When a military recruit signs the dotted line and raises a hand to swear the solemn oath, their service and sacrifice begins. Often unseen, but never forgotten, are the children who make those sacrifices, too. While Mom or Dad proudly serves, these ‘little heroes’ endure long deployments, extended training exercises and many of the stressors inherent in military life.

Minnesota Vikings Tight End Kyle Rudolph with a group of UHL Military Kids

Minnesota Vikings Tight End Kyle Rudolph with a group of United Heroes League Military Kids

The United Heroes League (UHL) would like to honor these children with free sports gear, pro-sports tickets, access to free sports camps, and grants to cover the costs of sports association fees. UHL also provides once in a lifetime experiences to military families, including past trips to Super Bowl 52, the NHL All Star Game and in-person meetings with professional athletes.

Any active service member or Honorably discharged Veteran who deployed to a combat zone (as defined by DOD or VA), with children under 18-years-old, are encouraged to apply.

To date, United Heroes League has provided over $10 million dollars’ worth of sports gear, tickets, camps and grants to over 40,000 military families across the U.S. 120 athlete ambassadors from six different sports and over 30 professional sports organizations have joined the UHL Team.

Also for 2019, United Heroes League proudly introduces UHL Outdoors. Military and Veteran families can join NHL All Star and passionate military supporter Steve Payne for one of eight nationwide fishing events. The service member or Veteran, and their child, will join Payne and a host of professional athletes out on the water for a memorable day of fishing.

Military Kid goes fishing with UHL Outdoors

A Military Child goes fishing with UHL Outdoors

“You have no idea how much joy it gave me to watch my son light up opening the box to his first pair of skates on his birthday! I have never seen him so happy. He immediately took of his shoes and tried to put the skates on in the kitchen. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” –Drew (USAF)

Based in Hastings, Minnesota, United Heroes League is a nationally registered 501c3 non-profit organization and maintains an average 90% giving rate.

To learn more visit www.UnitedHeroesLeague.org, call at 651-319-0737, or email info@UnitedHeroesLeague.org.

Learn more about UHL’s eligibility and prioritization at https://unitedheroesleague.org/whos-eligible/

Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA.

Topics in this story

Leave a comment

The comments section is for opinions and feedback on this particular article; this is not a customer support channel. If you are looking for assistance, please visit Ask VA or call 1-800-698-2411. Please, never put personally identifiable information (SSAN, address, phone number, etc.) or protected health information into the form — it will be deleted for your protection.

84 Comments

  1. Manser July 9, 2019 at 19:51

    How about some war veterans living in Guam, are
    We allow to apply for these benefits?. We don’t have
    Sports activities out here. Please let us know

  2. Brenda Norris July 1, 2019 at 04:27

    My husband is a disabled veteran who loves to fish and we live at the lake. Of course we would love and appreciate anything you want to donate.
    Brenda

  3. Terrance Hill June 28, 2019 at 07:59

    How can I become a part of this.

  4. Marlena Smith June 27, 2019 at 22:44

    How can I get more information? I didn’t see a link to apply or sign up.

  5. Robert June 27, 2019 at 22:26

    Honorably Discharged Veterans must have been deployed to a combat zone in order to receive our benefits.

  6. Michael Thomas June 27, 2019 at 19:21

    Is there anything offered for Illinois? I am a 100% perminet and total disabled with 4 young boys.

  7. Billie J Shaffer June 27, 2019 at 18:48

    How can we sign up and get more information?

  8. James Hughes June 27, 2019 at 16:18

    How can I sign up.

  9. Steve Frost June 27, 2019 at 16:02

    So, how do I get in contact with a UHL agent?
    Steve Frost

  10. Rander Ligons June 27, 2019 at 15:04

    I want tickets sent to me

  11. Jesse Sanchez June 27, 2019 at 12:25

    Need NFL tickets to football games if offered. I’m a 100% Vietnam Era disabled vet.

  12. Bruce Walters June 27, 2019 at 10:41

    I’d like tickets,. One child has passed, the other is 35, What am I qualified for?

  13. Disappointed DAV June 27, 2019 at 10:30

    I love the idea of United Heroes League (UHL) wanting to honor the children of veterans, BUT I have serious issues though when I read….. “When a military recruit signs the dotted line and raises a hand to swear the solemn oath, their service and sacrifice begins. Often unseen, but never forgotten, are the children who make those sacrifices, too. While Mom or Dad proudly serves, these ‘little heroes’ endure long deployments, extended training exercises and many of the stressors inherent in military life”………and then read the qualifications….(Honorably discharged Veterans who have deployed to a combat zone as defined by the Department of Defense or VA)…..so I guess your “ sacrifice and service” doesn’t really begin until you deploy to a combat zone. What about all the vets and disabled vets that never “deployed to combat” and their children, are they less than heroes, who sacrificed less or their families endured less??? The answer is unequivocally NO! Anybody who served knows this to be true. Reevaluate the qualifications for the program UHL to include and honor the children of all veterans who began their sacrifice as well as their families’ when they “raised a hand to swear the solemn oath”

  14. Gayle Holloway June 27, 2019 at 10:27

    This is a great thing. I served from 1972 to 1975 and wish this had been available to my children. Great job and exciting for these kids.

