Mission #8 Complete
Mission 8 - Veteran Community Community Service
October 17, 2026 | North Richland Hills, TX
Mission #8 is in the books, and what a great day of community service!
We teamed up with the City of North Richland Hills Neighborhood Initiative Program for this year's Fix-It Blitz, and our mission was to help Linda H., the surviving spouse of Larry, a U.S. Marine who served our Great Nation during the Vietnam Era 1960s and 1970s.
Linda has called the same house home for more than 45 years. Since her husband's passing and limited mobility, she's no longer able to take care of the yardwork and landscaping around her home.
That's where our crew came in!
We had a great mix of veteran volunteers, members of the local F3 SkyNET workout group, and a couple of our board members all ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Mike Tenorio and his team from veteran-owned Tenorio Tree Service joined us to handle the big tree trimming work.
There was plenty to keep everyone busy! We tackled overgrown bushes, vines, mowing, edging, landscaping, and a whole lot of cleanup. Between the work, a few laughs, and everyone pitching in wherever needed, we made some real progress in getting Linda's property back into shape.
A big thank-you to everyone who spent part of their Saturday helping out.
It's pretty amazing what a group of people can accomplish when everyone shows up ready to lend a hand.
Mission #7 Complete
Mission 7 — Veterans Helping Veterans
September 22 & 24 | North Richland Hills, TX
Navy veteran, James J., who served during the Vietnam War, needed help with a section of his fence that was falling over, along with overgrown trees, shrubs, and other landscaping needs in his front and back yards. James is in his 80s and would normally handle much of the work himself, but he is still recovering from neck and back surgery earlier this year.
The project took two days to complete.
Zach Stewart and his team at Freedom Fence TX, a Marine veteran-owned company, replaced the damaged fence section.
Then we hit a scheduling hiccup with our volunteer crew for the landscaping, so we adjusted our plan and called Tenorio Tree Service.
Mike and his crew stepped in to trim the trees and shrubs, clean up the property, and spread mulch throughout the front and back yards.
An Army veteran and a Marine veteran working together to help a Navy veteran—that is veterans helping veterans and The Oath Effect as its finest in action.
Thank you to Freedom Fence TX and Tenorio Tree Service for their great work and for helping us lighten the load for another veteran.
our missions before AND AFTER our july 4 launch
Mission 6- Sept. 20
Mission 6- Sept. 20
Mission 6- Sept. 20
Benbrook, Texas
"Run for the V"
We were honored to be a Silver Level Sponsor of Benbrook Memorial VFW Post 10429’s sixth annual “Run for the V” on Sunday, September 20.
Ruckers, runners, and walkers of all ages came together for the 5K event to raise awareness about suicide prevention. Proceeds from the event benefit nonprofit organization
Benbrook, Texas
"Run for the V"
We were honored to be a Silver Level Sponsor of Benbrook Memorial VFW Post 10429’s sixth annual “Run for the V” on Sunday, September 20.
Ruckers, runners, and walkers of all ages came together for the 5K event to raise awareness about suicide prevention. Proceeds from the event benefit nonprofit organizations serving veterans and first responders facing life challenges.
My friend Ethan M. participated in the 5K Run in memory of his childhood friend, who took the oath and served our nation as a U.S. Marine. He deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. Several years after his final deployment, he lost his life to suicide. Ethan’s participation was a meaningful reminder of why events like this matter. Supporting the Run for the V reflects our commitment to working alongside trusted community partners that make a difference.
Mission 5- Sept. 18
Mission 6- Sept. 20
Mission 6- Sept. 20
North Richland Hills, Texas
Answering The Call
On September 18, we completed Mission #5 in North Richland Hills.
Billy H. served in the Marine Corps as an M60 machine gunner during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam era. We had the privilege of helping Billy and his wife of 61 years by trimming tree branches that had grown over their roof
North Richland Hills, Texas
Answering The Call
On September 18, we completed Mission #5 in North Richland Hills.
Billy H. served in the Marine Corps as an M60 machine gunner during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam era. We had the privilege of helping Billy and his wife of 61 years by trimming tree branches that had grown over their roof and near the power and utility lines leading to their home.
We teamed up again with veteran-owned Tenorio Tree Service. Mike, an Army veteran, and his crew did an outstanding job completing the work safely and taking care of a fellow veteran.
This is The Oath Effect in action—helping a veteran in need while supporting a veteran-owned business.
Semper Fi, Billy!
Sometimes it's not about solving every problem. It's about taking a little weight off a veteran's shoulders and helping them take one more step toward normal again.
Mission 4- July 30
Mission 6- Sept. 20
Mission 4- July 30
North Richland Hills, Texas
Veteran Home Safety Support
On July 30, we helped U.S. Army SSG (Ret.) James C., a husband and father of two who deployed to Afghanistan and Bosnia.
A dead, pest-infested tree in his front yard had become a safety hazard after recent storms caused large limbs to fall. James was recovering from back surgery for a s
North Richland Hills, Texas
Veteran Home Safety Support
On July 30, we helped U.S. Army SSG (Ret.) James C., a husband and father of two who deployed to Afghanistan and Bosnia.
A dead, pest-infested tree in his front yard had become a safety hazard after recent storms caused large limbs to fall. James was recovering from back surgery for a service-connected Airborne injury and could not safely remove the tree himself.
After a friend contacted us, we partnered with veteran-owned Tenorio Tree Service. Mike Tenorio and his crew safely removed the tree and eliminated the hazard.
