Helping Veterans Is This Civilian’s Passion

By Chuck N. Baker
It has become more and more common for non-veterans to help the general veteran community in many different ways. Phil Randazzo said that 9/11 was a turning point for him, and he tried to enlist in the military. But medical problems did not allow him to do so. Still, the urge to do something for the country stayed with him and he embarked on several positive projects over the years. “My way of serving was to start a small non-profit here in Las Vegas. And we’re growing nationally now.”

One of Randazzo’s early projects was to spearhead a drive to build a Las Vegas memorial on behalf of Gold Star families, honoring service people who lost their lives in in Middle East. “I was approached by a Gold Star mother who lost her son, a Marine in Iraq. She wanted to do something special for all those lost from Nevada,“ Randazzo said. “It took some time, but I pitched Red Rock along with some help from (former Nevada Senator) John Ensign.” The result was a memorial walkway that now includes more than 75 names on stones at the Red Rock Visitors’ Center.

Over time, he founded two nonprofit entities. “Defending Freedom” was the initial one, which is still active and run by his associates. “Every month they go to US VETS and help feed the people out there.” Past projects included giving backpacks to military families with children, volunteering at Fisher House in Texas (long before a Fisher House was built in North Las Vegas) and providing assistance to the Wounded Warriors charity.

In 2013, he started American Dream U. A friend of his mentioned how many who leave the military often have problems transitioning back to civilian life. Randazzo set about gathering others who could speak to those who were leaving the military and provide solid information on how to make the transition a pleasant experience. Randazzo said that in general, “Men don’t always have a lot of close friends. But the military is a big community,” and as a result of proximity, fellow soldiers become friends. Then back in civilian life, things change and they often feel alone.

Randazzo arranged to host events at military bases, including three at Nellis AFB outside North Las Vegas. Recently at the Soldier Development Center at Ft. Hood, Texas, a series of speakers joined him to address transitions into civilian life. Author Charlie Hoehn (“Play it Away”), publisher and author JT McCormick (“How I Got There”), and entrepreneurial coach Bill Douglas spoke to the attendees. Speaking about positive lifestyles to the men and women, their words were designed to help those in the audience move more smoothly into civilian life.

Randazzo’s most recent project was a national tour late last year. It involved American Dream U and partnering with the Airstream company for an Endless Caravan Tour, six weeks on the road visiting five military installations and several veteran-owned businesses. “Airstream donated a trailer, and a truck, and our fuel.” He spoke with many veterans including Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor winner who rescued fellow Marines from an ambush in Afghanistan. In Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and eight states in all, the tour covered 5,000 miles with the goal of helping others and learning as much as possible about those who made positive transitions. The interviews were recorded on video, and the scenes are currently being edited for public showings. Zappos also provided sponsorship. Randazzo said, “Meeting with veterans one-on-one was a chance to make deeper connections with those who serveed the country.” That information will be used to help others in the future.

Randazzo also has another unique story. His grandfather was initially forced to fight on the Italian side in WWII. But then Italy turned and became a U.S. ally, and after the war, the family immigrated to America as soon as they could. It was a fortunate move in many ways, including the birth of a grandson who today is helping America’s military.

For more information about Randazzo’s projects, go to americandreamu.org or philrandazzo.com.