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OVS Launches in Oklahoma

Oklahoma – September 1, 2026 – Operation Veteran Success (OVS) provides immediate financial aid to veterans and facing hardship. Founded in 2023 by Mary Ambrose-Gerak and Jay Gerak, OVS ensures those awaiting benefits receive critical support, particularly for housing-related expenses.

Retired Air Force Brigadier General Gary Ambrose, Vice President of OVS’s all-volunteer Board of Directors, highlights the urgency: “During my 27-year Air Force career, I saw service members forced into predatory loans just to make ends meet. Stable housing is key to recovery and employment.”

OVS has assisted over 100 veterans and their families with rent, relocation, utility bills, preventing homelessness and job loss in its inaugural year of 2024. The organization was inspired by retired Marine Staff Sgt. Clayton Walker, who brought attention to the financial struggles of service members, and by former Marine Sgt. Joseph Gerak, whose experiences as a Veteran Services Officer reinforced the impact of timely aid on struggling Veterans.

OVS Board of Directors represents all counties in Oklahoma. Two of its Board of Directors provide great help in that state. Phil Tucker, the son of Virgil Tucker Navy veteran recently deceased joined to honor his father as did his spouse, Kate Weaver Tucker daughter of John Weaver an Army veteran recently deceased.

Kate Weaver Tucker is a freelance artist and art teacher with deep roots in Barrington, Illinois. After a six year stint of living and teaching on Marco Island, Kate became involved in founding and running a 501(c)(3) for hurricane relief and rescue, called The Marco Patriots, after Hurricane Irma devastated Marco Island in 2016. Since then, Kate met and married Phil Tucker, and moved to Edmond, Oklahoma. Kate assists her attorney husband in the care and guidance of clients navigating the unfamiliar and navigating the legal system as a “divorce coach,” answering questions and guiding our clients through what becomes a new life/restart. Kate continues her career as an artist, and finds as much time as she can to spend with their new grandchildren, and enjoys helping others via philanthropic endeavors. Kate is the mother of three adult children, Maxwell, Grace, and Galen. Her oldest, Maxwell, is a U.S. Army veteran

Phil Tucker is a highly accomplished family law attorney, who enjoys helping his clients resolve family challenges. Prior to joining Doerner in 2021, Phil practiced law for nearly 38 years as a founding partner at a law firm in Edmond, Oklahoma. Phil has been widely published and regularly presents locally and nationwide. His focus areas include adoption, ethics, paternity, habeas corpus/writ proceedings, guardianship, military law, guardian ad litem training, trial advocacy and law practice management. He is also a contributing author for the Oklahoma Bar Association’s (OBA) FAMILY LAW PRACTICE MANUAL. He most recently presented an OBA CLE regarding guardian ad litem representation. Recognized for his experience in family law, Phil has been named to the annual Super Lawyers list multiple times. Locally, Phil received the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Maurice Merrill Golden Quill Award for the best OBA Journal article as a co-recipient in 2020. He received the OBA’s Earl Sneed Award for outstanding CLE contributions as a co-recipient in 2011. The OBA also recognized Phil in 2003 as Oklahoma’s Outstanding Family Law Attorney. Through Phil’s dedication to giving back to the legal community, he serves on the OBA’s Solo & Small Firm Conference Planning Committee, Military Assistance Task Force, and Legislative Over Site Committee. Phil has also been the technology liaison for the Section Leader’s Council and is an Oklahoma Bar Foundation Fellow. In addition, Phil was a Commissioner on the OBA’s Professional Responsibility Commission (2017-2019). He has been an active member of the American Bar Association, Section of Family Law since 1995. He currently is a member on the Adoption, Law Practice Management/Technology, Assisted Reproduction Technology, Ethics, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Governmental Relations (former Chair), International Law and Military Law Committees (former Chair) and is a volunteer with both Operation Standby and Operation LAMP (Legal Assistance for Military Families). Phil was also an observer on the 2014 Uniform Law Commission Drafting Committee on Non-Parental Rights to Custody and Visitation. Phil is the father of two adult children, Justin and Sydney. His World War II Navy Veteran father lived with Phil.