The Oath Effect in action, helping a veteran while putting a trusted veteran-owned business to work.
Mission 3- June 30
Mission 2 - June 30
Mission 4- July 30
Valor Ranch TX
Decatur, Texas
Supporting Women Veterans on Their Journey of Healing
Our third mission supported Valor Ranch TX, a unique program dedicated to empowering women veterans experiencing homelessness and life transitions.
Our support helped advance the ranch's Healing Garden project—an indoor garden designed to promote healing, wel
Valor Ranch TX
Decatur, Texas
Supporting Women Veterans on Their Journey of Healing
Our third mission supported Valor Ranch TX, a unique program dedicated to empowering women veterans experiencing homelessness and life transitions.
Our support helped advance the ranch's Healing Garden project—an indoor garden designed to promote healing, wellness and self-sufficiency
Valor Ranch provides four safe residential cottages where women veterans can find stability, peace, and encouragement as they rebuild their lives. We are honored to provide assistance with an organization that provides both safe housing and hope for women who have served our country.
Photo Disclaimer
Photos are not taken at some outreach locations to protect the privacy and dignity of the veterans we serve.
Mission 2 - June 30
Mission 2 - June 30
Mission 2 - June 30
Liberty House
Fort Worth, Texas
Supporting Homeless Male Veterans
Our second mission took us to Liberty House, a 30-bed transitional housing program serving homeless male veterans. Through our support, we provided essential personal care and comfort items designed to help veterans regain a sense of dignity and normalcy during a difficult se
Liberty House
Fort Worth, Texas
Supporting Homeless Male Veterans
Our second mission took us to Liberty House, a 30-bed transitional housing program serving homeless male veterans. Through our support, we provided essential personal care and comfort items designed to help veterans regain a sense of dignity and normalcy during a difficult season of life. The items included towels, hygiene products, clothing, undergarments, and a television.
Sometimes the smallest comforts make the biggest difference.
Photo Disclaimer
Photos are not taken at some outreach locations to protect the privacy and dignity of the veterans we serve.
Mission 1 - June 20
Mission 2 - June 30
Mission 2 - June 30
Tuskegee Airmen Texas State Veterans Home
Fort Worth, Texas
Honoring Veterans and Staff with a Father's Day BBQ
Our first mission was helping sponsor an early Father's Day barbecue for the veterans and staff at the Tuskegee Airmen Texas State Veterans Home, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility located by the VA Clinic.
The meal was prepared by
Tuskegee Airmen Texas State Veterans Home
Fort Worth, Texas
Honoring Veterans and Staff with a Father's Day BBQ
Our first mission was helping sponsor an early Father's Day barbecue for the veterans and staff at the Tuskegee Airmen Texas State Veterans Home, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility located by the VA Clinic.
The meal was prepared by a local veteran whose own father resides at the facility, making the day especially meaningful. Nearly 200 veterans, family members, and staff enjoyed Texas BBQ with all the fixings.
For us, this mission was about more than serving a meal—it was about showing appreciation, building connections, and reminding our nation's heroes that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
Photo Disclaimer
Photos are not taken at some outreach events to protect the privacy and dignity of the veterans we serve.
Why Us
Because we're small enough to know people by name.
Because we work alongside existing organizations instead of competing with them.
Because we respond with dignity, compassion, and practical help where it's needed most.
Our Story
Founded in 2026, I Took the Oath, Inc. officially launched on July 4, 2026—America's 250th Birthday—with one simple purpose: to serve veterans with compassion, dignity, and respect.
We believe no veteran should ever feel forgotten or face life's challenges alone. Through practical assistance, trusted resources, and compassionate support, we help veterans navigate difficult times with dignity and without judgment.
This commitment is shared by our Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and volunteers—many of whom are veterans or family members of those who served.
Because helping those who served our nation isn't extraordinary—it's simply the right thing to do.
Leadership
Our Founder & President
Greg Blackwell, an Army veteran who served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, understands firsthand the commitment and sacrifice of military service.
After more than 30 years in college athletics and five years serving veterans through a nonprofit supporting combat-wounded veterans and military families, Greg founded I Took the Oath, Inc. Throughout his career, he has built trusted relationships with veterans, former collegiate athletes, community leaders, businesses, and organizations, bringing people together to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Greg believes service doesn't end when the uniform comes off—it continues by treating every veteran with dignity, respect, and compassion while helping connect them with the support they need.
Ways To Help
Supporting veterans takes a community. Whether you're a donor, volunteer, business, or community partner, there are many ways to help us serve those who served.
- Make a Donation – Help fund outreach missions and veteran assistance.
- Volunteer – Join us at outreach events and service projects.
- Sponsor a Mission – Help support a specific outreach initiative or veteran-focused event.
- Donate Needed Items – Contribute essential supplies for veterans and partner organizations.
- Connect Us – Introduce us to businesses, organizations, or community leaders who share our mission.
- Spread the Word – Share our mission with family, friends, and your community.
Every act of kindness—big or small—helps ensure our nation's veterans are treated with the dignity, respect, and appreciation they have earned.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're interested in volunteering, sponsoring an outreach mission, donating supplies, partnering with us, or simply learning more about how you can help, we'd love to hear from you.
Email: info@itooktheoath.org
If you're interested in volunteering, please include your city and state. We may already have outreach opportunities in your area, or we'll let you know when new opportunities become available.