What We Do – American Gratitude

American Gratitude, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Southwest Kansas. Our mission is to show gratitude to America’s Combat Veterans and their families for the sacrifices they’ve made securing and protecting our freedoms.

This is achieved by providing hosted retreats which remove these Warriors from their normal setting and put them with other Warriors facing the same post-combat situations. The retreats offer a relaxing and adventurous environment to help them as they navigate integration into daily civilian life.

To accomplish this mission, American Gratitude raises funds from public and private sources through fundraising events and this website. These donations are in turn used to host each retreat at no-cost to attending veterans.

The co-founders of this organization are Brian Beavers and Byron Peirano, both long-term residents of Garden City, KS. Brian did not serve in the military, but his father Vern Beavers served as a MP in the Army at the end of the Korean Conflict. Byron is one in a lengthy line of Veterans in the Peirano family and both his step-sons are career Marines.

Brian and Byron share a compassion for showing the deepest American Gratitude to Warriors returning from our recent war-zones with physical and mental wounds. As an organization, American Gratitude strives to make their return to civilian life less stressful, if even for one weekend.

"I wanted to thank the entire staff, family, and friends of American Gratitude. From the moment my family and I arrived, we were welcomed and felt like family even though we didn't know a single person there. Brian and his staff were amazing, I can't say that enough. I am a retired Marine and suffer from some PTSD issues, but they made it so easy to relax and let my guard down. The whole community came together and welcomed us and made me feel like I had grown up with everyone. There were surprises around every corner, and each day that I was there I was more and more humbled and amazed that Brian and his staff took the time and energy to do the things they did for us."

Testimonial from Travis Woody, U.S. Marine Corps, (Ret.)

I can honestly say that working with American Gratitude has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The opportunity to attend healing events with wounded veterans and their families has been transforming in many ways. Often veterans come to events with a bit of trepidation. That trepidation quickly turns to enjoyment and relief as they are surrounded by a welcoming, supportive, and selfless American Gratitude team. I highly encourage all veterans who can attend to do so. Thanks to Brian and Byron for their amazing efforts. Semper Fi.

Testimonial from John Garcia, U.S. Marine Corps, (Ret.)

You have no idea what your kindness meant to me and my family. My ATTITUDE will be more positive because of American Gratitude. The kindness you showed to complete strangers you have never met is beyond the kind of man I am. I appreciate and respect you more than you will ever know, or I could show. But in the Lord's 2019, I will get better. I used to have that "care" and I still do - for others. You made me feel like you care and that meant the world to me. I will forever call you "brothers".

Testimonial from Jared Payne, U.S. Marine Corps, (Ret.)

In 2014, I got invited to Heartland Heroes event, now restructured under American Gratitude Inc. I went kicking and screaming to this event. I didn't want to attend, did not want to talk to anyone, essentially I wanted to be left alone to my own demise and continue down the path of depression and darkness. My family attended with me as well. The first day or so, I was standoffish, hallow, asking myself why am I here? After the 2nd day, the mentors were able to get me to let my guard down a little bit. By the end of the trip, I was able to open up, realizing there are good people in this world who still care. I struggle with TBI and PTSD daily. Things that will never go away. This trip allowed me to recognize my flaws, to ask myself, what is your purpose in life? It allowed me to socialize a little more each day in confidence of letting people into my circle. Right after the trip, I attended school, received my degree, and am now a Teacher, Football and Wrestling coach. Looking back at the hallow person I was, I realize, what help me the most was being forced to attend, to see individuals who truly cared and had a passion to help wounded veterans struggling. I have never met an entire community that truly wants to make a difference in the situations given to us, during and after enlistments and combat deployments. I now come back and help to offer the gift that was given to me, to make a Positive Impact on other families, to be around what is now gone it seems, comradery of veterans, no matter the branch. This comradery can never be replaced. This organization truly is amazing, and I am very thankful to the individuals who have help impact not only my life, but my families as well! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Testimonial from Andrew McCune, U.S. Marine Corps, (Ret.)