Maxwell Younger is their son and an Army veteran.Maxwell is an experienced welder and fabricator with a demonstrated history of working in heavy structure and pipe welding industries. He is certified in heavy wire, dual shield pipe welding and GTAW on sanitary process piping, Maxwelll served for over 4 years in the Illinois National Guard and conducted Military Funeral Honors. Maxwell is a father and also resides in Oklahoma.

At the heart of OVS’s mission lies a dedication to addressing housing-related issues.
The organization recognizes the pivotal role stable housing plays in veterans’ well-
being. General Ambrose notes,” My own experience advocating for mental health
highlighted the centrality of housing. When you struggle to find shelter, recovery and
employment take a back seat.”Operation Veteran Success operates with a sense of urgency, recognizing delays in assistance can compound the challenges veterans face. Through its streamlined approach, an on-call team, the organization will ensure veterans receive the support they need promptly, without bureaucratic hurdles or red tape. In addition to areas theyfocus on, the organization has also created a list of resources on their website where veterans can find help for different situations. Finally, the Veteran Service Officers in the identified states are receiving a quick Intake process, OVS developed.

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, not-for-profit, Operation Veteran Success is committed to transparency and accountability in its mission. OVS directs its financial resources at 100% to its veterans. The charity’s board members have absorbed all administrative costs so there are no salaries, overhead or dollars to internal expenses. 6 lawyers, a CPA, a PR company, 2 IT consultants, an actress, and a phalanx of volunteers support our US veterans in three states in 2024. Now 10 in 2026,Volunteers from the Coast Guard, Army, Air For, Navy and Marines as well as Veteran Service Officers are Board members. The organization invites the community to join in its efforts to uplift veterans facing exigent financial hardships by donating through the official website at https://opvetsuccess.org/.

OVS now stands with 25 Board members and over 50 Team members.Operation Veteran Success’s genesis stems from a profound understanding that even
modest financial aid can profoundly impact veterans teetering on the edge of financial
instability. From assisting a veteran battling stage 4 cancer with relocation expenses to
ensuring rent and car payments are met to prevent homelessness and job loss, OVS
recognizes the transformative power of timely assistance.

Mary Ambrose-Gerak, co-founder of Operation Veteran Success, explains the
organization’s inception: “Marine Staff Sgt Clayton (Clay) Walker brought to our
attention the challenges faced by active military and veterans. With insights from our
legal network, we addressed issues ranging from traffic violations for deployed service
members to local transportation hurdles through initiatives like the Bicycle Recycling
Program. Our son, Marine Sgt Joseph (Joe) James Gerak, further inspired us with
stories showcasing the profound impact of even modest financial aid.”
As Operation Veteran Success continues to evolve, its founders remain committed to
providing immediate and structured assistance to veterans in need, ensuring that no
veteran faces financial hardship alone.

Operation Veteran Success’s genesis stems from a profound understanding that even
modest financial aid can profoundly impact veterans teetering on the edge of financial
instability. From assisting a veteran battling stage 4 cancer with relocation expenses to
ensuring rent and car payments are met to prevent homelessness and job loss, OVS
recognizes the transformative power of timely assistance.

OVS launches OVS in Oklahoma in 2026.Recognized as a Bob Woodruff Foundation ‘Got Your Six’ Partner, OVS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transparency and accountability. To support veterans in need, visit www.opvetsuccess.org.

For media inquiries or seeking an opportunity to volunteer, please contact:

Chrissie Mena

Chrissie@Menagery.com

Board Member & Media Consultant

Operation Veteran Success

About Operation Veteran Success

OVS Launches in Utah

Utah – August 2026 – Operation Veteran Success (OVS) provides immediate financial aid to veterans and active-duty military personnel facing hardship. Founded in 2023 by Mary Ambrose-Gerak and Jay Gerak, OVS ensures those awaiting benefits receive critical support, particularly for housing-related expenses. Mary graduated from Marian High School in 1980 and Creighton University in 1984 before matriculating from University of Notre Dame Law School in 1987. She was Nebraska’s Representative from the American Legion Girls State in 1979 at Girls Nation, as well as the state champion in women’s Extemporaneous Speaking and the National Champion in Lincoln Douglas Debate in 1980. Mary uses her voice for our veterans now.

