Operation First Response

My dad passed away back in 2018 due to complications with cancer. He was a big military man: a hero. We were devastated and didn’t know what to do. My family and I couldn’t afford food hardly, let alone bills. OFR called us up one day and payed our bills no questions asked. It was amazing! They’ve been supporting us ever since he passed and I don’t know what id do without them. They’re a family. My family and I have gone on walks with them and attended events and I love when I get to see them and support those who supported us. We’re a big family full of support and love. Even now, they’re helping us in so many ways. Thank you so so much OFR

Operation First Response does so much for veterans and first responders. It is evident that they truly care and put their whole heart into everything. They are extremely supportive of the career EMS personnel of Culpeper, and we can never thank them enough.

OFR simply cares about people. They belive in their purpose and execute in extraordinary ways. I truly love these women and admire their pursuit for compassion and diligence for those in need.

I have volunteered & been a board member since 2004...the very beginning of Operation First Response (OFR). It has been extremely rewarding to help make a difference for our wounded Heroes & their families. The difference OFR makes has been awesome to be a part of. For me, seeing the faces when we visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda or BAMC makes it all worth while & some of the families remain in touch.

I’ve known this charity and it’s staff for more than 10 years. They helped my husband after he got injured in Iraq. They’ve also helped many of his army buddies. They’ve helped families across the nation in ways that have meant the difference between life and death. Everyone touched by this charity becomes ‘family’. OFR is run diligently, professionally and compassionately.

Excellent organization. Helping many veterans across the nation!

I’ve been a volunteer with OFR for many years now and have been able to see first hand how the donations change the lives of these men women and their families.

The commitment of the wonderful people who started and continue this organization is astonishing and is truly something to be in awe of. I've helped at a few events and they have always gone above and beyond for every veteran and first responder that they can. We need more organizations like them.

They genuinely pour their hearts into what they do, giving a staggering 95% of funds raised straight to our heroes in need. Every interaction with them feels personal and sincere. If you're considering supporting a nonprofit, these folks truly make the lives of those they serve better!

My name is Sarah Hartmann and my mom (Peggy Baker) is the Founder/President/CEO of Operation First Response, Inc., (OFR). My mom started OFR back in 2004 after my oldest brother joined the military after 9/11 and ever since that day it has changed our lives.

I started volunteering for my mom when I was 11 year old along with my best friend (Crystal Krueger) who is now the Executive Office Assistance and works side by side with us every day to help our Nation's Heroes.

Now back in the beginning when all of the wounded were coming into Walter Reed Army Medical Center, we would visit the hospital and the Mologne House every weekend to be with our wounded service men and women and their families to make sure that they had everything they needed during their recovery period and time that they were there. I knew from the first time I stepped into that hospital setting with our Nation's Heroes that I was walking into where my family was. I truly consider them all to be my brothers and sisters and that will never change, but I never truly understood what our Military and First Responders truly went through until I was older, around 17 years old, and started working for my mom full time.

I have now been a case manager and the executive office manager for the past 13 years and I have to tell you that it has been the greatest honor serving our brave men and women who have and still are putting their lives on the line every single day for our Country and our Communities.

I have watched my mom over the past 20 years and I am just in awe of who she is and how she has always made sure to keep OFR exactly what she envisioned it to be from the beginning. She never lost sight of the mission of being there for these families. For those who protect us! She is called mom by everyone she meets and I truly feel that she is an angel on earth.

She makes sure that anyone who calls us or contacts us is always treated with the upmost respect and compassion, because they are truly the best of us! I have met a lot of nonprofits over the years and I have never been more proud of Operation First Response. The name, in my opinion, says it all because we are always the first called on to put the "fire" out so, that we then we can direct them to organizations that will help them to stay on track financially to be able to have a stable and wonderful life.

Over the past 20 years, we have become so close with the families we have served, and it is truly the most magical and beautiful thing to watch and experience! Through OFR, I have been able to be there when they first called on us for help, stayed with them throughout their hardship, and then was able to watch them grow and become productive members of our society. I get to see behind the scenes on what these families go through each and every day and it just makes me want to help them even more! It also shows me what I want my future career to be, which is an EMT & Paramedic. I not only want to be by their side during difficult times, but I also want to work side-by-side with these incredible Heroes.

