From sunrise flights to equine therapy: How the Nationwide Foundation thanks veterans

From sunrise flights to equine therapy: How the Nationwide Foundation thanks veterans

Every day in Central Ohio, small moments of gratitude ripple into big acts of honor. A sunrise send-off at John Glenn Columbus International. A child's hand pressed to glass at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. A quiet breath in a barn as a horse steps closer-trust returning, one hoofbeat at a time. These moments, scattered across our community, tell a story: Columbus stands with those who served and the Nationwide Foundation is proud to be a long standing partner for this community.

Honor Flight: A day measured in thanks

It begins before dawn, when veterans gather for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Washington, D.C.-a day designed not simply as travel, but as healing and honor. A typical Honor Flight departs from John Glenn Columbus International Airport and visits key memorials, including the World War II, Korea, and Vietnam memorials, the memorials to the military branches, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The day closes with a homecoming celebration-nearly 2,000 supporters lining the airport to cheer, wave, and say "welcome home," often for the very first time.

Over the past decade, Nationwide has provided nearly $1 million to sponsor 14 flights, serving more than 1,000 veterans from Central Ohio and around the country. The company most recently sponsored a flight on November 13, 2025, continuing a tradition that places gratitude front and center.

"When you see how powerful the experience is for these men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country, every dollar of support that we can provide is worth it," said Chad Jester, president of the Nationwide Foundation. "Supporting Honor Flight aligns with our company's long-held support for the veteran community."

National Veterans Memorial and Museum: Stories that live on

Across town, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) preserves the voices and experiences of America's veterans-past, present, and future. Ohio is home to more than 800,000 veterans and active-duty service members, and NVMM ensures that their stories are seen, heard, and remembered. To honor their service, all veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star family members receive free admission to NVMM-sponsored by Nationwide-an initiative that has already welcomed more than 3,000 individuals and is available through January 31, 2027.

"The courage, commitment and sacrifice of our nation's heroes inspire us every day," said Kirt Walker, Nationwide CEO. "We're honored to offer access to the NVMM as a meaningful way to recognize their service and sacrifice, and to help preserve their legacy with lasting gratitude and respect."

Nationwide has granted $1.6 million to NVMM to support its initiatives. Additionally, the Nationwide Foundation has independently donated nearly $3 million to NVMM's general operating support since its inception, ensuring that these stories live where they belong, at the heart of our community.

Stockhands Horses for Healing: Where connection restores courage

At Stockhands Horses for Healing, the path to recovery is walked alongside a horse-steady, patient, and present. Programs like Veterans Night, the Women Warriors group, and Veterans' Outreach welcome veterans into a peaceful space where they can reconnect, rebuild trust, and find renewed purpose through equine-assisted support. These experiences help veterans manage invisible wounds-PTSD, anxiety, and depression-through relationships that foster communication, grounding, and resilience.

"Everyone tells me I'm different. I look at how I've grown as a person," said Luke, a veteran and Stockhands participant. "I went from no end goal in life and not knowing who I am or what I want to actually having a future."

The Nationwide Foundation's $100,000 donation to Stockhands this year has helped expand veteran-focused events to support individuals like Luke, allowing the organization to better serve this community.

Caring for our Community

The Nationwide Foundationis a nonprofit, private foundation to which Nationwide companies are the donors. Founded in 1959, the Nationwide Foundation has contributed more than $700 million since 2000 to help nonprofit organizations in communities where Nationwide associates and their families live and work.