OVS has assisted over 100 veterans and their families with rent, relocation, utility bills, preventing homelessness and job loss in its inaugural year of 2024. The organization was inspired by retired Marine Staff Sgt. Clayton Walker, who brought attention to the financial struggles of service members, and by former Marine Sgt. Joseph Gerak, son of the founders, whose experiences as a Veteran Services Officer reinforced the impact of timely aid on struggling Veterans.

OVS began in Utah following a visit by members of the Gerak family to meet with the VSOs in January 2026.OVS began in Q1 with a visit to the VSOs office in Salt Lake City. In June of 2026, OVS received a nomination from Nevada Board Member Ruth Wilcox Wayrenen of Ms. America’s United States Kimberly Chatto from Utah. Born in the Philippines, grew up in Wisconsin, Kim heralded from a large Navy family and served as an active duty Air Force officer for 11 years. First, she served as a nuclear combat crew commander (missiler) and then cross trained to be a Public Affairs Officer for special operations. Kim is now a federalcontractor at the Us base in Utah. She is mom to two wonderful children.

Since Kim began with OVS, she won the Ms. America agent title for the United States. Her platform includes helping veterans with homelessness,

OVS launches OVS in Q3. Kimberly now is Ms. America’s United States 2026.

OVS activities in Utah will begin in Q1 2027.

Recognized as a Bob Woodruff Foundation ‘Got Your Six’ Partner, OVS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transparency and accountability. To support veterans in need, visit www.opvetsuccess.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Chrissie Mena

Chrissie@Menagery.com

Board Member & Media Consultant

Operation Veteran Success

About Operation Veteran Success

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Wisconsin – June 10, 2026 – Operation Veteran Success (OVS) provides immediate financial aid to veterans and facing hardship. Founded in 2023 by Mary Ambrose-Gerak and Jay Gerak, OVS ensures those awaiting benefits receive critical support, particularly for housing-related expenses.

OVS Board of Directors represent various counties in that state. Kimberly Chatto a University of Madison Wisconsin graduate an Air Force Officer hails from a local Navy family. Marco Nasca a lawyer who is chief Innovation Officer of Lineal Legal Services from outside Milwaukee and is also the son of a veteran. Heather Sullivan from a family of veterans, is an OVS Team member and serves as the Director of Marketing of TotalTek in Appleton, Wisconsin.

OVS launches OVS in Wisconsin in Q2 of 2026 on The Morning Blend WTMJ- the Milwaukee Journal thanks to the hosts Tiffany Ogle and Molly Fay. Molly Fay is a high school classmate and friend of OVS Board Nevada resident- Mrs. Nevada who flew in for the launch with Brock Bauer (President of Total Tek) and Justin Gerak, (President of OVS.)

Total Tek is the sponsor of a golf outing Swinging for the Vets at the Grand Geneva Resort on June 22, 2026 Monday to raise dollars for emergency housing for the veterans.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Chrissie Mena

Chrissie@Menagery.com

Board Member & Media Consultant

Operation Veteran Success

About Operation Veteran Success

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Nebraska – March 2026 – Operation Veteran Success (OVS) provides immediate financial aid to veterans and active-duty military personnel facing hardship. Founded in 2023 by Mary Ambrose-Gerak and Jay Gerak, OVS ensures those awaiting benefits receive critical support, particularly for housing-related expenses. Mary graduated from Marian High School in 1980 and Creighton University in 1984 before matriculating from University of Notre Dame Law School in 1987. She was Nebraska’s Representative from the American Legion Girls State in 1979 at Girls Nation, as well as the state champion in women’s Extemporaneous Speaking and the National Champion in Lincoln Douglas Debate in 1980. Mary uses her voice for our veterans now.

Nebraska OVS volunteers represent various counties in that state. Mary Ambrose Gerak is part of the James W. Ambrose family who serve as some of the Founding Donors of OVS. Team member Micheal Ambrose attended Creighton Prep and Gonzaga University.

