The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) proudly welcomes the American Freedom Foundation (AFF) to the NVBDC Military & Veteran Organization (MVO) Task Force. AFF brings more than 20 years of Veteran-focused services, offering employment opportunities, one-on-one support, educational resources, and connections to trusted partners for VA benefits, mental health, transition assistance and much more.
Co-founded in 2004 by Jack L. Tilley, 12th Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired), now chairman, and Ted Hacker, president, AFF was born from a shared commitment to continue serving the military community. Hacker’s life changed after accompanying SMA Tilley on morale-boosting music tours performing for deployed troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Uzbekistan.
“It changed our lives so dramatically that we came home determined to devote our lives to serving Veterans and their families,” Hacker said.
Originally launched through nationwide benefit concerts—which raised more than $1.5 million for local Veteran charities—AFF’s mission has evolved into three core pillars that continue to grow its national impact:
- Your Next Mission® Video Podcast — Now in its sixth season with more than 220 episodes, this weekly video podcast educates Americans about the service and sacrifice of the military community while connecting Veterans and their families to trusted resources. The series reaches thousands through the Your Next Mission expanding YouTube channel.
- Your Next Mission Veterans Hiring Events — These events bring together employers, Veterans, transitioning servicemembers, military families, and nonprofit partners to support meaningful career pathways in civilian life.
- Your Next Mission Veteran Community Support (VCS) — Launched in 2024, this one-on-one support program has served nearly 900 Veterans. Powered by a network of 125 nonprofit partners, VCS provides personalized assistance tailored to individual needs—including employment, benefits navigation, mental health support, and resource referrals.
Joining the MVO Task Force aligns directly with AFF’s mission to collaborate across the Veteran support ecosystem. “It all works together for the good of our Veteran community. That’s why we have so many partners,” Hacker said. “So, the National Veterans Business Development Council is just another important way for us to provide resources to our Veteran community.”
To learn more about American Freedom Foundation’s programs, including volunteer opportunities, resources, and Your Next Mission, visit americanfreedomfoundation.org or yournextmission.org. To access the Your Next Mission video podcast, subscribe to @yournextmission on YouTube.
