What drives a small nonprofit from Paris, Kentucky, to capture national attention and support for disabled veterans?
Story Snapshot
- Jason’s Box receives Defender Service Award for veteran outreach.
- Founded in memory of Army Corporal Jason Pautsch.
- National recognition brings resources and visibility.
- Focus on outdoor activities for mental health support.
From Tragedy to Triumph
Jason’s Box, a nonprofit organization, emerged from the personal tragedy of losing Army Corporal Jason Pautsch in Iraq on April 10, 2009. His mother, Teri Pautsch, driven by the desire to honor her son’s sacrifice, partnered with Joseph A. Tirone, a retired Army colonel, to establish the organization in 2014. Over the years, the nonprofit has grown to provide a variety of recreational activities aimed at supporting the mental health and social integration of severely disabled veterans.
Joseph A. Tirone, with 30 years of military service, leads Jason’s Box as a volunteer director, emphasizing the importance of outdoor activities as therapeutic interventions. The organization offers programs like equine therapy, beekeeping, fishing, hunting, and shooting, specifically designed for veterans with catastrophic injuries. This specialized focus not only provides physical rehabilitation but also creates a community for veterans who often feel isolated after their military service.
National Recognition and Support
In January 2026, Jason’s Box was awarded the prestigious Defender Service Award, a national recognition that was the result of collecting over 30,000 votes from across the country. This accolade brought with it a Defender 130 Land Rover vehicle and undisclosed prize money, which the organization plans to use to expand its adaptive equipment and programming. The Land Rover will be customized for wheelchair accessibility, allowing more veterans to participate in the organization’s activities.
Trampus Miller, a disabled veteran and volunteer coordinator for Jason’s Box, exemplifies the profound impact of the organization’s work. After losing his leg in an explosion in Iraq, Miller found a sense of community and purpose through the activities offered by Jason’s Box. His testimony highlights the program’s ability to alleviate feelings of isolation and foster connections among veterans.
Empowering Veterans Through Outdoor Therapy
Jason’s Box operates primarily in Paris, Kentucky, focusing on a small number of veterans while providing a wide range of activities. The organization uses Stoner Creek for fishing activities and plans to add adaptive kayaks to its offerings. These outdoor activities are crucial for addressing mental health challenges, as they promote camaraderie and physical well-being.
The national recognition brings Jason’s Box to the forefront as a potential model for other communities seeking to support disabled veterans. The award not only provides resources but also increases public awareness, which could lead to more volunteers and donations, further enhancing the organization’s capacity to serve veterans.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
The success of Jason’s Box underscores the effectiveness of peer-support models and recreational therapy in improving mental health outcomes for veterans. The organization’s growth and national recognition may influence funding priorities for veteran services and inspire similar initiatives across the country. Moreover, the partnership with corporate sponsors like Land Rover and Chase Bank highlights the potential for private-nonprofit collaborations to make a significant impact in veteran support.
As Jason’s Box continues to expand its activities and reach, it serves as a testament to the power of community-driven efforts to address the complex needs of disabled veterans. With the award’s resources and increased visibility, the organization is poised to enhance its impact and potentially set a standard for veteran support programs nationwide.
