freedom isn't free

welcome to surviving valor

We’re a team of Veterans–Our mission: to help support other Veterans who need help.

It’s a true honor you’ve stopped by our website and we can’t thank you enough.

Let’s face it, our Veterans need our support. They head into their assigned duties to protect our country, not knowing the challenges they will face. These challenges may range from very physically demanding situations, dangerous battlegrounds, injuries, death of fellow warriors, and so much more.

All of this combined can take an incredible toll on their mental health. And so the battle continues when they return home. PTSD, Depression and crippling anxiety are some of the effects that serving our country can take on our troops.

We feel it is our duty to help care for them when they come home. Let them know we truly care. Thanking a Veteran is one way we can express our gratitude. And donating money is the ultimate gift of kindness. Because that money can make such a difference in their lives.

Every man or woman enters the military with Valor. Valor is defined as great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.

Let them know we truly care. Thanking a Veteran is one way we can express our gratitude. And donating money is the ultimate gift of kindness. Because that money can make such a difference in their lives

We can’t count on government support alone to help them. The process for receiving benefits that were promised to them can be complicated and take far too long. That’s why we count on people like you to help. When you donate to Surviving Valor, 100% of your profit goes to our Veterans. Here are some of the ways your money helps them…

The toll that war can take on people may be something you’ll never have to personally face. It can leave scars far beyond what the eye can see. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated, and we take the utmost care in making sure it all goes where it is most needed–to help support our troops.

about us

Meet Your Surviving Valor Crew–Made up of Volunteers Who Have Served

Each and every one of us is proud to help Veterans. It is our passion to make such a difference in their lives. But we definitely couldn’t do it without you.

Your support means the world to us and those who have served. We thank you for your time and your donations.

Here you will get to know us a little better–the faces behind Surviving Valor

Lance Averbeck

Today we introduce you to our founder, Lance Averbeck. Lance graduated from LaCrescent, MN High School in 1997, the same year as he joined the US Navy. He was stationed on the USS Valley Forge(CG-50) from 1999-2004 where he took part in three deployments. Two were counter drug operations, one to the middle east. He finished his last 3 years of naval service at NOPF Whidbey Island, WA. In 2018, Lance moved back home to Minnesota. He is a VFW life member, and currently serves as Chaplain of VFW Post 10406 out of Cochrane, WI, and is currently employed by the US Postal Service. Lance is married to his wife Jessica and they live in MN with their 2 dogs.

jason birkle

The first member of our board of Directors is Jason Birkle. Jason graduated from LaCrescent, MN high school in 1997, the same year he joined the US Army. He was enlisted for 8 years, the last four of which were with ROTC, where he graduated with a B.S. in business management from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. He then became an aviation officer flying Blackhawk helicopters for the next 12 years. Jason then switched to Civil Affairs for his last four years, retiring as an O-4 in 2020, which is the same year he graduated with a masters in business administration from the University of Maryland. Jason is currently a stay at home dad of 3 boys while his wife continues her active duty military career as a Nurse Corp Officer.

phil humphrey

Here we’d like to introduce you to another one of our Directors, Phil Humphrey. Phil graduated from Granton High School in 2001, enlisted in the Army National Guard in 2001 and did 6 years with 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. During that time he was deployed to help out with Hurricane Katrina. He was out for one year and got called back during his inactive reserve time and got assigned to the 10th Mountain Division deployed to Iraq. After getting out of the Army he spent 13 years working in IT. Phil transitioned into business ownership and started 608 Brewing Company in La Crosse, WI and Homen, WI.. Phil is also married with two children.

dusty liston

Please help us welcome Dusty Liston to Surviving Valor. She is our newest board member, and has a lot of experience to help us grow. Her dedication to veterans, as well as this great nation, makes her the perfect addition. Thank you for joining us in our mission to help veterans!

Dusty currently works for a non-profit performing economic development for three South East MN cities and one county as a Community and Business Development Specialist. Dusty retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 20 years of honorable, active-duty service in June of 2017 as a Master Sergeant of Marines. Dusty deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 and 2014. Dusty holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Management from Park University.

Dusty grew up in the rural town of Ruthton, Minn., with a current population of 217 people and understands the struggles of small-town U.S.A and its citizens. She comes from a military family, where both her mother and father served, as well as four other siblings. She is looking forward to creating solid relationships in order to help Veterans in the surrounding area grow and improve their general health and mental well being. In her free time, Dusty enjoys spending time with her two children, working out, traveling, and reading.

events

Fundraising to Raise Money for Veterans

Here you will find the latest events Surviving Valor hosts in the Coulee Region. These events include Raffles at various locations with very generous giveaways. We make these events as fun as possible, all while raising money for Veterans.

Donate Now

Image of a Raffle with tables of items that can be won, such as T-shirts, tumblers, and a television with the Surviving Valor sign in the background

Stay tuned for more events coming your way! Check out our Facebook page for the most recent updates.

blog

An Intense Look Into Suicide Prevention Among Veterans

by Lacy Nesler, March 24, 2025

The Different Branches of the United States Military

by Lacy Nesler, March 24, 2025

Here at Surviving Valor, we work closely with the VFW in Cochrane, WI to offer Veterans resources and provide them the help they truly need. Here is a link to their website, where you’ll find the latest events, as well as contact information for members, phone numbers and websites for those in need. Please utilize these resources, as they’re meant to help you or someone you know who may be in need of these services. We take Mental Health seriously and want you to feel supported and be able to reach out to someone anytime you need. Please call the Veterans’ Crisis line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255 if you or a Veteran you know is having a Mental Health crisis. Help is available day or night. Your life matters to us and to everyone around you.