In the News

Chris Berardo Reveals His Long-Anticipated New Album 'Wilder All The Time'
(Broadway World Music, January 21, 2025, and February 28, 2025)
Acclaimed Connecticut-based singer songwriter Chris Berardo has released his long-awaited upcoming Americana album Wilder All The Time via Blue Élan Records.

Recently Berardo was featured on the Blue Élan compilation Operation Mend: Hope 2 which was released earlier this year and is available on CD and digitally on DSPs.

Inspired by the amazing work done by UCLA Health Operation Mend, Operation Mend: Hope 2 endeavors to raise awareness for this very important cause – a program dedicated to providing free specialized medical and psychological care for our nation’s post-9/11 warriors injured in the line of duty, and their caregivers.

Jamie Horowitz Champions Veterans' Causes with Advocacy and Impactful Programming
(CEO Today, January 20, 2025)
Jamie Horowitz is the President and co-founder of Omaha Productions and is best known for his work producing groundbreaking sports content. However, he is also a decades-long supporter of our armed service members and veterans. He has worked closely with veterans organizations like American Corporate Partners and Operation Mend, and he served on the advisory board for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

Jamie Horowitz continues to demonstrate his commitment to veterans by spearheading regular fundraisers. He has also made veteran support a pillar of Omaha Productions.

Phil Scotti: The Heartbeat Behind P.J. Clarke’s Enduring Legacy
(Total Food Service, January 14, 2025)
P.J. Clarke’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of history that embodies New York’s vibrant culture. For decades, the name has been synonymous with hospitality, community, and timeless charm.

At the helm of this iconic brand is Phil Scotti, a Marine veteran turned restaurateur, whose leadership has transformed P.J. Clarke’s into a beacon of authenticity in a constantly changing city.

The Thalians Shine at Bel-Air Country Club with $250,000 Gift to UCLA Operation Mend
(The Hollywood Digest, December 10, 2024, and OpenPR, December 17, 2024)
The Thalians hosted their annual Holiday Party Luncheon at the newly built Bel-Air Country Club on Saturday, December 7, 2024 in Los Angeles. The event was a resounding success, bringing together board members, Thalians President Club Members, UCLA Operation Mend attendees, distinguished guests, and supporters to celebrate the holiday season and contribute to a noble cause.

8th Annual Justin Turner Golf Classic: Supporting ‘The Great City Of Los Angeles’
(DodgerBlue.com, November 19, 2024)
Justin and Kourtney Turner welcomed guests to Sherwood Country Club for the eighth annual Justin Turner Golf Classic. All proceeds from the official Kickoff Party and the Justin Turner Golf Classic go toward the Justin Turner Foundation.

Red Wanting Blue at Café Wa? / November 12, 2024
(The Aquarian, November 18, 2024)
Red Wanting Blue, a six-piece ensemble from Columbus, Ohio, stormed the tiny stage at the legendary Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village on a windswept evening to alight a packed crowd. The just over one-hour-long set closed out a charity event for UCLA Health Operation Mend.

UCLA and veterans: Respect, shared values and a vibrant partnership
(UCLA Newsroom, November 11, 2024)
Since its inception, UCLA has been supporting those who have served — on campus, in Los Angeles and beyond. Through a wide of initiatives and partnerships like the UCLA/VA Veteran Family Wellness Center, the School of Law Veterans Legal Clinic, UCLA Health Operation Mend and the Veterans Resource Center, the university continues to create opportunities for veterans and their families to further their education, pursue careers and thrive in a supportive environment.

Blue Élan Records Releases Special Album to Benefit UCLA Health Operation Mend, Bringing Attention to Returning Veterans’ Welfare
(GratefulWeb, November 7, 2024)
L.A. indie label Blue Élan Records – home for acts like Soul Asylum, KT Tunstall, Ozomatli, Chris Shiflett, Aaron Lee Tasjan and Jesse Dayton – is proud to support UCLA Health Operation Mend – a program dedicated to providing free specialized medical and psychological care for our nation’s post 9/11 warriors injured in the line of duty, and their caregivers.

