Team Patriot

<!----> <!-- Locations--> Sign Up Close A new Samaritan's Purse initiative deploys Operation Heal Our Patriots couples to the front lines of disasters.

In the aftermath of natural disasters, communities often look and feel like war zones. Survivors have been in a battle for their lives as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, and other catastrophic events wreaked havoc around them. They need an army of volunteers who are ready to help, providing leadership and skilled work in Jesus' Name.

“…who better to send after a disaster than these men and women who’ve experienced military life and combat.”—Edward Graham

Team Patriot is a Samaritan's Purse program that provides disaster relief and rebuild volunteer opportunities for wounded military veterans and their spouses who are part of our Operation Heal Our Patriots ministry.

Edward Graham, a retired Army Ranger and son of Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham, meets with homeowners after deadly tornadoes ripped through Alabama early in 2019.

“The storms are coming, Scripture tells us that, but who better to send after a disaster than these men and women who’ve experienced military life and combat,” said Edward Graham, son of Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham. Edward recently started working with Samaritan's Purse after a 16-year Army career.

This initiative of Samaritan's Purse North American Ministries and Operation Heal Our Patriots is designed to provide our military couples with opportunities to actively serve in a team environment—helping those in need while also pointing to the hope and comfort found in Jesus Christ. Veterans are able to bring one other family member per deployment, either their spouse or a child 14 years of age or older.

Team Patriot Members Respond As: Disaster Relief Crews Heavy Equipment Operators Rebuild Teams

The first Team Patriot deployment took place in August, 2019, in Texas where our teams are rebuilding homes damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 hurricane that struck southeastern Texas in 2017.

“Team Patriot is a new life for me—it’s a new purpose. It's a new sense of filling a void in assisting others,” said Marine Sergeant Robert Bogus who served during that first deployment.

Marine Sergeant Robert Bogus joined other military couples as part of a Team Patriot rebuild project in southeast Texas.

Robert helped with the rebuild for an 84-year-old widow whose home was flooded during Hurricane Harvey. “I still personally want to serve those around me and Jesus said I come to serve, not to be served,” he said. “That's the reason I'm here.”

Related Stories Team Patriot Helps Fellow Veterans in Texas Volunteers Working in Texas After Imelda’s Deluge Team Patriot Gets Wounded Veterans Serving Again Team Patriot Videos FAQs Will my travel to the job site be reimbursed?

Samaritan’s Purse will cover the cost of travel for all Team Patriot identified projects. The cost of all airfare, train and bus tickets will be covered. Travel in your personal vehicle will be reimbursed up to the cost of airfare. Expenses will be covered for each Team Patriot volunteer up to two times per year.

Do I have to go through Training before I can volunteer?

No, training is not required before you volunteer with Team Patriot. We will provide on-site training for all volunteers. We will offer yearly training opportunities at our headquarters in North Carolina. Expenses will be covered for one training per year.

Can my service dog accompany me?

Yes, your certified service dog may work alongside you on a case-by-case basis. At times, the locations of our responses may limit access for your dog. A signed service animal waiver is required. Therapy animals are not allowed.

Can my spouse serve with Team Patriot?

Absolutely! Spouses are part of the team and encouraged to participate. We ask that non-military participants serving without their spouse join our regular U.S. Disaster Relief volunteer teams. Also, lodging at churches might require spouses to sleep in separate spaces.

Can one of my children attend if my spouse cannot?

Yes, a child who is 14 years of age or older can accompany their parent. Note: We will cover the cost for you and your spouse OR you and your child 14 years of age or older.

Can I volunteer on a non-Team Patriot designated project?

Yes, you are welcome to serve on any North American Ministries volunteer project at your own expense. Those opportunities can be found at spvolunteer.org.

How can I know when a Team Patriot deployment is happening?

Request to join our private FB page “Team Patriot,” text 51555 to receive text alerts, or email teampatriot@samaritan.org and our Volunteer Coordinator will gather some information from you.

What are accommodations like on a typical response?

For most domestic projects, volunteers are housed at a local church. Housing is separated by gender. We will provide specific details for each project site as to how housing will be set up. There may be locations where husbands and wives can stay together, but this will not be available at every location.

What is your policy on alcohol and tobacco?

We ask that you do not use tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) or alcohol while volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse. These products or their use are not permitted at the volunteer housing site, in Samaritan’s Purse vehicles, or within the homes or neighborhoods of families being served by Samaritan’s Purse. If you need to leave the site to smoke, we ask that you do not wear your Samaritan’s Purse T-shirt.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at 828-262-1980 or by email at teampatriot@samaritan.org.