In a remarkable display of dedication to his military brothers and sisters, Todd Vance, the Safety Manager at Patriot General Engineering, has been quietly leading a transformative initiative since 2012 to assist military veterans grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through a non-profit organization named P.O.W. – Pugilistic Offensive Warrior Tactics – Vance has been harnessing the power of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) to provide veterans with a pathway to healing and empowerment.
As a former Army squad leader who ran more than 250 combat missions in Iraq, Vance intimately understands the challenges veterans face upon returning to civilian life. Inspired by his own journey of recovery and fueled by a passion for combat sports, he founded P.O.W. as a means to offer veterans a supportive community and therapeutic outlet.
“P.O.W. is not just about physical training; it’s about reclaiming control over one’s mind and body,” Vance explained. “Martial arts instill discipline, build confidence, and foster camaraderie – qualities that are essential for veterans navigating the complexities of PTSD. “It helps people that have anxiety and depression and who are dealing with trauma to be present in the moment.”
Since its inception, P.O.W. has provided hundreds of veterans with access to structured martial arts training, mental health support, and counseling services. Through partnerships with local gyms and veteran support organizations, the program has been able to reach countless former service members, offering them a safe space to confront their PTSD symptoms and embark on a journey of healing. “Martial arts is focused on technique and fitness. … We have served numerous veterans, and all our success stories are a testament to the program’s effectiveness,” Vance said. “We see people get right out of the military, they’re young, they’re a mess, they don’t have any employment or social skills. Two or three years later, they are working on their master’s degree.”
Patriot General Engineering has been a steadfast supporter of Vance’s initiative. Chief Administrative Officer, Ben Garcia, a USMC Recon veteran and P.O.W. program participant himself, commended Vance for his unwavering commitment to assisting veterans and emphasized the company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility. “We are immensely proud to stand behind Todd and his work with P.O.W.,” Garcia stated. “Supporting our veterans is a core value at Patriot General Engineering, and P.O.W. exemplifies our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those who have served our country.”
The P.O.W. initiative has garnered widespread recognition for its innovative approach to addressing the mental health needs of military veterans. Mental health professionals and veterans’ advocacy groups have praised Vance’s efforts, citing the therapeutic benefits of martial arts and the importance of community support in the recovery process. Vance and his program have been the subject of several local and national news stories.
San Diego Union-Tribune Article: “Former soldier helps vets channel energy”
CNN.com Article: “Army veteran starts ‘fight club’ to help others with PTSD”
Men’s Health Magazine Article: “This MMA “Fight Club” Helps Veterans Cope With PTSD”
USC Keck School of Medicine Article: “Non-Profit MMA Group Helps Veterans with PTSD”
Point Loma Nazarene University Alumni Spotlight: Todd Vance
Through the outstanding work and attitude of employees like Todd Vance, Patriot General remains dedicated to our mission of serving those who have sacrificed for their country.
For more information about P.O.W. and how to support its mission, visit https://powsd.org/
