Our Origin Story
Operation H.O.S.T.
(Healing Our Service Trauma)
Operation HOST was born from hope, and the story of this organization’s creation is fit for a novel. Jaimie Ames, our executive director and Army veteran, was writing her memoir in hopes of passing her stories down through generations. It was during this time that she discovered her favorite author, Richard Paul Evans, was hosting a writer’s retreat on his ranch in southern Utah. Jaimie struggled with extreme anxiety and many other common PTS symptoms, so the idea of traveling across the country was a daunting one, but she felt compelled. It was there that she discovered she had more than a memoir. She found hope and an unlikely friendship.
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Mr. Evans took an interest in her small family project. She shared, for the first time in her life, some of her darkest moments. Her story of personal trauma was one that had been locked away for decades. It was then that he planted the seed for an organization that would help other veterans find what she had found. A sanctuary of hope, camaraderie, and healing.
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Today, the organization is made up of U.S. veterans and caring hearts who continue to grow that seed into a place where those who have served can feel at home.
Jaimie Ames
CEO & FOUNDER
What we do
Operation HOST Mission
Our mission at Operation HOST is to gather, advocate, and care for veterans and current service members navigating service-related trauma and PTS. Through connection, education, and resources, we help each person find pathways toward healing that reflect their individual needs and experiences.
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Our vet-to-vet (V2V) calls offer camaraderie and support from others who have served. Led by professional facilitators who are also veterans, these conversations give participants a place to connect, understand their PTS symptoms, and explore ways to manage everyday challenges.
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Operation HOST connects veterans with organizations and resources that offer additional support, including equine programs, service dogs, writing, creative activities, and other healing opportunities. Our goal is to help veterans find tools and connections that support their mental and physical well-being.
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Knowing that our veterans are not alone is a big part of what we do. We encourage self-advocacy and stand alongside those who struggle to be heard. We’re here to make noise for you. We want our VA system and our government to recognize the day-to-day challenges veterans endure, and we advocate for access to the care and resources they deserve.
How we help
Taking care of those
who take care of us
Follow the link to our volunteer form.
