UCLA Operation Mend

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UCLA Operation Mend

Operation Mend provides advanced surgical and medical treatment for post-9/11 era service members

Operation Mend was established in 2007 as a partnership between UCLA Health and the United States military. The program is available at absolutely no cost to the veterans or service member. Operation Mend was envisioned by Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Board and Executive Committee member Ronald A. Katz after a visit to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), a leading burn and rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas, where he and his wife Maddie provided a lead gift to build a new 42-unit Fisher House. This visit inspired the Katz family to secure a commitment from UCLA to partner with BAMC on Operation Mend. “I think it is the private sector’s duty to stand up … and do something extra to help,” said Katz. “I asked UCLA Health if there was a way that we could offer our services and give these kids and their families not only the best the Army has to offer, but the best the country has to offer.” The program is open to members from all service branches. All medical care, travel and accommodations are provided AT NO COST to Operation Mend participants and their families.

03/18/2026

We are deeply grateful to the Justin Turner Foundation for their incredible generosity and partnership in support of UCLA Health Operation Mend. 🇺🇸

Through the 9th Annual Justin Turner Golf Classic and Kickoff Party, the foundation brought together community leaders, athletes, and supporters for a powerful day of giving, culminating in a $100,000 gift to help advance healing for post-9/11 Veterans and their families. 🎖️

Thank you for investing in healing and making a lasting impact. 💙

UCLA Health

03/12/2026

We were so excited to welcome senior students from TREE Academy, an innovative nonprofit school offering small classes and individualized college-preparatory instruction. 💙

Students assembled welcome bags for the Veterans and Caregivers participating in our programs and spent time with Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Octavio Sanchez (retired), who shared his military experience and medical journey with Operation Mend.

Thank you to Staff Sergeant Octavio for sharing his story and to the students for their thoughtfulness and support of our Warriors and Caregivers. 🎖️🇺🇸

03/08/2026

On International Women’s Day, we’re shedding light on the realities women face, both when they serve and when they stand beside those who serve.

For many women, service doesn’t end with a uniform. It can mean navigating invisible wounds, carrying the responsibility of care, or doing both at once.

Today is a reminder that strength shows up in many forms, in resilience, in advocacy, in healing, and in the quiet work of supporting others.

UCLA Health

03/04/2026

This month, we’re proud to recognize Matthew Domingo as an Ally of . 💙

As a Patient Navigator, Matthew walks alongside our Warriors and their caregivers every step of the way, helping guide them through their healing journey with compassion and care. 🇺🇸

Thank you, Matt, for your dedication to serving post-9/11 Veterans and the families who stand beside them. 🎖️

UCLA Health

02/25/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to have been the beneficiary of two powerful golf fundraising outings in support of Operation Mend.

In Pleasanton, the 14th Annual Belatational Classic once again brought community and generosity together to support our warriors and caregivers. Thank you to David Belavitch, Paul Mason, Garrett Larson, Adam Alling, Scott Goree, and every participant who continues this proud tradition of giving.

Down in Orange County, the Hope for Our Community Golf Tournament at Strawberry Farms rallied local leaders through Lead OC to advance causes championing children and military families. A special thank you to Nate Fikse, Ross Bourne, and Brian Davis for their leadership and commitment to making an impact.

Because of communities like these, our nation’s heroes receive the care they deserve. We are deeply grateful for every swing, every sponsor, and every supporter who stands with our warriors. 💙

02/18/2026

Caregivers are not on the sidelines, they’re part of the healing.

For Monique, being included in the program meant learning how to better support her husband through the realities of TBI and migraines, and learning how to care for herself without guilt. From recognizing warning signs, to building routines around mindfulness and meditative movement, she found tools that helped her household feel more grounded and more connected.

At UCLA Operation Mend, care is designed for both the Warrior and the person standing beside them—because healing works best when it’s shared.

UCLA Health

02/11/2026

Thinking about treatment, but not sure where to start? We hear this often. And you’re not alone.

Accessing care at UCLA Operation Mend is designed to be thoughtful, coordinated, and supportive without unnecessary barriers or pressure. From an initial conversation about eligibility, to a clinical review and personalized care plan, to treatment at UCLA at no cost to you or your caregiver, every step is handled with care and respect.

If you’ve been unsure whether treatment is possible, accessible, or right for you, this is your reminder: support starts with a conversation. 🎖️💙🇺🇸

Reach out at 310-267-2110 📞 or explore our programs: uclahealth.org/operationmend 🌐

UCLA Health

02/01/2026

This Black History Month, we're honoring two leaders who helped ensure Black service members and Veterans were seen, supported, and cared for, during and after war.

Their impact reminds us that honoring service also means honoring the fight for dignity, equity, and care beyond the battlefield. 🎖️

01/30/2026

For Veterans Day, Operation Mend was proud to be at VetFest 2025! An incredible day hosted by Rotary Club of Manhattan Beach that’s grown from 375 attendees in 2018 to nearly 900 in 2025. A fun-filled celebration with live music, great food, and deep gratitude for those who answer the call to serve.

01/23/2026

Meet Buster.

Before Operation Mend, he was living with severe migraines, communication challenges, and a deep sense of hopelessness about what life could look like as a father, husband, and member of his community.

Through Operation Mend, Buster didn’t lose the pain, he gained the tools to understand it, live with it, and move forward with purpose. From becoming a Crisis Text Line counselor to pursuing a future in clinical psychology, his story is a powerful reminder that progress isn’t linear, but it is possible.

Swipe to hear Buster’s journey, in his own words.

UCLA Health

01/16/2026

Still dealing with the after-effects of TBI? You’re not alone. Our pathway pairs answers with action.

TBI recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Brain 1 is a short, focused week to figure out what’s going on and start a plan. Brain ITP is a two-week, day-to-day program to address TBI symptoms.

The first step is to start with a conversation by contacting our team. Care is free, caregivers are included, and travel & lodging are covered. 💙

UCLA Health

01/07/2026

To every Veteran and caregiver who trusted us in 2025… THANK YOU. Your courage, honesty, and effort power our mission. 💙

As we move into 2026, our focus remains dedicated to providing no-cost, high-quality care, supporting caregivers, and offering integrated treatment for brain health, PTSD, and injury-related challenges. 💛

You’re not late. You’re right on time. ✨
Reach out at 310-267-2110 📞 or explore our programs: uclahealth.org/operationmend 🌐

UCLA Health

Address

924 Westwood Boulevard, Ste 400
Los Angeles, CA
90095

Telephone

+13102672110

Website

https://www.uclahealth.org/operationmend

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Mary Kay Cocharo, MFT
11500 W. Olympic, Suite 614

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Our Story

Established in 2007, Operation Mend is a pioneering program. It combines the best of the military's resources with the skills of UCLA Health System for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to healing United States military personnel wounded and disfigured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Envisioned by Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Board and Executive Committee member Ronald A. Katz and his wife, Maddie, Operation Mend's original goal was to give returning service members with severe facial injuries access to the Army's best burn center and the nation's best plastic and reconstructive surgeons. In a partnership with Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), a leading burn and rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas, the V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, and UCLA Health System, Operation Mend started with facial reconstruction. Official page of UCLA Operation Mend.