America’s Gerry Beckley solo album recalls The Beach Boys and Chicago
(Goldmine Magazine, July 1, 2024)
America co-founder Gerry Beckley has released his tenth solo album on Blue Elan Records. In addition to the dozen songs on Beckley’s new album, he also has another wonderful original composition on the Operation Mend: Hope compilation for Blue Élan.

Blue Élan Records to Release Special Album to Benefit UCLA Health Operation Mend Team and Bring Attention to Returning Veterans’ Welfare
(GratefulWeb, April 26, 2024)
L.A. indie label Blue Élan Records – home for acts like Soul Asylum, KT Tunstall, Ozomatli, Chris Shiflett, Aaron Lee Tasjan and Jesse Dayton – announces a special project to support UCLA Health Operation Mend – a program dedicated to providing free specialized medical and psychological care for our nation’s post 9/11 warriors injured in the line of duty, and their caregivers. 

Wounded Warrior Project Invests $100 Million More in Mental Health and Brain Injury Care
(Wounded Warrior Project Newsroom, January 16, 2024)
Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is investing over $100 million in evidence-based care for veteran mental health and brain injuries. The funding will make it possible for more post-9/11 veterans to attend a program that can significantly reduce depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder in two weeks.

This is the latest investment by WWP™ in Warrior Care Network^®, bringing the total to $336 million. Launched in 2015, Warrior Care Network is a national partnership between WWP and four clinical partners. It aims to make it easier for veterans to get mental health and brain injury care. It offers a customized two-week program at no cost that is faster and more effective than traditional treatments.

Veteran walks thousands of miles for Operation Mend
(TODAY, November 12, 2023)
One morning about 15 years ago, United States Vietnam veteran Ric Ryan pledged 25 cents for every friendly wave he got on his long daily walks to Operation Mend, which provides free, lifesaving care to America’s wounded veterans. Ric’s pledge has reached over a couple of a hundred thousand dollars and counting. NBC’s Harry Smith caught up with the vet in this week’s Sunday Spotlight.

Veterans Day in photos: UCLA celebrates coast to coast
(UCLA Newsroom, November 11, 2023)
As the nation’s largest Veterans Day parade kicked off in New York City on Saturday morning, Nov. 11, among the 20,000 participants was a contingent of about a hundred people representing Operation Mend, the partnership between UCLA Health and the U.S. military dedicated to healing physical and psychological wounds of war.

Among the marchers making their way up Fifth Avenue, cheered on by an estimated crowd estimated of 400,000, were UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, leaders from UCLA Health and Operation Mend health care professionals, patients and their families, and supporters.

UCLA honors Ronald Katz with Fiat Lux Award
(UCLA Newsroom, October 13, 2023)
UCLA alumnus Ronald A. Katz, an inventor and entrepreneur who for more than 50 years has helped to advance UCLA’s mission through his wide-ranging philanthropic giving and volunteer service, was honored Sept. 27 with the Fiat Lux Award, which recognizes distinguished or extraordinary service to the university.

Katz, the driving force behind the founding of Operation Mend at UCLA, received the award from UCLA Chancellor Gene Block during a private dinner at the chancellor’s residence.

Vietnam vet helping injured service members one quarter at a time
(NBC News, September 1, 2023)
Walking has helped Vietnam veteran Ric Ryan and he’s known around his California town for waving to everyone he passes by. Ric decided to donate a quarter for everyone who waves back to him on his walks to Operation Mend, which helps post-9/11 veterans injured in service. NBC News’ Harry Smith spoke with Ric about going the extra mile.

Yolanda Poullard | Laker for a Day
(UCLA Health News, February 23, 2023)
Not all wounds are visible. For Yolanda Poullard, a retired U.S. Army Major, the injury was to her spirit and her mental well-being. Yolanda spent more than 18 years in the military, including serving as a company commander leading more than 200 soldiers in Afghanistan.

She was on her way to headquarters when her team was attacked and three of her comrades were killed. Yolanda was devastated and felt guilty that she had not been with her team when the attack occurred.