OVS began in Nebraska following a visit by members of the Ambrose family to meet with the VSOs following the death of James W. Ambrose Sr, age 96 in January 2026, a retired Army veteran honorably discharged at Fort Dix. The VSO had a case that needed assistance and OVS began in Q1.

OVS launches OVS in Q1 in Douglas County Nebraska.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Chrissie Mena

Chrissie@Menagery.com

Board Member & Media Consultant

Operation Veteran Success

About Operation Veteran Success

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Nevada – Memorial Day May 26, 2025 Operation Veteran Success (OVS) provides immediate financial aid to veterans and active-duty military personnel facing hardship. Founded in 2023 by Mary Ambrose-Gerak and Jay Gerak, OVS ensures those awaiting benefits receive critical support, particularly for housing-related expenses. Retired Air Force Brigadier General Gary Ambrose, Vice President of OVS’s all-volunteer Board of Directors, highlights the urgency: “During my 27-year Air Force career, I saw service members forced into predatory loans just to make ends meet. Stable housing is key to recovery and employment.”

OVS has assisted over 30 veterans and their families with rent, relocation, utility bills, preventing homelessness and job loss in its inaugural year of 2024. The organization was inspired by retired Marine Staff Sgt. Clayton Walker, who brought attention to the financial struggles of service members, and by former retired Marine Sgt. Joseph Gerak, whose experiences as a Veteran Services Officer reinforced the impact of timely aid on struggling Veterans.

Nevada’s OVS Board of Directors/Team members represent various counties in that state. Ruth Wilcox Wayrynen, Mrs. Nevada of Reno, Nevada sits on the Board of Director and focuses on fundraising and public relations. Shauna Brennan, a founder of OVS now serves as its Parliamentarian as her job for the State of Nevada takes precedence over her previous Board position. Alexa Collins, a Board of Director is a Blue Star family member deployed in Europe with her Marine husband and is assisting with grant writing. Zaconia Turner, another Nevada Team member works with Veterans in Nevada. Richard Wayrynen is another OVS Team member, an Afghanistan Veteran , ready to drive the publicity Jeep and spread awareness for OVS. Quote from Ruth Wilcox Wayrynen ; “My husband Richard served our great country for 26 years in the Army. We, together want to see our Veterans community receive the care and treatment they need to endure a more secure and vibrant life.” OVS launches OVS in Nevada in Q4 of 2025, initial launches over the Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends, Army Ball. The GRAND Launch will be the OVS float in the Nevada Days parade, November 1, 2025, in Carson City, NV.

Recognized as a Bob Woodruff Foundation ‘Got Your Six’ Partner, OVS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transparency and accountability. To support veterans in need, visit www.opvetsuccess.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Chrissie Mena Chrissie@Menagery.com
Board Member & Media Consultant Operation Veteran Success

For Nevada inquiries, please contact:

Ruth and Richard Wayrynen ruthmrsreno@yahoo.com
Board Member and Team Member Operation Veteran Success

About Operation Veteran Success : Operation Veteran Success is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to providing critical assistance to veterans facing financial hardships. Founded in 2023 by Mary and Jay Gerak, OVS aims to offer, as the funder of last resort, swift and efficient support to veterans in crisis, empowering them to overcome obstacles and rebuild their lives with dignity. Operation Veteran Success is a national organization with Board Members across the United States.

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Michigan – May 27, 2025 – Operation Veteran Success (OVS) provides immediate financial aid to veterans
and active-duty military personnel facing hardship. Founded in 2023 by Mary Ambrose-Gerak and Jay Gerak,
OVS ensures those awaiting benefits receive critical support, particularly for housing-related expenses.
Retired Air Force Brigadier General Gary Ambrose, Vice President of OVS’s all-volunteer Board of Directors,
highlights the urgency: “During my 27-year Air Force career, I saw service members forced into predatory loans
just to make ends meet. Stable housing is key to recovery and employment.”
OVS has assisted over 30 veterans and their families with rent, relocation, utility bills, preventing homelessness
and job loss in its inaugural year of 2024. The organization was inspired by retired Marine Staff Sgt. Clayton
Walker, who brought attention to the financial struggles of service members, and by former Marine Sgt. Joseph
Gerak, whose experiences as a Veteran Services Officer reinforced the impact of timely aid on struggling
Veterans.

