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<\/a><\/p>\nStories of Honor is a Fort Worth Report weekly series spotlighting 12 Tarrant County veterans<\/a> who are serving beyond the uniform.<\/p>\n We also are highlighting nonprofits<\/a> recommended by the veterans.<\/p>\n In November, the veterans will gather for a luncheon where the Report will honor their service at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why she works alongside Jonathon Perkins, founder of Unchained 4 Veterans, a Tarrant County nonprofit that connects veterans and their families through year-round events, meals and support.\u00a0<\/p>\n Their goal? Reduce suicide rates by restoring connection and offering practical help, from mental health support to housing and disability assistance.\u00a0<\/p>\n Unchained 4 Veterans started in 2021, helping about 75 to 100 veterans and families its first year. Now, the group serves more than 1,000 annually.\u00a0<\/p>\n From free Texas Rangers game tickets and local events to toy drives and hot meals delivered to shelters, the nonprofit provides more than entertainment. It offers veterans an escape and community.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIf they\u2019re at a game, they\u2019re not thinking about suicide,\u201d Perkins said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Perkins, an Army veteran, drew inspiration from his own experiences. While serving as president of student veterans groups at Tarrant County College and Texas Wesleyan University, he noticed how veterans turned out in large numbers for simple events centered around food and camaraderie.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought back on my military days,\u201d Perkins said. \u201cWe\u2019d have cookouts or birthday parties, and you rarely heard of suicide. I wanted to recreate that sense of connection in civilian life.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Jacobi pitches ideas for events, many of which include live sporting events like Rangers games and rugby matches and even more entertainment-focused events like music performances and Bass Hall.\u00a0<\/p>\n Since 2021, Unchained has distributed more than $100,000 in free tickets.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cGoing to a game and seeing veterans we\u2019ve helped, just enjoying themselves, it makes me feel great,\u201d Jacobi said.<\/p>\n Perkins also brings meals directly to veterans who can\u2019t attend events. On weekends and holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day, he grills food and delivers it to shelters and homes.<\/p>\n \u201cA game ticket seems simple, but for veterans with PTSD, it\u2019s a huge distraction,\u201d said Shirley Bravo, vice president of Unchained 4 Veterans.\u00a0<\/p>\n Bravo met Perkins at Texas Wesleyan\u2019s veterans club in 2020. When challenges for outreach rose, they teamed up to start Unchained. Bravo organizes toy drives with Toys for Tots and coordinates ticket distribution.\u00a0<\/p>\n For Perkins, every action is personal. He knows the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life.\u00a0<\/p>\n He called his first civilian job in an Indiana landfill boring compared to the Army\u2019s structure. He faced his own mental health struggles and credits One Tribe Foundation for helping him after a personal breaking point.\u00a0<\/p>\n That moment solidified his resolve to help other veterans stay connected and supported.<\/p>\n \u201cThey helped me out, and I wanted to help others,\u201d Perkins said.<\/p>\n Still, Perkins shares a desire to do more, Bravo said. Now, he dreams of a dedicated facility where veterans can gather on weekends to play games, share meals and find support.<\/p>\n For Jacobi, the impact is clear.<\/p>\n \u201cVeterans need to be there for each other,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n No matter the challenges, Perkins finds a way.<\/p>\n Orlando Torres is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report.<\/p>\n At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n
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