UCLA Operation Mend

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.

We're honored to know Warrior Jonée Coleman. Her journey through service is a powerful reminder of what it means to lead...
08/26/2025

We're honored to know Warrior Jonée Coleman. Her journey through service is a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with heart and from within. 💜

On Women’s Equality Day, we’re reminded that equality is more than rights. It’s about visibility, voice, and belonging. Jonée shows us that reclaiming your voice is a strength no one can take away. 🎖️

Here’s to the women who’ve worn the uniform, carried invisible wounds, and still chosen to rise. 🌟

UCLA Health

Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Domenic Delucia was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice while serving in ...
08/20/2025

Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Domenic Delucia was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice while serving in Iraq. 💜🎖️

A Warrior through and through, Domenic's dedication to his mission and his fellow service members exemplifies what it means to lead with heart. His journey through the military brought him around the world—and ultimately to his greatest pride: his wife and five children.

We're honored to recognize Domenic’s service, strength, and the enduring example he sets for all of us.

UCLA Health

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. Robert (“Bob”) Bilder. A brilliant mind, devoted mentor, and cherishe...
08/15/2025

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. Robert (“Bob”) Bilder. A brilliant mind, devoted mentor, and cherished member of the UCLA Health community, with a deep legacy in the Operation Mend family.

Dr. Bilder's groundbreaking work in neuropsychology, his vision for advancing science, and his dedication to training the next generation of clinicians transformed countless lives. As Dr. Delany Thrasher shared, his wit, generosity, and encouragement left an enduring mark not only on his field, but on every person fortunate enough to know him.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the honor of learning from and working alongside him. His light, legacy, and impact will continue to inspire us all.

Not every brain injury comes from a visible hit. Forces like low‑intensity blast waves and sudden jolts can leave lastin...
08/15/2025

Not every brain injury comes from a visible hit. Forces like low‑intensity blast waves and sudden jolts can leave lasting effects—often unseen, but deeply felt by those who’ve served. 🧠

That’s why Operation Mend offers a dedicated Brain Health Intensive Treatment Program. Through multidisciplinary care in neurology, neuropsychology, psychiatry, and more, post-9/11 Veterans receive personalized treatment to address TBI and related challenges. 💜🤝

💻 Learn more about our TBI program: http://bit.ly/3GRj423

2 million strong… and growing. 💪Behind every number is a Warrior whose service has shaped our nation and whose courage i...
08/11/2025

2 million strong… and growing. 💪

Behind every number is a Warrior whose service has shaped our nation and whose courage inspires us all. 🇺🇸

At Operation Mend, it is our honor to walk alongside them, to provide care, to celebrate their strength, and to stand with them on every step of the healing journey. 💙✨

On , we honor Marine Corps Corporal James “Jimmy” Gentile, a Purple Heart recipient whose strength, resilience, and ser...
08/07/2025

On , we honor Marine Corps Corporal James “Jimmy” Gentile, a Purple Heart recipient whose strength, resilience, and service continue to inspire. 💜🎖️

Jimmy’s journey through recovery has been defined by extraordinary bravery and an unwavering commitment to healing, inside and out.

Thank you, Jimmy, for your service, your sacrifice, and your remarkable spirit.

You showed up when it mattered most. Now it’s your turn to be cared for. 💛🩺At Operation Mend, we provide advanced surgic...
07/30/2025

You showed up when it mattered most. Now it’s your turn to be cared for. 💛🩺

At Operation Mend, we provide advanced surgical and specialty care for post-9/11 Veterans, because your healing still matters, no matter how long it’s been.

Learn more about our programs online: http://bit.ly/44lrwhw
If you're ready, we're ready. Call us at 310-267-2110. ☎️

UCLA Health

First-class medicine is the start. Community is the through line. 💙Our Buddy Program connects Veterans and caregivers wi...
07/16/2025

First-class medicine is the start. Community is the through line. 💙

Our Buddy Program connects Veterans and caregivers with local volunteers in Los Angeles who show up with compassion, consistency, and a deep sense of care, helping Warriors and caregivers feel supported through every step of their healing. ✨

If you're in L.A. and want to make a meaningful impact, this is where you start: http://bit.ly/44rklom

UCLA Health

Shout out to John Credell, a dedicated Buddy since 2018 who has supported over 18 Veterans and caregivers through their ...
07/09/2025

Shout out to John Credell, a dedicated Buddy since 2018 who has supported over 18 Veterans and caregivers through their healing journeys. 💙

He signed up to give back. What he found was purpose, connection, and a community of extraordinary people.

John, thank you for showing up again and again with compassion, humility, and heart. You embody everything the Buddy Program stands for!

💛 If you're in Los Angeles and want to be part of something truly meaningful, join us:
🔗 http://bit.ly/44rklom

UCLA Health

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Operation Mend! 🇺🇸

Today, we celebrate freedom and recognize the strength of those who have protected it.

To every Veteran and service member: We honor your service. We support your healing. We’re with you, today and always.

UCLA Health

Stigma keeps Veterans from getting help. It shows up in silence, in judgment, and in the words we use.This PTS(D) Awaren...
06/27/2025

Stigma keeps Veterans from getting help. It shows up in silence, in judgment, and in the words we use.

This PTS(D) Awareness Day, speak with empathy. Choose people-first language. Remember, healing starts when stigma stops. 💬💙

On Flag Day, we reflect on the power of a symbol that has walked beside every Veteran, caregiver, family, and individual...
06/14/2025

On Flag Day, we reflect on the power of a symbol that has walked beside every Veteran, caregiver, family, and individual. Uniting each one of us. 🇺🇸

For Richard, a part of our Operation Mend Buddy Program, bringing the American flag to the NYC Veterans Day Parade wasn’t just tradition—it was purpose.

“Carrying the flag unites us. It strengthens our shared experiences in service to America.”

That flag flew over the Operation Mend banner in New York, a powerful reminder of connection and courage. 💙

Address

924 Westwood Blvd, Ste 400
Los Angeles, CA
90095

Telephone

+13102672110

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Established in 2007, Operation Mend is a pioneering program. It combines the best of the military's resources with the skills of UCLA Health System for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to healing United States military personnel wounded and disfigured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Envisioned by Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Board and Executive Committee member Ronald A. Katz and his wife, Maddie, Operation Mend's original goal was to give returning service members with severe facial injuries access to the Army's best burn center and the nation's best plastic and reconstructive surgeons. In a partnership with Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), a leading burn and rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas, the V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, and UCLA Health System, Operation Mend started with facial reconstruction. Official page of UCLA Operation Mend.