Operation Rebound: Grants For Disabled Veterans | Challenged Athletes Foundation

Operation Rebound

From the frontline to the finish line

Operation Rebound empowers U.S. veterans, active military, and first responders with permanent physical injuries to reclaim strength, purpose, and community through adaptive sports.

Empowering our frontline heroes since 2005

Who Qualifies

Honored U.S. military veterans, active-duty personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics with permanent physical disabilities are eligible. EMTs are not eligible.

Grant Options

Apply for sport expenses, CAF equipment grants, or other adaptive equipment grants to support your athletic journey.

Program Purpose

Designed to boost physical and mental well-being through sports, helping members reintegrate into community life and regain confidence.

APPLY FOR A GRANT

Year-round grants for veterans & first responders

Whether you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or first responder with a physical disability, you can apply anytime for:

Adaptive equipment (ex: racing wheelchairs, prosthetics, handcycles)
Competition expenses (travel, entry fees, coaching)
Training programs (clinics, camps, 1-on-1 coaching)

Proof of service and medical verification of disability is required.

CAF gave me more than sport—it gave me a community. When I was newly injured, I didn’t know a single amputee. Through CAF, I found lifelong friends, a new family, and a purpose greater than myself.

David Rozelle

CAF Operation Rebound Athlete

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CAF Operation Rebound’s support of my recovery has brought joy to my entire family. I am proud to be a part of the CAF Operation Rebound team and I will endeavor to be a positive example for others.

Chappie Hunter

CAF Operation Rebound Athlete

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Words can’t describe what CAF has done for me, they saved my life!

Chele Teabout

CAF Operation Rebound Athlete

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Before being introduced to CAF I was 310 lbs. and restricted to an automatic wheelchair. Since then I’ve lost 80lbs., have earned my Black Belt in Taekwondo and have opened my own martial arts studio. CAF’s Operation Rebound has truly changed my life.

Anthony Smith

CAF Operation Rebound Athlete

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Healing through sport isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline

For service members with physical injuries, adaptive sports aren’t just about competition. They’re a proven path to recovery, reducing PTSD symptoms, chronic disease risk, and isolation. Your donation fills critical gaps:

59% of Operation Rebound grantees live on <$25K/year—equipment costs are out of reach without help

$2.5B in VA medical costs stem from preventable weight-related ailments—sports combat this

Veterans with major injuries are 3X more likely to struggle with civilian life—sports rebuild identity

Moments of triumph and strength

Veteran, Advocate & Program Leader

Meet your program leader

Marine Corps veteran Nico Marcolongo has dedicated his career to helping veterans and first responders rediscover purpose through sport. After serving overseas, he joined CAF and now leads Operation Rebound as Program Manager, overseeing grants and events that provide adaptive equipment, training, and community support. From coordinating surf therapy sessions to mentoring participants on their fitness journey, Nico ensures that no veteran or first responder has to face their challenges alone.

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from the CAF team.

Defying Limits Gala

From the frontline to the finish line

Empowering our frontline heroes since 2005

Who Qualifies

Grant Options

Program Purpose

Healing through sport isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline

59% of Operation Rebound grantees live on <$25K/year—equipment costs are out of reach without help

$2.5B in VA medical costs stem from preventable weight-related ailments—sports combat this

Veterans with major injuries are 3X more likely to struggle with civilian life—sports rebuild identity

Moments of triumph and strength

Program Sponsors

Stay connected.
Stay engaged.

Successfully signed up.

Defying Limits Gala

Defying Limits Gala

From the frontline to the finish line

Empowering our frontline heroes since 2005

Who Qualifies

Grant Options

Program Purpose

Healing through sport isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline

59% of Operation Rebound grantees live on <$25K/year—equipment costs are out of reach without help

$2.5B in VA medical costs stem from preventable weight-related ailments—sports combat this

Veterans with major injuries are 3X more likely to struggle with civilian life—sports rebuild identity

Moments of triumph and strength

Program Sponsors

Stay connected. Stay engaged.

Successfully signed up.

Defying Limits Gala

Moments of triumph and strength

Stay connected.
Stay engaged.