Healing Beyond the Battlefield: The Jason’s Box Mission

Jason’s Box, Inc. is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Paris, Kentucky, dedicated to serving catastrophically injured combat veterans and their families. Founded in memory of U.S. Army Corporal Jason G. Pautsch, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2009, the organization was inspired by the symbolic “box” that held Jason’s military belongings—a powerful reminder of sacrifice, honor, and legacy. Jason’s Box exists to provide healing through purpose and connection, offering veterans opportunities to participate in meaningful outdoor and therapeutic experiences. These include fishing, equine therapy, hunting, off-roading, beekeeping, agritherapy, and other nature-based activities that encourage physical engagement, mental wellness, and camaraderie. Many participants are multi-limb amputees or veterans recovering from severe trauma, and Jason’s Box works to adapt each experience to their unique abilities—often through customized mobility equipment and one-on-one support. Entirely volunteer-run, Jason’s Box operates with no paid staff and minimal overhead, ensuring that every dollar donated directly benefits the veterans they serve. The organization partners with medical facilities such as Brooke Army Medical Center to fly in wounded service members for these restorative programs. Their mission is rooted in compassion, empowerment, and the belief that the path to recovery begins with rediscovering joy, community, and purpose beyond injury. In recognition of its impact, Jason’s Box was named a finalist in the 2025 Defender Service Awards for Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach. Through dedication, transparency, and heart, the organization continues to honor Jason’s memory by enriching the lives of those who have given so much for their country