  15. Angela June 27, 2019 at 10:25

    So if. Reading this correctly it’s only for those who served from 9/11 until now?

    Great programs for those who qualify but sadly to much discrimination based on 9/11 time frames

    • Ricky Brown June 27, 2019 at 15:03

      It’s is sad when programs like this program is helping veterans and there families with well needed happiness, then you go and say that they are discriminating . Not soo be grateful for those veterans that can benefit from the program. Shame on you Angela !!!!!!

      • Ismael Veguillacruz July 1, 2019 at 23:58

        There is nothing discriminatory for those of us who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and watch their friends and Soldiers die in Battle or from an improvised explosive device and those scared internally and externally.

    • Steven Clipp June 28, 2019 at 08:26

      Hello Angela. Any active service member or Honorably discharged Veteran who deployed to a combat zone (as defined by DOD or VA), with children under 18-years-old, are encouraged to apply. (Active duty service members have priority but Veterans from any era can apply) Visit https://unitedheroesleague.org/whos-eligible/ for more info.

    • DAVID M PERKINS July 1, 2019 at 18:58

      Know how you feel, Vietnam monument got buried along with those who served up until 9/11. Provided people remember active military/recent veterans & their kids should get help. I am little old to have kids under 18. No need too apply for second class registration program. VETTIX on military.com has somethings/tickets for all veterans.

      • Michael Kavanaugh July 17, 2019 at 17:39

        David… not all programs have the funds to help everyone. Every program has its limitations. There are many volunteers who are donating their time, as well as others who are donating their hard earned money to help at least some of the veterans who have needs. Other programs specifically help Vietnam Vets or Korean War Vets. Be thankful that people are stepping up to do what is right instead of criticizing and put that time toward finding the programs out there to help you.

  16. Charlene Gilliam June 27, 2019 at 10:09

    I too have grandchildren, do we qualify?

    • Eric Morgan June 27, 2019 at 12:04

      As stated on their website: Veterans (Honorably discharged Veterans who have deployed to a combat zone as defined by the Department of Defense or Veterans Administration.)

      It says nothing of post 9/11 service being required.

  17. Carlos A Franco June 27, 2019 at 09:50

    Thank you so much, everyone coming together to make our life style great touches our family s heart. My daughter is a basketball fanatic, she loves UCLAand wants to go to their camp, would college interaction be part of your future connections?

  18. KEITH NETTLES June 27, 2019 at 09:48

    Yeah. I volunteered and I feel left out also. I’m disabled and living on SSID. I’ve had too have a heart transplant and both hips replaced but I don’t qualify as being service related. I’m screwed all the way around.

    • David Millsap June 29, 2019 at 00:05

      Quit your

  19. Charles Evans Jr. June 27, 2019 at 09:36

    I would like football tickets to 1 of the Dallas Cowboys games this season

  20. Dwight A Brown June 27, 2019 at 09:30

    I am definitely interested in this program

  21. Tyrone Yazzie June 27, 2019 at 09:14

    How can I become a part of this for my kids. I am disabled as well.

  22. Michael A. Massey Sr June 27, 2019 at 09:11

    Very interested in this program for my son

  23. Lawrence W Harrington June 27, 2019 at 09:07

    I would like tickets

  24. R Wall June 27, 2019 at 08:57

    My husband is a vet, our two daughters are in All Star Cheerleading. Its a very expensive SPORT, and might not seem as such however our daughters work out and practice daily. The town we live in well the STATE has not alot of things for kids to do to stay out of trouble. The drugs and crime are terrible. As I know they are everywhere. Anyway, would the program offer some type of scholarship for this type of sport? Thank you

  25. Wendel Young June 27, 2019 at 08:00

    How do I apply for sporting tickets.

    • Joseph Soares June 27, 2019 at 09:19

      How do I get tickets for NFL I am a disabled veteran of 22years of service

    • Robert Wayne Tenharmsel June 27, 2019 at 09:38

      How do I alloy for football tickets?

  26. Marilyn Ghering June 27, 2019 at 07:58

    My husband is a retired veteran but our children are grown. Are our grandchildren eligible for these benefits? We have 8 under 16. Thank you. Marilyn Ghering.

  27. Charlotte Dash-Ruffin June 27, 2019 at 07:58

    I’m interested in football tickets.

