OUR MISSION:
When Disabled Veterans are discharged from their respective services, they face many unique challenges integrating into civilian life. From physical ailments to mental disorders such as PTSD, our returning service members must not only overcome these new challenges but also face employers that sometimes feel their military training is not an attribute. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
The training required to be successful in today’s military, across the services, is as advanced as any employer could hope for. Add the personal discipline military personnel are ingrained with, and many of the men and women coming out of today’s military are likely prime candidates for a wide variety of employment positions. Many of these positions require a certification or training that was not available or received on active duty. The Disabled Veterans Benefit Fund provides opportunities by way of scholarships as well as tailored mentorships for our veterans to obtain the training they need to succeed without the burden of how to pay for it.
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The DVBF also makes funds available for emergency situations that our Disabled Veterans are likely to face. From desperately needed home repairs to counseling for a dependent child affected by their parent's service, the fund provides the means on a case-by-case basis to turn the potential disaster into an opportunity for success.
Founder:
Ken Klarfeld is a disabled Navy veteran. He served in the US Navy on active duty from 1975 to 1982 as an Electronics Technician. He was medically discharged after an accident on the ship to which he was attached. Professionally, Ken has spent the last 35 years pursuing many interests. He worked as a senior level executive in silicon valley in the high tech sector. His hobbies included becoming a certified flight instructor for fixed wing, single engine, multi engine and instrument aircraft as well as instructor ratings for helicopters and instrument helicopters. He currently serves as the president of the Disabled Veterans Motorcycle Club in Oregon. Ken has been happily married for 35 years. He and his wife, Kathy have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. Ken's passion is helping other veterans overcome the challenges that life after the service presents. His firsthand experience as a disabled veteran gives him an unique perspective into the challenges as well as the solutions available to his fellow disabled veterans.