 | The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Task Force 20, a veteran-founded nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mental and physical well-being of military veterans through fitness and camaraderie. Founded and led by local veterans, Task Force 20 is making an incredible difference in the lives of those who’ve served our nation. |
Company Name: Task Force 20
Date Established in the Toledo Region: October 17, 2025
Number of Employees: 10 Volunteers
Website: https://www.tf20.org/
Leadership Team:
Date Established in the Toledo Region: October 17, 2025
Number of Employees: 10 Volunteers
Website: https://www.tf20.org/
Leadership Team:
- Jason Graven (Army) – Founder & Executive Director
- Dr. Heather Vincil (Army) – Director of Operations
- Joel Whitcomb (Navy) – Board President
- Jen Vascik (Marines) – Board Member
- Mark O’Brien (Coast Guard) – Board Member
- Aaron Burgin (Marines) – Board Member
- Hannah Thompson (Air Force) – Board Member
About Task Force 20
Q: Tell us a bit about your organization’s history.
A: Task Force 20 was awarded its 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit status by the IRS on November 21, 2016, founded by Army veteran Jason Graven, who served in Iraq from 2003 to 2004. After struggling with post-service transition challenges, Jason found healing through fitness. His own experience inspired him to research the link between exercise and PTSD, discovering strong evidence that physical activity reduces symptoms of PTSD and depression.
Since its founding, Task Force 20 has awarded more than 350 veterans with paid-in-full one-year gym memberships, personal training, and home gym equipment. In addition to individual support, the organization also brings the community together through annual events, including:
As a grassroots-funded nonprofit, community support, attendance, and sponsorships are key to sustaining Task Force 20’s mission.
Q: Tell us a bit about your organization’s history.
A: Task Force 20 was awarded its 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit status by the IRS on November 21, 2016, founded by Army veteran Jason Graven, who served in Iraq from 2003 to 2004. After struggling with post-service transition challenges, Jason found healing through fitness. His own experience inspired him to research the link between exercise and PTSD, discovering strong evidence that physical activity reduces symptoms of PTSD and depression.
Since its founding, Task Force 20 has awarded more than 350 veterans with paid-in-full one-year gym memberships, personal training, and home gym equipment. In addition to individual support, the organization also brings the community together through annual events, including:
- Operation Stronger Together 5K and the Gaven A. Smith Veteran Resource Fair, which connect veterans to local resources, nonprofits, and veteran-owned businesses.
- The Veteran Awards Banquet, honoring a Civilian of the Year, Veteran Organization of the Year, and Veteran of the Year for their outstanding contributions to the veteran community.
As a grassroots-funded nonprofit, community support, attendance, and sponsorships are key to sustaining Task Force 20’s mission.
What They Do
Q: What does your organization do?
A: Task Force 20 provides paid-in-full one-year gym memberships, personal training, home gym equipment, and camaraderie-building events for veterans. Our mission is to get veterans off the couch, away from drugs and alcohol, and back into a healthy and active lifestyle — helping reduce symptoms of PTSD and depression.
Q: What does your organization do?
A: Task Force 20 provides paid-in-full one-year gym memberships, personal training, home gym equipment, and camaraderie-building events for veterans. Our mission is to get veterans off the couch, away from drugs and alcohol, and back into a healthy and active lifestyle — helping reduce symptoms of PTSD and depression.
Getting to Know Task Force 20
Q: Tell us about your company culture.
A: Our culture is deeply rooted in military and veteran values — centered on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and unwavering support. If you served in the U.S. military, we’re here for you. We exist to be a place of understanding, connection, and healing for our brothers and sisters in arms.
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about Task Force 20?
A: The number “20” in our name represents the 20 veterans who died by suicide each day in 2016, the year we were founded, according to VA data. We also have a memorial dedicated to those service members and veterans who have lost their lives to suicide — believed to be the only one of its kind.
Q: What motivates you to jump out of bed in the morning?
A: Helping other veterans become the best versions of themselves through an active, healthy lifestyle. Every success story reinforces why this mission matters.
Q: What challenges keep you up at night?
A: Like many nonprofits, funding is a continual challenge. With so many organizations serving veterans, we work hard to differentiate ourselves by offering a hands-on, community-driven approach that truly changes lives.
Q: When you’re not working, where do you spend your time in the Toledo Region?
A: Founder Jason Graven is a huge Bengals fan and can often be found at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sundays. Director of Operations Heather Vincil enjoys cardio drumming classes in Delta with her daughter and friends. The team also loves attending Toledo Mud Hens games and local concerts.
Q: Tell us about your company culture.
A: Our culture is deeply rooted in military and veteran values — centered on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and unwavering support. If you served in the U.S. military, we’re here for you. We exist to be a place of understanding, connection, and healing for our brothers and sisters in arms.
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about Task Force 20?
A: The number “20” in our name represents the 20 veterans who died by suicide each day in 2016, the year we were founded, according to VA data. We also have a memorial dedicated to those service members and veterans who have lost their lives to suicide — believed to be the only one of its kind.
Q: What motivates you to jump out of bed in the morning?
A: Helping other veterans become the best versions of themselves through an active, healthy lifestyle. Every success story reinforces why this mission matters.
Q: What challenges keep you up at night?
A: Like many nonprofits, funding is a continual challenge. With so many organizations serving veterans, we work hard to differentiate ourselves by offering a hands-on, community-driven approach that truly changes lives.
Q: When you’re not working, where do you spend your time in the Toledo Region?
A: Founder Jason Graven is a huge Bengals fan and can often be found at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sundays. Director of Operations Heather Vincil enjoys cardio drumming classes in Delta with her daughter and friends. The team also loves attending Toledo Mud Hens games and local concerts.
The Big Picture
Q: What advice do you have for new business owners?
A: Get connected with the Toledo Regional Chamber’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance and support. Network with others in your industry, join your local Chamber of Commerce, and if your business serves veterans, connect with the VA. Most importantly, get involved in your community — volunteer, join local events, and stay active in making a difference.
Q: What advice would you give emerging talent in your field?
A: Stay informed on policy and regulatory changes affecting nonprofits. Build a strong network of peers who understand nonprofit operations. Most importantly, stay confident in your mission and your ability to achieve it.
Q: What advice do you have for new business owners?
A: Get connected with the Toledo Regional Chamber’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance and support. Network with others in your industry, join your local Chamber of Commerce, and if your business serves veterans, connect with the VA. Most importantly, get involved in your community — volunteer, join local events, and stay active in making a difference.
Q: What advice would you give emerging talent in your field?
A: Stay informed on policy and regulatory changes affecting nonprofits. Build a strong network of peers who understand nonprofit operations. Most importantly, stay confident in your mission and your ability to achieve it.
Final Thoughts
Task Force 20 continues to serve as a beacon of hope and strength for veterans across the Toledo region. Through fitness, friendship, and community, this organization is helping our heroes — one workout at a time.
Task Force 20 continues to serve as a beacon of hope and strength for veterans across the Toledo region. Through fitness, friendship, and community, this organization is helping our heroes — one workout at a time.
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