Before rising to the rank of general, Joshua Chamberlain played a critical role in securing the Union forces victory at Gettysburg during the Civil War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and went on to command the Union troops at the surrender ceremony for the Southern army. Despite his achievements, his post-service years were marred by the repercussions of having been wounded in action six times during the war, leaving him to deal with chronic pain and discomfort.
Stories like Chamberlain’s are not uncommon for the brave men and women who answer the call to serve the United States in the military. The Joshua Chamberlain Society (JCS) is dedicated to providing long-term assistance to local veterans who sustain permanent combat injuries and to the families of military service members who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. “We take a very personal approach, adopting these heroes and their families to offer ongoing assistance,” president Matthew Cutler says. “The sacrifices they made are permanent and so is our support.”
Cutler was inspired to establish JCS after witnessing the impact military service had on members of his family. “I wanted to develop an organization that creates a more welcoming environment for military service members returning from combat,” he notes. “We truly do build a family, allowing veterans to bond not only with our volunteers but each other. They get to connect with people who understand their experiences and struggles.” The nonprofit is able to build a strong community for veterans because of its unique approach. It serves a smaller population, focusing on individuals with severe injuries and the families of those killed in action, allowing them to provide ongoing services.
JCS offers support in a variety of ways. It provides monetary assistance, including helping ensure families can send their children to college. The nonprofit also has a wide network of supporters it can leverage to provide necessary services and resources. “The beauty of our model is that we truly get to know these families, so we can help with whatever unique needs arise,” Cutler says. “One of our veterans was interested in becoming a dog trainer. He was saving up to pay for the necessary classes for certification. We covered that expense so he could fast forward to achieving his dream and finding purpose.”
To provide its services, JCS relies on the support of the St. Louis community. It hosts several events to raise awareness of its mission and collect critical funds. The Bike for Heroes is Aug. 17 in Columbia, Illinois. Shoot For The Troops is Oct. 12 at Black Hawk Valley Hunt Club. The nonprofit also hosts a trivia night every January, and in the spring, it holds its annual Price of Freedom gala. “The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks were 23 years ago, but the men and women who jumped into the breach to keep Americans safe are dealing with the ramifications of combat to this day,” Cutler says. “For the rest of their lives, JCS will walk side by side with these heroes and their families in honor of the sacrifices they made.”
The Joshua Chamberlain Society is dedicated to providing long-term assistance to local veterans who sustain permanent combat injuries and to the families of military service members killed in action. Pictured on the cover: Corporal Tyler Huffman of the United States Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant Joshua Eckhoff of the United States Army. For more information, call 314.780.0951 visit chamberlainsociety.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of the Joshua Chamberlain Society
Pictured at top: The 2024 JCS Family Reunion
Photo courtesy of the Joshua Chamberlain Society
