QRFup

11/27/2025

Testimonial — Daniel Douglas, U.S. Army Special Forces (Ret.)

My name is Daniel Douglas, and I proudly served in the U.S. Army Special Forces. Throughout my life and career, service has always been more than a duty — it’s been a calling that shaped who I am, how I lead, and how I support others today.

Transitioning out of the military wasn’t easy. Like many veterans, I faced moments of silence, struggle, and searching for direction. But one thing has remained constant: my love for my children. They are the beat of my life, even when they don’t fully realize the depth of that love. I see myself — and so many fellow veterans battling unseen battles — reflected in them. And I want every veteran to know: you are valued far more than you may ever understand.

I stay connected to the veteran community because it is part of my identity. Through the VFW, American Legion, VA, Helping Heroes Foundation, and now QRFup, I’ve found strength in shared experience. As a Realtor, I intentionally give back by offering special rebates and reduced fees to veterans, military families, and first responders. The men and women I served beside helped shape me into the person I am today — giving back is my way of honoring them. Service didn’t end when the uniform came off.

To any veteran who feels alone or uncertain: find something you enjoy, and go where the people doing that thing gather. It doesn’t matter if it feels awkward or unfamiliar — connection grows from showing up. And if stepping into a group feels like too much, then look for someone else who needs a hand. You have abilities, insight, and strength that you may not even recognize. Helping someone else can bring purpose, pride, and a real sense of belonging.

To me, “answering the call” means stepping up when something needs to be done — even when you doubt yourself. If you see a problem, reach out. If you notice someone struggling, ask. You might be the solution, or you might be the person who triggers the chain of help. Either way, you matter.

I am sharing my name and story because I want other veterans to know they’re not alone. If any brother or sister in arms is struggling or just needs someone to talk to, I’m here.

Daniel Douglas
dan@greenberetrealty.com
910-391-4554 / 515-214-8586

11/27/2025

https://givebutter.com/j3bb5e

Veterans, military members, and first responders face battles long after their service. QRFup is here to support them—but we can’t do it without you.

Your donation helps provide emergency assistance, mental health support, and real resources to those who’ve sacrificed for us.

Every dollar makes a difference. Every donation saves a life.

👉 Donate today and stand with our heroes.

By QRFup.org

11/26/2025

Testimonial — Rising From the Ashes: My Story and Mission

I served in the United States Army, beginning with the 103rd ESC Reserve Unit at Fort Des Moines before going active duty with the 536th Maintenance Company in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and later the 4th Brigade, 4th HHC in Fort Carson, Colorado, where I was medically retired.

My job was as a generator mechanic — but I worked on every kind of ground vehicle. I loved the work itself and took pride in wearing the uniform. I was the only female mechanic in every unit I served, and there was a special kind of joy in proving that I could handle anything the guys could. But behind that pride was pain that most never saw.

On my 20th birthday, during my first weekend in Hawaii, I was sexually assaulted. It was my first weekend with the unit, and I didn’t know anyone. So I stayed silent. What followed were years of harassment, isolation, and constant anxiety. Every day, I watched my surroundings and second-guessed my words, trying not to “give anyone the wrong idea.” My focus shifted from doing my job to simply surviving in a place that never felt safe.

Even through all that, I fought like hell for everything I achieved — earning my E5, pushing through multiple surgeries, and standing my ground when others tried to end my career with a dishonorable discharge. Thanks to my colonel and my doctor, I was medically retired with dignity after enduring years of pain, both physical and emotional.

Transitioning to civilian life was another battle. I’ve faced three su***de attempts, long stretches of depression, and the daily challenges of PTSD, fibromyalgia, and the scars left behind by Military Sexual Trauma. My service dogs — first Ina, who was by my side for 10 years, and now Echo — have saved my life more times than I can count. With therapy, medication, and support, I’ve learned to keep fighting, even when it’s hard.

Before the Army, I was outgoing, full of life, and spontaneous. After my assault, I became withdrawn and filled with shame and guilt. It took me years to understand that what happened to me wasn’t my fault — and that my silence only gave more power to the pain.

