UCLA Operation Mend

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UCLA Operation Mend

Operation Mend provides advanced surgical and medical treatment for post-9/11 era service members

Operation Mend was established in 2007 as a partnership between UCLA Health and the United States military. The program is available at absolutely no cost to the veterans or service member. Operation Mend was envisioned by Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Board and Executive Committee member Ronald A. Katz after a visit to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), a leading burn and rehabilitation cente

r in San Antonio, Texas, where he and his wife Maddie provided a lead gift to build a new 42-unit Fisher House. This visit inspired the Katz family to secure a commitment from UCLA to partner with BAMC on Operation Mend. “I think it is the private sector’s duty to stand up … and do something extra to help,” said Katz. “I asked UCLA Health if there was a way that we could offer our services and give these kids and their families not only the best the Army has to offer, but the best the country has to offer.” The program is open to members from all service branches. All medical care, travel and accommodations are provided AT NO COST to Operation Mend participants and their families.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives in service to our country.

This year, we remember the 13 fallen Warriors who we recently lost in the line of duty. Our thoughts are with the families navigating this loss.

At Operation Mend, we remain committed to supporting the long-term impact of service for both Warriors and their Caregivers.

📸: US Department of Defense

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Video description:

Video opens with an American flag waving in the wind with on-screen text reading "This Memorial Day." Video then fades to a man wearing an 84th Infantry Division WWII hat saluting, with on-screen text that reads "we honor the sacrifice." Video then pans across service members walking away from the camera in uniform, with the person closest to the camera holding a flag, as text continues: "of all those who have lost their lives in service to our country." Another American flag waves in the wind, with text reading "especially the 13 US service members who were killed and the 381 who were wounded in recent months." The video transitions to another service member in uniform saluting while facing away from the camera before the video fades to black and closes with the Operation Mend logo.

05/20/2026

Behind every intake and appointment, there’s someone guiding each stage of the healing process.

At UCLA Health Operation Mend, that work goes beyond coordination. It’s about building trust, offering steady support, and helping Warriors and their Caregivers move through care with clarity and confidence.

Meet Daneen Deshazer, this month’s and one of the people who makes this work possible every day. Thank you Daneen for the care and compassion you bring to your work. 💙

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Image description:

A blue Operation Mend graphic features Patient Coordinator Daneen Deshazer alongside a quote about supporting applicants and patients as they navigate the intake and care process. Daneen is shown on the right side of the graphic wearing a white long-sleeve top. The UCLA Health Operation Mend logo and her name/title appear at the bottom of the slide.

05/16/2026

was established in 1949 following the unification of the Department of Defense, bringing together separate military branch days into one national holiday.

Observed each May, it recognizes current and former service members as part of 🇺🇸

📸: US Department of Defense

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Image Descriptions

1: An official U.S. Air Force photo shows an Airman Leadership School commandant saluting in uniform during a ceremony. The slide honors all those currently serving and all who have served in the US military.

2: A text-based slide explains that Armed Forces Day was established in 1949 following the unification of the Department of Defense, replacing separate military branch observances.

3: A text-based slide shares that the first Armed Forces Day was observed on May 20, 1950, and outlines several observances recognized during National Military Appreciation Month.

4: A text-based slide features a quote from Former President Barack Obama’s 2014 Armed Forces Day proclamation, honoring the service and sacrifice of the US military.

05/08/2026

Military spouses play a vital role in the lives of those who serve, offering steady support through transitions, deployment, and everything in between.

At Operation Mend, we believe meaningful celebrations don’t have to be complicated. Something simple, like preparing a meal, is a great way to spend time together and show appreciation for your loved ones.

Swipe for some easy, affordable recipes, and let us know in the comments if you’ll be trying these!👨‍🍳

05/05/2026

Military Appreciation Month is a time to recognize those who have served our country, and the commitment and sacrifice that service demands.

But recognition alone isn’t enough. Many Veterans are living with traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and other long-term conditions that require ongoing, specialized care.

At Operation Mend, that care is comprehensive and provided at no cost, supporting both the visible and invisible impacts of service for Veterans and their Caregivers.

04/29/2026

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to your thoughts, your body, and how you respond during moments of heightened stress.

Starting a mindfulness practice doesn’t have to be complicated, and you can begin with something small: taking a brief pause, or simply noticing your breathing.

Still not sure where to start? UCLA Health offers weekly online mindfulness classes that can help you build a practice that works for you. Learn more at uclahealth.org/uclamindful.

04/22/2026

Army Veteran Anthony Mitchell spent years navigating surgeries and setbacks without clear answers.

At Operation Mend, that changed through coordinated care that supported both his physical recovery and emotional well-being. 🇺🇸

His story reflects what this work makes possible for Veterans and the families who support them.

Read more about Anthony's story in UCLA Health Magazine on page 6: bit.ly/4sKR8ih 💙

04/15/2026

Military children grow up alongside service in ways that often go unrecognized. 💙

This month is an opportunity to acknowledge their experience and the organizations working to support them.

04/07/2026

On World Health Day, we’re reminded that science is what makes healing possible. 💙

At Operation Mend, reconstructive surgery, mental health care, and other specialized treatments support Veterans and Caregivers in recovery and renewed independence.

04/03/2026

Most people see a kitchen. We see a space for rebuilding routine, confidence, and connection. 💙

At UCLA Health Operation Mend, our Teaching Kitchen helps Warriors and their Caregivers create simple, affordable meals that support brain health and fit into daily life at home. 👩‍🍳🍳

04/01/2026

As an art therapist, Jenny Campbell creates space for Warriors and their Caregivers to reconnect with themselves and one another, using creativity as the path toward healing, expression, and hope. 🎨

Thank you, Jenny, for the care and compassion you bring to your work. We’re proud to recognize you as this month’s Ally of . 💙

Address

924 Westwood Boulevard, Ste 400
Los Angeles, CA
90095

Telephone

+13102672110

Website

https://www.uclahealth.org/operationmend

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