read what others say about IVN's service to veterans

”Marnie was one of the first people to reach out when I arrived at Walter Reed post medivac through Germany.  She did more to make sure I was taken care of there than my own command by a mile.  Care packages, movies, you name it.  I never met her before but I was a wounded soldier with Idaho as my home state and she was all over it.  Years later she would hit me up a few times a year just to see how I was doing.  I am not a Southern Idaho resident so I never got to attend her functions, but I know many guys down there and all over the state that sing her praises.  When she passed we all lost a fire that burned bright for us whenever we needed it.  I just wanted to pass my condolences on to her family and thank them for sharing such a marvelous lady with us.  She touched many lives.  Thank you.”

Eric, Combat Vet

“I am the mother of a medically retired Marine who is now a volunteer for IVN. My family’s involvement with the IVN began in March of 2012 after my son was taken to the hospital by the Ada County Sheriff Department and put on a 24 hour hold. My son was not an easy case, but they stood by him and helped him through it. IVN was a huge support for me also. Before this, I was sure my son would eventually take his own life and I would have to somehow deal with that. When I was worried or at my wits end, I could call and IVN would send someone to our house, no matter the time of day, or make contact with my son and check on him. IVN started a support group for Iraq and Afghan combat vets and once my son attended the group, his life changed. He found friends he could relate to, and he found the brotherhood that he missed so much. When  IVN organized hunting and fishing trips for the vets, my son attended some of them. When he returned from his first hunting and fishing trip, my son was a totally different person. I saw a smile on his face for the first time in years. He has since organized several fishing trips and is teaching other vets how to fly fish. IVN saves lives and my son is an example of that. He is one of many. My tears are happy tears again!”

Brenda, Mother  of Combat Vet

”I have great respect for the work IVN does as I have seen first-hand the transformation in Soldiers I have referred to their program. I have observed Soldiers find a new purpose and a place where the bond known only to Brothers and Sisters in Arms is restored to them. Words fall short in describing the impact this has had on them. I recall recently seeing one of my Soldiers again a few weeks after he was connected with IVN while going through a very difficult time in his personal life. I had deep concerns for his mental health and safety as a result of the stress he was under. I was shocked when I almost didn’t recognize him because the way he carried himself had changed noticeably. Gone was the anxious, agitated, withdrawn young man. The person who sat in front of me held his head up and there was hope in his voice, hope I had never heard in him before. Idaho Veterans Network understands the real needs of today’s combat veterans and they are going the extra mile to reach these Great Americans in extremely important ways.”

Robin, Advocate, Boise VA Medical Center