Frequently Asked Questions

Who are we: The Eagle Fund was founded by EXOS and the Andrews Research & Education Foundation (AREF) to provide wounded and injured members of the Special Operations community access to intensive physical therapy, performance training, and nutritional interventions. A primary goal of our program is to give these men and women a chance to return to active duty. This all began when a Navy SEAL approached us and said, “I need help.” We treated him pro bono and then he later made a donation and said, “Let this be the start of a fund that will allow my brothers to get the kind of treatment I have received.”

What: The Eagle Fund is a restricted fund established in AREF, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations made to the Eagle Fund are restricted to support wounded and injured members of the Special Operations community and will be used to directly support our active duty service men and women.

Who is EXOS: A world leader in integrated performance training, nutrition, and physical therapy for elite athletes, military, first responders, and forward thinking corporations.

Who is AREF: Brings together the highest level of sports medicine education from doctors, researchers, and rehabilitation professionals and is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Why we are together: Allows for continuity and cooperation across a broad spectrum of specialties including: Performance Training, Physical Therapy, Nutrition, data collection and processing, program enhancement and outreach.

Is the Eagle Fund a tax exempt 501 (c)(3) organization?

The Eagle Fund is a restricted fund within AREF, which is a registered 501(c)(3) with a tax Id number of: 46-5182138.

How much of each donation goes to help participants?

Currently, 90% of the proceeds donated to the Eagle Fund goes directly to the participants or enhancing the program. Donations pay for the following:

  1. Cost of training
  2. Data collection
  3. Program enhancement and outreach.

Do donations pay for medical services?

No, all medical procedures are paid for by TriCare. These procedures require authorization from the participants’ primary care provider and are not directed as part of the Eagle Fund.

Who is eligible for the Eagle Fund?

Currently eligible participants for the Eagle Fund are directed to us by the US Special Operations Command Care Coalition. This group manages the care of wounded special operators and determines their entry based on schedule, medical clearance, and the Eagle Fund program is the right fit for their individual needs.

How long can participants access these funds?

Each individual’s injuries and scenarios are different. Due to the variety, severity, and stage of recovery of their injuries, we set no time limit on their recovery. Our goal is to provide each operator with a chance to return to active duty. To do so, some require longer periods of training than others. The average length of stay, however, is 4 to 6 weeks.

Why doesn’t the Department of Defense pay for this effort?

There are ongoing efforts to justify this type of restoration and training to the Department of Defense. Currently, human performance is not covered by the government’s third party insurer. The Eagle Fund attempts to prove these services are both cost effective and operationally efficient in returning these injured operators back to active duty. It is our hope that our efforts will lead the way in proving the effectiveness of this type of restoration training.

How is this program different from other wounded warrior charities?

The Eagle Fund is solely devoted to providing injured service men and women the opportunity to return to active duty. The other wounded warrior charities are fantastic programs with wonderful missions and while we share their goal in helping wounded warriors, our approach and mission is different. Our mission is to restore lives and careers so that these heroes can get the full return on their sacrifices and continue to be a part of America’s elite fighting force.

Will I receive documentation of my gift?

Yes, you will receive documentation of your gift within 4 to 6 weeks of the donation date.

Do donors receive updates?

Yes, on our website is a blog that will be regularly updated with information about current happenings within the program, as well as testimonials from our participants.

Do participants have to be wounded or injured in battle?

The Eagle Fund provides scholarship to men and women who have been injured in combat or training scenarios.

Why do you only offer services to Special Operations?

Our desire is to make the Eagle Fund available to all U.S. service men and women. Our current capacity dictates that we start with a more controlled access model. The U.S. Special Operations community provides an opportunity to make a large impact for a small population. As funds allow us to grow the program, we anticipate increased access to other military communities.