  28. JASON MURRAY June 27, 2019 at 07:57

    I would love to sign up!

  29. Valerie Brownell June 27, 2019 at 07:49

    Several civilian insurance companues ate offering help/reimbursement of gym membership costs. Are there any programs currently in place to aid Veterans in this respect?

  30. Deirdre Wasp June 27, 2019 at 07:43

    I am so interested. I am a disable Veteran.. I have been disable for a long time. My baby has missed out on a lot. Please get back in touch with me.

  31. Simon Paul Gonsalves June 27, 2019 at 07:39

    I am interested in this for my sons (14,16) I am a Marine Veteran who deployed to Iraq and participated in OIF and OEF in 2003. I live in south Florida.

  32. John Ornelas June 27, 2019 at 07:32

    Where can I apply. This program looks amazing

  33. Florence Chandler June 27, 2019 at 07:31

    How can I get assistance to purchase a total gym by Chuck Norris. Ihave bad feet from my service which hinders me from any walking or running exercises.

  34. Liz Meisekothen June 27, 2019 at 07:28

    Would definitely like to be a part of this program.

  35. Robert Haga June 27, 2019 at 06:59

    This is more of a question. Is this program just for those veterans that have served in a combat zone or all veterans? Thanks for your reply.

  36. Roger Lee Boyd June 27, 2019 at 06:40

    Could grandkids be involved in this program?

  37. Adrian Leija June 27, 2019 at 05:58

    I am fully interested in doing this for my kids, please get back to me.

  38. Marsha Edwards June 27, 2019 at 05:33

    Hey both of my kids I have custody of. The oldest who is 14 I have had since birth. No I didn’t birth them but I have had the since birth. Do I qualify?

  39. Gee June 27, 2019 at 03:42

    This is not fair to those who’ve volunteered but did not go to a combat zone. We were still soldiers who were ready to fight for our country at a moments notice. This world is so biased

    • Iraq War Veteran June 27, 2019 at 08:01

      You feel left out. I am sorry to hear that.

      The loss, the sleepless nights, uncontrollable anger and emotion, the struggle to keep job, the financial burden, the alcoholism and addiction, the terrible darkness that makes one think the unthinkable…

      I would happily give it all to you so so can get a free baseball.

      • Izy Veguillacruz June 27, 2019 at 08:59

        I am sorry to say it’s not bias, it’s well deserved for children who’s parents were deployed to a combat zone. I spent two years straight deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and my son and wife suffered the whole time worried about me returning home. There are plenty of service members who have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since the beginning of the war and their families suffer, especially those killed in action, amputation, and invisible injuries. So unless you have been in our shoes you will never know.

        To some who gave some and those who gave all.

        MSG Retired

      • Djh June 27, 2019 at 09:30

        We don’t choose where we serve. The DOD decides that. We’re still all making the same sacrifices being deployed whether we deploy in a combat zone or not, away from our families. We are all service members, some getting injured during during employment exercises and getting hurt during training exercises getting ready to deploy. The service member has a valid argument. Your unnecessary rude comment you can keep to yourself.

        Signed, a disabled Veteran who did deploy

      • Bowling Green Vet June 27, 2019 at 10:11

        God such a typical rogue mentality. I’m sure with your username comes the accompanied thank me for my service uniform everyday. Get over yourself.

        • Iraq War Veteran June 27, 2019 at 15:42

          I actually dislike the socially obligatory and meaningless ‘thank you for your service’ that accompanies the very generic username. I also dislike people crying ‘not fair’ when they have never missed a kids birthday or 50 cent hot wing night after the 9-5 shift back on base. Stop whining about wartime Veterans having one or two limited programs that do not include you.

        • gary owe faas July 2, 2019 at 13:56

          Bowling Greenie Vet, Are you sad now??

        • Jessica July 6, 2019 at 19:10

          Thank you for coming to this comment section and MAKING PERFECT SENSE Iraq War Vet! Combat Service or STFU & GTFO.

  40. Marty McNair June 27, 2019 at 02:52

    I am a Veteran US Navy. I am a high school football & Track Coach. I also used my GI Bill to get my college degree. Last year during our football season I went through a kidney transplant surgery. I was able to make it back to the sidelines before the end of the season and assist our team back to the state Championship game at Ford Field. We won our third consecutive State Championship. I enjoy what I do. Recently one of our former athletes signed his first professional contract, with the Indianapolis Colts. We hope to make it back to the State Championship game this year.

  41. Sgt Valentin June 27, 2019 at 01:47

    Sucks it states Veterans who was deployed to a combat zone so I guess all veterans are not good enough to get their children into the system. Good job SMH

  42. Victor Charles Green June 27, 2019 at 01:37

    This is what it’s all about! All The Way!