Michigan OVS Board of Directors represent various counties in that state. Karen Koster, an Army JAG veteran
who lives in the UP. Ontario Robinson, another Army Veteran, resides in Washtenaw County as does Kevin
Devine an entertainer/realtor in Ann Arbor. John Mucha, an attorney in Oakland County, recently ran a
fundraiser for OVS and joins two other native Oakland County Directors, John McGowan, the OVS Treasurer
and OVS’s President Jay Gerak – and all three are double University of Michigan graduates.
Team Member Brandi McBride, an Air Force Veteran and Chair of the West Michigan Veterans Coalition,
assists OVS from Hudsonville, Michigan, and the Miller and Vanderburg family members of Berrien and Cass
Counties support the Team as well.

OVS launches OVS in Michigan in Q2 of 2025 over the Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends.
Recognized as a Bob Woodruff Foundation ‘Got Your Six’ partner, OVS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated
to transparency and accountability. To support veterans in need, visit www.opvetsuccess.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Chrissie Mena
Chrissie@Menagery.com
Board Member & Media Consultant
Operation Veteran Success
About Operation Veteran Success

Operation Veteran Success is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to providing critical assistance to
veterans facing financial hardships. Founded in 2023 by Mary and Jay Gerak, OVS aims to offer, as the funder
of last resort, swift and efficient support to veterans in crisis, empowering them to overcome obstacles and
rebuild their lives with dignity. Operation Veteran Success is a national organization with board members
across the United States.

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Asheville, NC – March 27, 2025 – Operation Veteran Success (OVS) provides immediate financial aid to veterans and active-duty military personnel facing hardship. Founded in 2023 by Mary Ambrose-Gerak and Jay Gerak, OVS ensures those awaiting benefits receive critical support, particularly for housing-related expenses. Retired Brigadier General Gary Ambrose, Vice President of OVS’s all-volunteer Board of Directors, highlights the urgency: “During my 27-year Air Force career, I saw service members forced into predatory loans just to make ends meet. Stable housing is key to recovery and employment.”

OVS has assisted veterans with rent, car payments, and relocation, preventing homelessness and job loss. The organization was inspired by Marine Staff Sgt. Clayton Walker, who brought attention to the financial struggles of service members, and by Marine Sgt. Joseph Gerak, whose experiences reinforced the impact of timely aid.

Recognized as a Bob Woodruff Foundation ‘Got Your Six’ partner, OVS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transparency and accountability. To support veterans in need, visit www.opvetsuccess.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Chrissie Mena
Chrissie@Menagery.com
Board Member & Media Consultant
Operation Veteran Success

About Operation Veteran Success

Operation Veteran Success is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to providing critical assistance to veterans facing financial hardships. Founded in 2023 by Mary and Jay Gerak, OVS aims to offer, as the funder of last resort, swift and efficient support to veterans in crisis, empowering them to overcome obstacles and rebuild their lives with dignity. Operation Veteran Success is a National Organization with Board Members across the United States. Our North Carolina contingent includes Army veteran Karen Koster, Brevard, North Carolina (kosterkek@gmail.com), our Board Member who leads our Intake Committee efforts, Clay Walker, USMC (Retd), who was previously stationed at Camp Lejeune, as well as Dan Dupre, a retired father of 6 (with three in the military) living in Weaverville, North Carolina (dupre1136@gmail.com).

Operation Veteran Success: Providing Critical Assistance to Veterans Facing
Financial Hardships

Wenatchee, Chelan County, Washington, May 8, 2024 – Operation Veteran Success, charitable organization dedicated to supporting veterans in crisis, is amplifying its mission to assist those facing immediate financial challenges. Founded by Mary and
Jay Gerak in late 2023, the organization recognizes the need for swift intervention to prevent veterans from spiraling into financial despair due to delays in benefits and unforeseen circumstances.

