Nonprofit Unchained 4 Veterans builds camaraderie through food, connection and sports

Knowing what resources are available isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for U.S. Coast Guard veteran Virginia Jacobi. 

She knows firsthand how difficult it can be to find purpose, access benefits and battle the isolation that often comes with civilian life. 

Stories of Honor is a Fort Worth Report weekly series spotlighting 12 Tarrant County veterans who are serving beyond the uniform.

We also are highlighting nonprofits recommended by the veterans.

In November, the veterans will gather for a luncheon where the Report will honor their service at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington.

That’s why she works alongside Jonathon Perkins, founder of Unchained 4 Veterans, a Tarrant County nonprofit that connects veterans and their families through year-round events, meals and support. 

Their goal? Reduce suicide rates by restoring connection and offering practical help, from mental health support to housing and disability assistance. 

Unchained 4 Veterans started in 2021, helping about 75 to 100 veterans and families its first year. Now, the group serves more than 1,000 annually. 

From free Texas Rangers game tickets and local events to toy drives and hot meals delivered to shelters, the nonprofit provides more than entertainment. It offers veterans an escape and community. 

“If they’re at a game, they’re not thinking about suicide,” Perkins said. 

Perkins, an Army veteran, drew inspiration from his own experiences. While serving as president of student veterans groups at Tarrant County College and Texas Wesleyan University, he noticed how veterans turned out in large numbers for simple events centered around food and camaraderie.

“I thought back on my military days,” Perkins said. “We’d have cookouts or birthday parties, and you rarely heard of suicide. I wanted to recreate that sense of connection in civilian life.” 

Jacobi pitches ideas for events, many of which include live sporting events like Rangers games and rugby matches and even more entertainment-focused events like music performances and Bass Hall. 

Since 2021, Unchained has distributed more than $100,000 in free tickets. 

“Going to a game and seeing veterans we’ve helped, just enjoying themselves, it makes me feel great,” Jacobi said.

Perkins also brings meals directly to veterans who can’t attend events. On weekends and holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day, he grills food and delivers it to shelters and homes.

“A game ticket seems simple, but for veterans with PTSD, it’s a huge distraction,” said Shirley Bravo, vice president of Unchained 4 Veterans. 

Bravo met Perkins at Texas Wesleyan’s veterans club in 2020. When challenges for outreach rose, they teamed up to start Unchained. Bravo organizes toy drives with Toys for Tots and coordinates ticket distribution. 

For Perkins, every action is personal. He knows the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life. 

He called his first civilian job in an Indiana landfill boring compared to the Army’s structure. He faced his own mental health struggles and credits One Tribe Foundation for helping him after a personal breaking point. 

That moment solidified his resolve to help other veterans stay connected and supported.

“They helped me out, and I wanted to help others,” Perkins said.

Still, Perkins shares a desire to do more, Bravo said. Now, he dreams of a dedicated facility where veterans can gather on weekends to play games, share meals and find support.

For Jacobi, the impact is clear.

“Veterans need to be there for each other,” she said.

No matter the challenges, Perkins finds a way.

Orlando Torres is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report.

At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

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