The love and compassion that comes from Operation First Response is like nothing else I have ever experienced. It has helped me to become a better person and to also know how to handle extremely stressful situations in a way that helps take the pressure off of the Service Member, Veteran, or First Responder that we may be working with. We never want to cause any more stress for them when they call on us. We want them to know that when they reach out to OFR that they are in a safe place with people who truly care.

The Operation First Response Team far exceeds my expectations every single day and I am truly so honored, grateful, and blessed to be part of one of the most amazing nonprofit organizations out there.

I’ve been a volunteer with Operation First Response since 2008. I’ve seen countless veterans and first responders have, not just their lives change, but their families’ lives change because of this organization too. I’ve never seen an organization that has gone so far above and beyond to make a difference.

I have had the honor to be part of the team at Operation First Response since 2011 and prior to that as a volunteer. If you are looking for a charity where the Veteran/First Responder is not just 'another number' look no further. Each Hero is a brother/sister and become part of our huge extended family. As Peggy always says our Christmas list is always growing.

Yes OFR provides emergency financial support nationwide and that is an extremely critical need however the most important 'service' I feel we offer is emotional support. I cannot express how many times a Hero has said how thankful they are for the financial support but more importantly that we took the time to listen to their story and struggle, that we showed compassion to their situation and emotions.

I am proud to say that everything we do is lead by the heart and extreme gratitude for the sacrifices these Heroes make every day. We strive to honor their service by lessening the burdens they face. Our Heroes, their stories and their families inspire us each and every day.

In closing I would say take a look into Operation First Response, our story and the stories of those we have served, take a look at our financials and see the impact we make with the funds we are given. The most important thing I hope you can take away from this review is take the time to listen to a Veteran/First Responder and their story. I promise you will be amazed and inspired but more so that Hero will be moved that you listened.

All I can say is OFR changed my life and I love our OFR family beyond measure.

I met Peggy, Sarah and Crystal from Operation First Response approximately 3-4 years ago. They could tell you the exact date that they met me as they have told me when our anniversary date is of when we met.

If they have not heard from me in some time or when I cross their mind, I will receive a text message from them with the words “buddy check”. I now use that when I have not heard from one of my friends from the past or when I need to check on someone. Their one action of caring, created another action of myself caring for someone with “buddy check”. I am positive that this will influence another to check on a fellow service member, veteran, first responder or friend. If all veterans were taught this simple “buddy check” I truly belief the number 22 would decline.

I could tell you all about what Operation First Response’s mission is but they show it through actions. All of their information is on https://www.operationfirstresponse.org/

One day I hope to live a life of purpose and value to my country and community that Peggy, Sarah and Crystal have. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.

OFR is truly passionate about what they do! They serve our Veterans with the utmost respect.
Veterans know when they come to OFR they have a family and won't be just another case number. This is a ten star charity, five stars just aren't enough!!

This organization truly cares for our Veterans! Every donor can rest assured that their hard earned money will definitely go to help a Veteran in need. OFR is a family and treats each Veteran as a family member. Please consider giving to this organization when looking for a great cause to give to!

My friend had his electric bill paid by this non-profit and another. The other non-profit has bad reviews here so I will not mention them but a pymt they made BOUNCED. I wrote to OFR and asked if they could help us a 2nd time. Normally, they could not. As a SO of a retired disabled vet with PTSD and sleep apnea, plus that I am a diabetic, we did not sleep last night.

That is not good for either of us. OFR is helping us. As a former PR specialist for two different non-profits in the arts, you can only imagine how I felt when they said we'll take care of this for you. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE donate to these nice folks. I will be promoting them on Facebook, Twitter and any other place I can. They deserve your support and earned it today from ME. FOREVER.

This organization is Amazing! These people will do anything they can to reach out and help our veterans. In reading some others' reviews it is obvious the impact they've made. As a volunteer I am so proud to be apart of this crew and lucky to meet all the heroes who also become family!
As for our Non-Veteran Philly guy... you cannot find a more selfless and giving man. Ask anyone.

One comment left by "Bellhop" is fictional and clearly an attempt by someone disgruntled to shed a bad light on a great cause. Also, it is disgusting that they would speak of the non-veteran who has given this his all! Whomever Bellhop is should not hide behind a fake username. I think most of us know who you are anyway. We saw your true colors a while ago. And who would take the word of someone who claims to "swing" with widows and so called damaged men?