The founders of Operation Veteran Success were driven by a profound realization: even small amounts of financial support can make a monumental difference in the lives of veterans teetering on the brink of financial instability. Whether covering moving
expenses for a veteran battling stage 4 cancer to relocate closer to treatment facilities or ensuring rent and car payments are met to prevent homelessness and job loss while awaiting benefits, the organization understands the profound impact of timely
assistance.

“Our first case in the fall of 2023 funded a veteran with a wife and child who due to a loss of his medication prescription temporarily lost his job,” states Co- Founder, Justin Gerak. With a new job starting on Monday, OVS members funded 1 month’s rent and car payment to insure the veteran did not have his car repossessed and was evicted before his new job started. “Generous donors raised these funds in 8 hours” Justin Gerak
stated. In the face of unsympathetic credit unions, OVS moved to stave off a problem while the SNAFU was untangled.

“Marine Staff Sgt Clayton (Clay) Walker made us aware of regular situations where active military and veterans faced challenges most of us could not imagine. You could say that this was the start of Operation Veteran Success. With our legal network, we were able to help active military who received traffic violations but were deployed and unable to go to court. We also helped solve local transportation challenges faced by veterans by starting a Bicycle Recycling Program. We continued to learn about circumstances where small amounts of money could avert horrible financial situations from Clay and our son, Marine Sgt Joseph (Joe) Gerak. We initially hosted GoFundMe campaigns and quickly met needs as we learned of them, but realized something more structured needed to be created,”said Mary Gerak, co-founder of Operation Veteran Success.

Operation Veteran Success operates with a sense of urgency, recognizing delays in assistance can compound the challenges veterans face. Through its streamlined approach, an on-call team, the organization will ensure veterans receive the support they need promptly, without bureaucratic hurdles or red tape. In addition to areas theyfocus on, the organization has also created a list of resources on their website where veterans can find help for different situations. Finally, the Veteran Service Officers in the identified states are receiving a quick Intake process, OVS developed.

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, not-for-profit, Operation Veteran Success is committed to transparency and accountability in its mission. OVS directs its financial resources at 100% to its veterans. The charity’s board members have absorbed all administrative costs so there are no salaries, overhead or dollars to internal expenses. 6 lawyers, a CPA, a PR company, 2 IT consultants, an actress, and a phalanx of volunteers support our US veterans in three states in 2024. Volunteers from the Coast Guard, Army, Air For, Navy and Marines as well as Veteran Service Officers are Board members. The organization invites the community to join in its efforts to uplift veterans facing exigent financial hardships by donating through the official website at https://opvetsuccess.org/.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Chrissie Mena
Board Member & Media Consultant
Operation Veteran Success
Chrissie@Menagery.com
About Operation Veteran Success
Operation Veteran Success is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to providing
critical assistance to veterans facing financial hardships. Founded in 2023 by Mary and
Jay Gerak, the organization aims to offer swift and efficient support to veterans in crisis,
empowering them to overcome obstacles and rebuild their lives with dignity.

Operation Veteran Success is a National organization with Board Members across the
United States. Our Illinois Board Members include Mary Ambrose-Gerak, Jay Gerak, Ed
Guntin, Rusty Schwimmer, Carole Ann Dombek, and John McGowan.Our Virginia leaders are retired Brigadier General Gary Ambrose – known as Virginian of the Year (2017) , Marcia Ambrose and Alicia Ambrose. Our Public Relations Director resides in Golden Beach, Florida.
Our Parliamentarian Shauna Brennan is the Nevada Chief Advocacy Attorney for Elderly and Disabled Persons for the State of Nevada.
Karen Koster and Clay Walker lead from the state of North Carolina. Chelan County, Washington Veteran Services Officers include: Tony Sandoval, Jim Cook and Trent Mortensen who are located in Wenatchee, Washington.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Vienna, Virginia, March 17th, 2024 – Operation Veteran Success (OVS) is stepping up
its commitment to aiding veterans facing immediate financial distress. Founded by Mary
Ambrose-Gerak and Jay Gerak in late 2023, OVS responds swiftly to the urgent
financial needs of veterans and active-duty military personnel, offering vital support
while they await benefits. Retired Brigadier General Gary Ambrose, a five-time unit
commander and Vice President of OVS’s all-volunteer Board of Directors, underscores
the pressing nature of this support: “During my 27-year career in the US Air Force, I
witnessed service members resorting to costly loans and rent-to-own schemes just to
make ends meet, highlighting the critical gap OVS aims to fil

