HELENA, MT - On the seventh day of his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today encouraged Montanans to support the Talons Reach Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting active duty and veteran Special Operations members who have suffered mental, moral, and physical injuries sustained in training and combat while serving in the U.S. military.

“Oftentimes, when our active duty and veteran servicemembers come home, they don’t have the supports they need to thrive in post-combat life,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Nick Jones and the Talons Reach Foundation, our nation’s heroes have the community and resources to find purpose after military service.”

Founded in 2021 by Staff Sergent Nick Jones, the nonprofit provides participants with a five-day program that takes a systematic approach to educating about signs and symptoms that arise throughout the careers of active duty and veteran servicemembers, guiding them through holistic healing modalities, and getting outdoors in Montana’s beautiful scenery.

As a U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant who served honorably for twelve years, Jones knows firsthand how difficult it can be to return home after serving in combat. After five deployments, with three in active-duty combat, Jones sustained injuries in March 2020 that led him to medically retire from his career in the Marines.

Still undergoing treatments and rehabilitations in his recovery, Jones shared his primary focus is to share his story and assist those like himself in finding their purpose after their Special Operation Forces careers conclude and overcoming their struggles in their darkest days.

“We started Talons Reach Foundation because we had a larger vision than what is happening right now with the veteran community and the active-duty, Special Operations community. We want all veterans to know that just because you take care of your mind, it does not mean you’re not going to be tough – it’s only going to make you better,” Jones said. “We want all veterans to find their purpose, heal from what they’ve experienced, and get the opportunity to get outdoors and reach down to find out who they are.”

Through its five-day Eagle Regeneration Program, the Talons Reach Foundation hosts 15 to 20 veterans each year. Since its founding, the organization has run seven Eagle Regeneration Programs, helping 39 Special Operators.

The foundation relies on the generosity of individuals to support its program. To learn more and donate to the Talons Reach Foundation, Montanans may visit talonsreachfoundation.org.

Running through mid-December, the governor’s fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign highlights the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

- On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

- On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the United Way of Missoula County.

- On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.

- On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Warriors & Quiet Waters.

- On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor launched the fourth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

- On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for Montana law enforcement officers and their families through the Montana Police Protective Association Foundation.

- On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for active duty and veteran Special Operations members through the Talons Reach Foundation.