2016 Annual Letter to the MPF Community

To the Board of Directors of the Foundation, to those serving in our Armed Forces and their Families, and to everyone who supports the mission of the Foundation:

Today marks the first anniversary of the incorporation of the Matthew Patton Foundation, a non-profit educational and charitable organization dedicated to serving those who have served by addressing knowledge gaps in mental healthcare.

Over the past year, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to establish a collection of resources designed to aid in reaching our Warriors, Veterans, and their Families about symptoms and treatments for a range of mental health issues. Through outreach programs to speak with Warriors about the challenges of mental health and the effects that suicide can have on loved ones, we are helping to break down the stigma associated with mental health.

Further, we have worked to build alliances with other non-profit organizations to provide Warriors and their Families with connections to the community, to help them reconnect after their service, and to solidify strong relationships.

I wish to extend my personal gratitude to those who are currently serving as Directors, and to our Chief Executive Officer, Lynn Patton, and Chief Operating and Financial Officer, John Patton, for their strong commitment to the Foundation in the face of great odds. Your resolve in light of the fierce uphill battle is a testament to your strong wills and deep caring for those who have served us, and their Families.

On behalf of all of us at Matthew Patton Foundation, we thank all of those who have joined in supporting us over this past year as we work to ensure that no Warrior who is in need of mental health resources, nor their families, goes without getting access to the resources they need and deserve. This journey is often difficult, but your warm words of encouragement, and the knowledge that we have helped and continue to help so many, give us the strength to carry on our mission.

Sincerely yours,

Evan W. Patton

Chairman of the Board of Directors