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Operation Veteran Success is committed to
transparency and accountability in its mission. OVS invites the community to donate to its efforts to uplift veterans facing financial hardships through its official website, opvetsuccess.org.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Chrissie Mena
Chrissie@Menagery.com
Board Member & Media Consultant
Operation Veteran Success

About Operation Veteran Success
Operation Veteran Success is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to providing
critical assistance to veterans facing financial hardships. Founded in 2023 by Mary and
Jay Gerak, OVS aims to offer, as the funder of last resort, swift and efficient support to
veterans in crisis, empowering them to overcome obstacles and rebuild their lives with
dignity. Operation Veteran Success is a National Organization with Board Members
across the United States. Our Virginia contingent includes Marcia Ambrose, our Board
Member who leads our technology efforts, Gary Ambrose, our Board Vice President,
and their daughter, Alicia, a key social media operations team member.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Operation Veteran Success Launches to Provide Support for Veterans With Critical Housing Needs

Chicago, Illinois, January 17th, 2024 – Founded to offer a lifeline to veterans facing unforeseen challenges regarding housing needs at critical times, Operation Veteran Success officially launched as a charitable organization dedicated to providing immediate assistance to meet those needs. The organization aims to address the pressing needs of veterans by offering stop-gap financing to overcome housing obstacles encountered during significant life changes.

Founded in late 2023 by Mary and Jay Gerak, parents of a Marine Corps veteran, Operation Veteran Success originated as a GoFundMe initiative focused on aiding veterans in the Wenatchee, Washington area. After being alerted to the struggles faced by veterans in emergencies, the founders were inspired to create a more agile and responsive organization. The goal was to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and time constraints that often exacerbate the difficulties faced by veterans.

Operation Veteran Success seeks to fill a critical gap by swiftly providing financial aid for immediate housing needs. Recognizing that time and red tape can worsen the situation, the organization is committed to offering timely housing assistance to prevent small issues from escalating into more significant challenges.

In late 2023 the Geraks established the organization with a dedicated board of directors – including members representing each military branch. Operation Veteran Success is proud to announce it has been granted 501(c)(3) charitable organization status by the IRS, and is duly registered as an Illinois Not-for-Profit Organization with a Federal EIN of 93-3386798.

“Our mission is to be a reliable safety net for veterans during critical times in their lives. We understand the urgency of addressing immediate housing needs and are committed to providing timely assistance without the bureaucratic delays often experienced by veterans in need,” said Mary Gerak, one of the co-founders of Operation Veteran Success.

Operation Veteran Success invites the community to support its mission of helping veterans overcome financial hardships relating to housing and move forward with their lives. Donations can be made through the official website https://opvetsuccess.org/.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Chrissie Mena
Board Member & Media Consultant
Operation Veteran Success
Chrissie@Menagery.com
847-494-2440

OVS Board Members located in Illinois include: Mary Ambrose-Gerak, Jay Gerak, Ed Guntin, Rusty Schwimmer, Carole Ann Dombek, John McGowan

About Operation Veteran Success

Operation Veteran Success is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides stop-gap financing for veterans facing immediate housing challenges. Founded in 2023, the organization is committed to swift and efficient assistance, ensuring veterans can overcome obstacles and move forward.

OVS Launches in Oklahoma

OVS Launches in Utah

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Operation Veteran Success: Providing Critical Assistance to Veterans FacingFinancial Hardships

Operation Veteran Success: Bridging Financial Gaps for Veterans in Crisis

Operation Veteran Success Launches to Provide Support for Veterans With Critical Housing Needs

Operation Veteran Success: Providing Critical Assistance to Veterans Facing
Financial Hardships