassion, struggle can transform into lifelong strength. Our steadfast commitment: Help veterans forge purpose from trauma and continue serving in new ways.
The core values guiding Camp V.O.W.'s mission include:
Community: We strive to create an extended family where no veteran feels alone.
Honor: We respect the sacrifices made by veterans and military families.
Service: We believe that serving those who served our country is a civic duty.
Growth: We aim to nurture the potential within veterans to continually heal and thrive.
Integrity: We adhere to moral principles, transparency, and honesty in all we do.
Inclusion: We embrace veterans of all backgrounds, treating everyone with equal dignity.
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