The biggest lesson and value I carry into today’s world is never quit. I say that because, after three su***de attempts and feeling completely alone with no support system, I almost didn’t make it. I was fighting a battle within myself that nearly took my life. My first attempt — a gun — jammed when I pulled the trigger. The bullet had loaded backward in the chamber. My third attempt was in September 2015, the weekend of my birthday. I overdosed on pills and never expected to wake up. But that next morning, my daughter woke me to give her morning medication — and I came to, sweating and terrified. I called 911 myself and told them exactly what I had done. That moment, that second chance at life, changed everything.

My (step)kids are my motivation — all eight of them. I’ve raised them for over ten years. Their biological mothers struggled with addiction, but they became my babies, my purpose, my reason to fight. When my daughter woke me that morning, I realized I wasn’t okay. I had to change — not just how I was living, but how I was surviving. I had to face everything I’d buried deep and start finding my way toward healing.

That’s why I started Warriors From Ashes Rising.

I never want another survivor to feel the kind of loneliness I felt — not during the process, and not in the aftermath. MST survivors deserve a place to be heard, believed, and supported. Through this nonprofit, I’ve created a community where survivors can come together to share their stories, access resources, and begin to heal.

Warriors From Ashes Rising is about transformation — turning trauma into strength, pain into purpose, and isolation into connection. It’s about showing that no matter how deep the wounds, we can rise again from the ashes.

PNo one should ever have to fight their battles alone.

11/26/2025

It’s Giving Tuesday, and you have the chance to jump into our exciting QRFup Raffle! 🎉
Grab your raffle tickets for just $10 each, or save big with 3 tickets for only $20 — all while supporting a powerful mission.

This special Giving Tuesday raffle is brought to you by QRFup and Adrenaline Studios Tattoo, teaming up to make a difference for our military members and first responders. Your participation helps provide vital support, resources, and community connection for those who sacrifice so much.

Give. Support. Win.

11/25/2025

Adrenaline Studios Tattoo

11/25/2025

Veterans — We Want to Hear Your Story 🇺🇸

Hello everyone, my name is Miranda, and I work with QRFup.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders through su***de prevention, mental health awareness, and community outreach.

We’re collecting real stories and testimonials from veterans like you — about your service experience, transition to civilian life, mental health journey, or what support means to you. Your story could help others feel less alone and remind them that there’s always someone ready to answer the call.

If you’re open to sharing (even anonymously), your words could be featured on our website and social media platforms to help inspire and support others in our veteran community.

If interested, please comment below or message me directly for details on how to submit your story.

Thank you for your service — and for continuing to make a difference by sharing your voice. 🇺🇸

Miranda Stout

10/31/2025

10/31/2025

Come on down to Adrenaline Studios for our trunk or treat!

10/22/2025

We are here for you reach out to QRFup.org
You will never be too much or too hard to help. We don’t have red tape or stipulations. You need a brother or sister we are here.

10/20/2025

We were not created to be pretty or clean. We are darkness turning to light. We have dark, violent pasts and most of us have a hard time in the civilian world. I as the president want to be an example to my brothers and sisters that you can come back from anything. You can fix those mistakes and here at QRFup we won’t shame you, judge you or turn our backs on you. We are the light in the darkness. If I a complete f**k up can be a better man you can also change your past.

08/12/2025

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/angels-among-us

Please share and get your ticket today!

🎉 Because Every Hero Leaves A Light Behind! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary! Remembering the fallen and supporting those heroes still here. At QRFup's Christmas benefit. It's an event like no other, and we want you to be there! 🎉Santa will be at our temporary shop creating craf...

08/07/2025

Words can not express the joy and gratitude QRFup has for the support and community that surrounded our 2nd annual Heroes Appreciation Day on July 12th at Riverview Park in Des Moines IA. To the guest speakers Keith Lay, and Ron Feekes. To a beautiful prayer, Captian Person, Thank you! To our amazing singers Angie and Cody. To our sponsors the marine corps league and A kings Throne. We thank you! To all the Vendors and Volunteers who helped make this event come to life. To Vanessa Millan for taking care of the photography at the last minute. We thank you. Till next year!