Operation First Response, Philadelphia is all about the widows and swinging. Best time volunteering there or hanging out. I've had more dates with grieving widows and damaged men than I thought possible. They trot the burnt veteran out like a show pony. The NON VETERAN BUSINESS OWNER who runs it for public relations to promote his business is doing a fine job . THE PHILADELPHIA VETERAN house that he was on the board of RAN OUT OF MONEY and had to be closed down after the big FUND RAISING GALA they had.
Veterans need help but who else is helping themselves???.

OFR is one of the best organizations I have dealt with. Everything they do is from the heart and I back them 100%. Their goal is to help those in need, however they can. That's something that should never go unappreciated. They've brought happiness and relief to those they aid. I will always endorse them to anyone willing to help our military!

I have had the honor of being involved with this organization for a very long time. I never knew the struggles our brave men and women of the Armed Forces faced until I attended a Walk for the Wounded. It was truly an eye opening moving experience. This organization goes above and beyond to ease the struggles our Disabled Veteran's face. They are not only there to help them over come the financial trouble in front of them but they embrace the Veteran as family. That is what OFR is; a family. Every Veteran is treated with the respect, compassion and kindness that they deserve. I urge you to look into OFR. I promise you their mission will touch your heart. Please consider OFR the next time you feel the need to help an organization. No act of kindness is too small.

Operation First Response, Inc., (OFR), is the most amazing nonprofit organization I have ever had the honor of meeting and working with! They exceed all expectations of what a true nonprofit is and treat everyone as family! They never treat you as just a number, they show true compassion for what us Veterans and our families are going through! Peggy Baker is the mom of all moms and she takes care of everyone as if they all were her own! She started OFR in 2004 after her son joined the military after 9/11 and she knew that something needed to be done for us, because the government and the veterans affairs were doing nothing. When you need someone they are they not only to assistance with emergency financial aid but with and open ear and heart ready to listen and help you through whatever may be happening. They show us Veterans that there are people out there that still care! They are what makes us Veterans want to serve our country and keep our people safe! There are a lot of organizations that state they help Veterans (not naming the one I'm speaking about, but I think everyone knows who it may be) but they don't help at all. There is one organization that does and that cares and that will always be there no matter what and that is Operation First Response, Inc.!

I have had the great pleasure of volunteering my time to this wonderful organization and am very close with the fine individuals that make up their home office. I know just how much they care about what they do and how they push themselves to help so many people. Unlike what one reviewer falsely claimed, they do not make large salaries. Their financials are on their website. They are accurate. We should not be getting mad at them for not having the funds to assist those that truly need it. We should, instead, be disgusted with the lack of care that many people have for our wounded men and women of our Armed Forces. So many "Facebook Warriors" like and share but drop the ball soon after. They do not devote time nor resources, which make it to those that truly need it; not some greedy, "fat-cat". I hope everyone looking into this wonderful organization looks at their financials (like you should do prior to donating anywhere) and then giving these wonderful people a call or email asking for more information. I promise they do their jobs well and greatly care for what they do.

VA Caregiver and Disabled Combat Veteran rate this "non-profit" as ZERO stars, and one of the worst alleged veteran help organizations. They have stated that they have and retain literally NO funds to assist Veterans, since February of this year, however feel free to spend their purported "zero dollars" on things like advertising, events costs, and employees outlandish salaries; just like Wounded Warrior Project. They're Fiancial Reports dictate these very facts. They're real name should be Operation NO Response. Highlighting their money-hungry agenda, you are only prompted to leave a message when choosing option 1, to Donate $$ to their fraudulent organization.

My son was hit by an IED in Afghanistan in 2009. Because of the extent of his burns, he was flown to BAMC in San Antonio where his condition remained tenuous for over a year. I'm not really sure how Operation First Response learned about me, but they did - Peggy called me and asked what kind of help I needed. I had left my home and job and pets when I got the call about my son - now I was in need of help to pay rent and bills and someone to look after my animals. Peggy did not hesitate. I was provided with a check to take care of my home situation immediately. She came to BAMC from her home in Virginia to meet me and offered any other help I might need. She and Operation First Response helped me a number of times after the first time, in addition to her calling me frequently to talk and keep my spirits up. Peggy and I have remained friendly ever since, and she still calls to make sure I am doing okay. She and all the other volunteers of Operation First Response are so genuinely caring, and though they are helping so many people every day, I always felt I was first in their thoughts and concerns. It takes very special people to be able to convey that much love and true concern for everyone they help.

