We Rise Veterans
Our Story
We Rise Veterans began with lived experience, a clear gap in support, and a simple belief: no veteran should have to navigate complex systems alone.
How It Began
We Rise Veterans is a Colorado-based, veteran-led nonprofit founded in 2024 by Navy veterans Eric Semingsen and David Jackson. The organization grew out of firsthand experience with how difficult it can be to navigate VA healthcare, disability systems, medical documentation, and next steps during periods of crisis.
What became clear was that the problem was not always a lack of resources. More often, it was a lack of clear guidance, practical support, and someone willing to walk alongside a veteran through the process. That realization became the foundation for We Rise Veterans.
Why We Started
Both founders came to this work through direct lived experience.
Eric Semingsen faced serious medical challenges beginning in 2023, including spinal deterioration requiring surgery and dual cancer diagnoses associated with toxic exposures during his Navy service.
While managing treatment and family responsibilities, he experienced firsthand how quickly healthcare coordination, medical records, and disability systems can become overwhelming during a crisis.
David Jackson, also a service-connected Navy veteran, experienced major personal hardship and instability and saw how even capable veterans can become overwhelmed when trying to navigate complex systems alone.
After reconnecting and reflecting on those shared experiences, the founders recognized a common problem: many veterans do not need someone to replace the VA or accredited Veteran Service Officers.
They need informed, compassionate support to help them understand terminology, organize records, prepare for appointments, and move through unfamiliar systems with greater confidence.
What We Saw
Long Delays
Veterans waiting months or even years for answers, follow-up, or progress.
Complex Processes
Claims, healthcare systems, and administrative steps that were difficult to understand and navigate.
Missed Benefits
Veterans missing out on support they may have been eligible for because the process was too confusing or overwhelming.
Barriers to Care
Mental health and healthcare needs made harder by uncertainty, delay, and lack of clear guidance.
No Clear Guide
Too many veterans were left to figure out critical next steps alone.
What We Do DifferentlyWe Rise Veterans focuses on personalized navigation support. We help veterans organize documentation, understand medical and administrative terminology, prepare for appointments, identify next steps, and build confidence in working with healthcare providers, VA systems, and accredited Veteran Service Officers.We are not a call center.We are not a one-time referral.We are a consistent point of support.
Practical Preparation
We help veterans get organized, understand the process, and prepare for what comes next.
One-to-One Support
Our approach is personal, steady, and grounded in real conversation rather than one-size-fits-all answers.
Clear Boundaries
We do not provide medical advice, legal advice, or claims representation. We provide education, systems navigation, documentation readiness, and support.
Where We Are Now
Building Support Systems
We are developing the tools, processes, and structure needed to provide consistent, high-trust navigation support.
Strengthening Partnerships
We are building relationships that help veterans connect more effectively with qualified providers, resources, and support systems.
Growing Responsibly
We are expanding with care so more veterans can access support without losing the personal connection that makes this work matter.