About Us
Founded in 2014, The 22 Project is a non-profit organization started by Alex and Erica Cruz after they witnessed the tragic effects of the invisible wounds of war.
Why We’re Here
We’re here because too many veterans come home only to fight a war no one sees. Too many veterans experience sleepless nights, emotional pain, and the weight of trauma that doesn’t go away. And too many veterans lose their lives from the physical, emotional and spiritual wounds of war.
We’re here to offer something different: Treatment that goes deeper. Hope that doesn’t expire. Community that never lets go. And healing that helps veterans get their lives back.
Mission
To reduce veteran suicide with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and supplemental therapies to help treat traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Vision
A future where therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and faith-based care are standard tools in the fight against veteran suicide.
Promise
To be guided by faith, grounded in science and committed to life.
Who We Serve
We serve combat wounded veterans, disabled veterans, reservists and active duty personnel that are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Why Our Mission is Important
Veteran suicide is not just a crisis – it’s an epidemic in the United States of America.
“In 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services Suicide Prevention Program determined that 22 veterans commit suicide each day in our country.”
Too many of our Veterans are suffering in silence, battling the lasting effects of traumatic brain injury, PTSD, chronic pain, spiritual disconnection, and emotional isolation. And too often, the treatments offered to them are incomplete, temporary, or out of reach.
At The 22 Project, we believe our heroes deserve more than a prescription or a crisis hotline – they deserve a real path to healing. That’s why we combine science and faith based therapies, like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), SPECT brain imaging, community fellowship, supplemental wellness therapies and activities, hands-on case management, and fully sponsored travel and accommodations. We don’t just respond to crisis – we help prevent it.
When veterans are truly seen and supported, and given the right tools, lives become saved. Families are kept whole. Purpose is rediscovered. And hope becomes real again.
Our mission isn’t just important — it’s urgent. And it’s only possible with people like you standing beside us.
Our Core Values
Faith First
We live out our faith by serving others.
Compassion in Action
We lead with empathy and meet veterans where they are.
Healing the Whole Person
We believe true recovery is treating the body, mind, and spirit.
Honor Through Service
We honor the sacrifices of our veterans.
Connection Over Isolation
We build space for veterans to feel safe, seen and supported.
Excellence in Care
We pursue the highest standards in every therapy we offer.
Transparency and Stewardship
We steward every dollar, treatment, and relationship with integrity.
Hope is Non-Negotiable
We believe healing is possible for every veteran, no matter how dark it gets.
Meet our Dedicated Team
The hearts and hands behind the mission.
Board of Directors
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Staff
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Medical Advisory Board
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Veteran Advisory Board
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Battle Buddies
Jeff
U.S. Navy, Battle Buddy
Charlie
U.S. Marine Corps, Battle Buddy
Carlos
U.S. Army Ret. Master Sergeant, Battle Buddy
Jason
U.S. Marine Corps, Battle Buddy