  43. Willie C Travis June 27, 2019 at 01:03

    Please let my boys who are 16 and 15 attend camps and also they would love to go to a professional football, basketball, track or camping

  44. Willie C Travis June 27, 2019 at 00:58

    I have 2 boys and their basketball, football and track camps are very expensive and they would love to attend different camps and would specially like to go to a real live NFL or college games

  45. Harold b Cornish June 27, 2019 at 00:38

    Great I love fishing, workout equipment and sporting events.

  46. Curtis D. Stubbs, Navy June 27, 2019 at 00:00

    Great Program. I want to contribute by volunteering to assist kids and families by providing a older male tutor to help the family. Is there any programs in Jacksonville that are on line today.
    Both my Sons were Eagle Scouts, HS wrestlers, and football players. A deployed service member just can’t participate in these after school activities. My kids are grown, one is a Seabee heavy equipment operator and my other is finishing Medical School. Neither are in Florida. I wouldn’t mind help tutor, drive to practices, etc. I hope there is a program in Jacksonville.. if not, how do we start one. I spent 32yrs, flew P-3 Orion’s.o

    If theres no real program running here, can we create one.

    Curt Stubbs

  47. C D SIMION SR June 26, 2019 at 23:46

    It is so wonderful to see that today’s Veterans are getting their families cared for. Unlike the Vietnam Veterans who gave their lives and others gave their all, only to be treated horrible by the people who they fought for. I am very happy for the kids today and all of the kindness that is shown for them and their families. A Vietnam Veteran.

  48. Donald SILLER June 26, 2019 at 23:41

    ANYTHING OFFERED IN ILLINOIS??

  49. María Carmen Jimenez June 26, 2019 at 23:09

    This is something I am interested. We love going to sporting events such as baseball, football, hockey, soccer, etc. My husband is a medically retired veteran and we would love to build new memories with our two children and make some new memories. Thank you

  50. David Savoy June 26, 2019 at 22:32

    I wish I could have served combat duty, but I served in the US Army during the Cold War from 1984 to 1990. I’m very glad this program helps my brothers and sisters in arms

  51. Kimmie Kim June 26, 2019 at 22:25

    Hi, I have 2 toddler daughters and would love some sports equipment to introduce them to physical activities. I am a OEF/OIF/OND Navy veteran.

  52. ARTEMIO CAMACHO June 26, 2019 at 22:16

    Good evening,

    Is the program offered nationwide or only Minnesota?

  53. Amy Beckford June 26, 2019 at 22:13

    This is an awesome way to keep kids busy from thinking about mom, dad, or both parents being away for so long. Thank you.

  54. Johnnie Melissa Burmeister June 26, 2019 at 21:46

    I would like to get football tickets if possible.
    NFL. Saints
    College. Alabama and lay

    I live near atlanta ga… Thank you

  55. Matthew Verdugo June 26, 2019 at 21:42

    Are grandchildren of a deceased 100% disabled service-connected veteran eligible?

  56. Ray E Jackson June 26, 2019 at 21:42

    I am a disabled Army veteran of Vietnam, and I cherish the time I gave to my country for 4 years. I am now raising my precious grandson who is 9 years old. He loves baseball and wants to be a catcher, but I haven’t the money to buy him his own catcher’s equipment. I was hoping you could help me purchase one for him. If not, I understand there are other kids who don’t have a father or grandfather who needs the help more than me, but it never hurts to ask. Thank you, and keep up the work for the kids.

    Ray E. Jackson, US Army, Sgt
    Military Police

  57. Jacob Kulzer June 26, 2019 at 21:41

    These guys at UHL are the real deal! Great Americans that support our Military and Veterans Families. I’ve known them since it first started and can attest they are as good as it gets. Thank you for highlighting this great organization.

  58. Gina Gillis June 26, 2019 at 21:06

    I’m interested…

  59. James Allen jr June 26, 2019 at 21:03

    I’m a veteran that loves sports but can afford to go my wife and I.

  60. Barbara Bachmeier June 26, 2019 at 20:54

    I would like information about financial assistance offered to veterans for the purchase of bicycles. I would use one for physical fitness activities and some commutes around town. But bikes are expensive and I would need some help! I am an 80% service-disabled veteran with an honorable discharge. I contacted Semper Fi, but they cannot help me.

  61. Patty Shinnick June 26, 2019 at 20:45

    Thank you for your support of our children. It is truly appreciated.
    Does the UHL offer assistance with sports that are geared more toward our “girly girls”—gymnastics, skating, dance, horseback riding?

    Kindest regards/

  62. Clifford Barnes June 26, 2019 at 20:29

    Thank you that’s awesome l just donated fishing equipment for veterans and their families

  63. Michael Williamson June 26, 2019 at 20:27

    How can I get more info and where do I sign up?

Comments are closed.

More Stories