Second Chance Battalion Mission

We are a 501 c(3) non-profit corporation (IRS EIN# 86-2601454) that was founded by individuals who have a deep connection to the United States Armed Forces. We offer emergency assistance and trauma-informed workshops for system impacted veterans and their families. This non-profit was a part of the vision from founding board member 94-year-old Clarence Kinzel who was a teenager that enlisted as a peacekeeper between World War II and the Korean War Conflict as soldier with the 754th Tank Battalion.

Clarence asked his grandson, Professor, Aaron Kinzel who did not serve in the military to work with others such as Gulf War Veteran, Jay Elias to create services for this population. Clarence returned from the Asia-Pacific region after honorably serving his country with what was commonly referred to then as “Shell Shock” or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A diagnosis of PTSD impacts many veterans who were exposed to trauma during their service years.

PTSD develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger (NIMH, 2021).

SCB provides veterans and their families with connections to resources such as housing, food, employment, education, and health care. We also offer trauma-informed workshops such as our Metal Health Art Therapy program. This work is guided by clinicians and artists that discuss traumatic events in a safe place and provide techniques to process and heal for participants while making art through sand moldsthat will be cast into metal.

Aaron T. Kinzel
Founder