Mental health is a critical and evolving issue
impacting not only those who served but the families who love them and communities who stand beside them.
Veterans Resiliency Coalition (VRC)
Recognizes that every member of the military goes through a transition process as they first enter the service and then another transition from military to civilian life which is different. Veterans Resiliency Coalition is dedicated to assisting service members, veterans, and their families navigate the turbulence which often comes with transition. We can help by connecting with innovative, individualized services. Additionally we can support by providing programs, and with assistance from community partnerships, VRC supports military veterans in overcoming their trauma, building mental strength and resilience, while developing Post Traumatic Growth.
About VRC
Veterans Resiliency Coalition (VRC) began in 2018 as an effort by CSM , US Army Retired Sa’eed Mustafa to combat Veterans Suicide. He assembled Veterans and their family members from all over the United States, representing every era from World War II, to Vietnam and Including Post 9/11 at Bear Mountain New York to host a Veterans Resiliency Awards Gala featuring 2 time Grammy nominated Recording Artist Melba Moore. The event which he planned, sponsored and executed was recognized by US Senator Kristen Gillibrand. US Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, and New York State Assemblyman James Skoufis. The diverse group of guest who were present reported that they felt great benefit to there mental wellbeing in participating in a night of celebration, camaraderie, and creating a sense of community that was very similar to the feeling of attending a military gala. The strategic plan was that each award recipient would take the spirit of the Veterans Resiliency Coalition back to their home communities and continued the work of connecting with other veterans until we had our next annual gathering in Hudson Valley New York.
In 2022 the Veterans Resiliency Coalition evolved into a National Movement, expanding our programs and services into a 3 day Retreat and for the first time operating in Houston Texas. Today, through our direct programs we are in San Antonio Texas, Ashville North Carolina Hudson Valley New York and NYC. To continue this effort it will require the passion and commitment of friends, supporters, volunteers and like-minded organizations that enable us to fulfill our mission. With their collaboration and support, we strive to ensure that when those who serve are transitioning from military to civilian life, or they have struggled after being out for a while VRC will be able to assist them to be as successful as a civilian as they were in the military.
MISSION
MISSION
VISION
To empower Military Members, Veterans and their families to be Resilient.
To empower Military Members, Veterans and their families to be Resilient.
VISION
To empower Military Members, Veterans and their families to be Resilient.
To create a National Movement fostering Resiliency throughout the adjustment from military to civilian reintegration.
Founder and CEO
Saeed Mustafa
Masters of Social Work
Services
Suicide Awareness & Prevention
Special Community Events Upon Request
Homelessness Outreach
Visits to Homeless Shelters To Meet With Veterans Upon Request
Loneliness & Isolation Prevention
At Home Visits With Veterans Upon Request
Resilient Mindfulness Groups
11:30am to 12:30pm Mondays & Thursdays on Zoom
VETERANS RESILIENCY RETREATS
Veterans Resiliency Retreats are three day events, which offer a variety of services and programs aimed at supporting the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of veterans. These retreats are designed to help veterans build resilience, manage stress, connect with peers, and develop positive strategies for coping with the challenges they may face after their time in military service.
Houston Texas Memorial Day
Weekend 2026
Hudson Valley New York Juneteenth
Weekend 2026
San Antonio Texas Columbus Day
Weekend 2026
Ashville North Carolina Veterans Day
Weekend 2026
The Social Work CSM’s Programs
CSM’s In Person Group Meetings
📍 O’Connor Doyle American Legion Post 633 134 Old State Road, Highland Falls NY, 10928
CSM’s Lodging Recommendation
📍 IHG Army Hotels Five Star Inn 2113 Pershing Center Highland Falls, NY 10928
CSM’s Equine Assisted Services
📍 Morgan Farm 2026 Morgan Farm Road Highland Falls NY, 10928
CSM’s Nature Based Therapy (NBT) or Ecotherapy
📍Hudson Highlands Nature Center 120 Muser Dr. Cornwall NY 12518
CSM’s Music Therapy
📍Main Street Music Studio 270 Hudson Street Cornwall-On-Hudson NY 12520
CSM’s Adult Coloring Program
📍Highland Falls Library, 298 Main Street , 10928
Join Us in Honoring Our Heroes!
At Veterans Resiliency Coalition Inc., we take immense pride in serving those who have bravely served our nation. Our veteran-centric programs deliver an evidence-based holistic approach to wellness, ensuring that all our esteemed veterans and first responders receive the care and attention they truly deserve. Picture yourself rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit at our serene retreats within the Hudson Valley Region of New York. Experience a transformative journey that fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among fellow heroes who have answered the call to serve. Don't wait! Embrace the opportunity for healing and connection. Join the Social Work Command Sergeant Major today and rediscover your strength. Your path to wellness starts with Veterans Resiliency Coalition Inc.
Board Of Directors
President CSM (Ret) Sa’eed Mustafa
Sa’eed Is A Retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major. He Is A Graduate Of The Sergeants Major Academy Class 57, And Completed A Distinguished Military Career Spanning Over 30 Years Of Service. The SGM-A is the premier professional military education (PME) institution focused on providing the Army with agile and adaptive senior enlisted leaders.
Vice President, Major George W. Paffendorf, KCA
Major George W. Paffendorf, U.S. Army, Retired has more than 23 years of military service. After the Army he worked with at-risk youth for the State of New Jersey and retired as the State Director for Youth Programs and Special Initiatives. A lifelong horseman, he is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), Carriage Driving Instructor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) and Mentor.
Treasurer, RAUL LOPEZ, MPA, BS, AAS
Raul Lopez is an experienced leader with over 28 years of military leadership as a senior NCO, developing programs in attrition management, Training/Risk Management for units deploying overseas and law enforcement organizations use of training facilities at the NYARNG training site.
Secretary, SGM (ret) Linda Kessinger
Linda is a retired Army SGM with 32 years of military experience living in Seguin, Texas. She is the secretary for the Veterans Resiliency Coalition. She is a funeral director assistant with Goetz Funeral Home and Palmer Mortuary in Seguin.
Director, Lea Kui, MA, MBA, LPI
Lea Kui, retired DEA Senior Special Agent and CEO of Twin Shields Consulting, leads fundraising for the Veterans Resiliency Coalition. With 28+ years in law enforcement and expertise in finance and leadership, she is committed to strengthening mental health support for veterans and their families.
Dr. Kevin Rumley, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Dr. Kevin Rumley is a combat wounded (32 surgeries) Marine Corps veteran, receiving a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. Kevin is also a person in long-term-recovery, remaining a vocal community advocate for harm reduction modalities, including medication assisted therapy.
Member At Large Major US Army Retired Rick Jensen
Rick is The Founder and CEO of Hopeful Acres Ranch, which is an incredible 20 acre property was established in 2018 in San Marcos, Texas. After his transition from military to civilian life Rick had the idea of starting an organization for aligned with his purpose, which is to “reduce suffering.”
Board Member, Dr. Adrianna Taylor
Dr. Adrianna Taylor (Dr. AT to most) is a Board Certified LCSW and holds licenses in Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Florida. She has experience partnering with folks in outpatient mental health, trauma, and substance use clinics, as well as rape crisis, women’s centers, and medical clinics.