Operation First Response has served over 12,657 families nationwide since 2004 with 95 cents to every dollar going to those who need it most. These men and women, who give so graciously of their time, genuinely care about the soldiers and families. They even follow up with them years after their initial meeting. Please consider supporting this amazing group who do so much for those who fight for our freedom

I went to one of OFR's Walks for the Wounded about 5 years ago and it was obvious that this was a small group of people making a real difference in military families' lives. They help as many wounded soldiers, Marines, etc., as they can, and what really struck me was how they become like family to the ones they help. They not only offer financial help, they give emotional support as well. I was so impressed with their efforts that I now volunteer with the organization. Now that I have more insight into Operation First Response, I'm even more impressed--they do everything they can to keep costs low, giving about 95% of every dollar donated to wounded military members/veterans and their families.

The govt messed up my husband's disability check, so for 3 months we had no income. Thankfully Operation First Response came to our rescue by paying $500 of our rent. It was the 3rd monthof being without his disability pay and we had nothing left to sell/pawn to pay the rent. Operation First Response saved us from being evicted. They responded to our request within 24hrs of our application, and had a check in the mail soon after. This organization is much needed and appreciated.

Operation First Resonse provided a life line to my son's when they were hurt. OFR responded to me quickly and took care of the details for my family. The OFR organization has such compassion and concern for our military and their families.

This organization is the first one I tell other military families to reach out to if their soldier is in need.

You will not find a better organization that supports our military.

This nonprofit is run by the most dedicated women ever. She helped improve the lives of thousand of families and wounded veterans. Operation First Response is there 24/7

Recently, last year I'm 74, so that's recent to me. I had a minor transportation problem, I had to get to Louisville, KY, and had no way of getting there from Massachusetts. A friend suggested OPERATION FIRST RESPONCE. I knew of them they help the wounded, and their families, and from all I've heard are doing a fantastic job.
Anyhow at my friends urging I called them, and explained my problem.
The following day I received an Email telling me a round trip flight to Knoxville had been approved, and just show up at the ticket counter at the specified time.

Do you love and support our vets? OFR does BIG TIME. .... 97% of funds goes directly to helping vets. We vote every single day with our dollars. OFR gets my vote.
TY for all you do for our great vets.

I'm a veteran of a less violent time in our history & realize that my relatively peaceful military experience was a luck of the draw. Because I realize that, I feel obligated to help those who faced much more difficult experiences, especially those who came back from foreign wars different than they went. When I was searching for organizations that could best use my help and my donations, I wanted to find one that spent 90%+ of the donations on their programs, didn't pay high salaries to its board members, and had programs that actually improved the lives of those that need it. Operation First Response was the organization that I found & they far surpassed my requirements.

OFR is more than a charity organization, it is a family. A family comprised of those who recognize the hardships that our warriors face coming home and want to help, of warriors whose brothers in arms face hardships, and of warriors that were themselves helped by OFR and want to pay it down the line.

I am proud to be a part of it.

These guys helped me out last month. They were great and understanding and QUICK! Recommended to a few other vet friends already.

I would like to take a moment to say thank you to the organisation Operation first Response. I had a mechanical failure with our only vehicle and had to use funds from my family food budget. I contacted this great organisation and within a week I had a check in the mail to help my family with food expenses I cannot explain the gratitude I have for them they have really helped my family in a time of need. Thank You.

I am so grateful for their help during my time of need. God Bless them!

There are many Americans out there who say "We support Our Troops". If you really belive in that, then you need to find out more information about this charity. When I came across Operation First Response I was amaized at what this organization does for our Hero's. It touched my heart enough to be my charity of choice.
My hope is that more people become aware of what this organization is doing and will think about giving to support them.
Thanks to all the staff and support system of OFR. You do an amazining job.

Words are not enough to express what I feel about Operation First Response. They literally are life savers. My son is an injured Iraq Veteran and they helped him out in a time of crisis with some financial needs. When you have veteran with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that is dealing with added stress from financial burdens it can often lead to a bigger decline in health. So when OFR stepped in and took that burden off my son it not only helped him financially it helped him physically and mentally. It was a ripple effect. In March of 2011 I needed to travel to my sons base due to a health crisis he encountered and OFR are the ones who got me there in 1 DAY! Yes 1 Day. Operation First Response is truly a life saving blessing to our veterans and their families. I will always be greatful to all of them.