About Us and Our Mission

Veterans leading a trusted community built on shared strength and purpose.

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Our Mission

Our Mission

VMO is a peer-centered wellness and mindfulness program dedicated to supporting U.S. military veterans who are experiencing struggles returning civilian life. We believe that healing begins through connection, understanding, and shared experience and that every veteran who served this nation deserves access to comprehensive wellness support, regardless of their circumstances.

What We Stand For

What We Stand For
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Peer First

Lived experience is our most powerful credential. Every program is led by veterans who have walked this path.

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No Veteran Left Behind

We meet veterans where they are—no prerequisites, no judgment, no barriers to entry.

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Whole Person

We treat the whole veteran: mind, body, and community—not just a diagnosis or a symptom.

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Radical Honesty

We tell the truth about struggle, about progress, and about what it actually takes to heal.

The People Behind the Mission

The People Behind the Mission
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Mark A. Burney

Founder & Wellness Director
Mark Burney serves as the Wellness Director for Veterans Moving Onward and is a disabled United States Air Force veteran with more than 30 years of management and leadership experience. Drawing from both his military service and professional background, Mark is committed to helping veterans strengthen their physical and emotional wellness, rediscover purpose, and build meaningful connections within their communities. His leadership supports Veterans Moving Onward’s mission of creating veteran-centered programs focused on wellness, peer support, resilience, and suicide prevention.
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Mark S. Burney

CEO
Mark S. Burney serves as Chief Executive Officer of Veterans Moving Onward, providing leadership in organizational strategy, operations, marketing, and outreach. With a background in political science and marketing, he brings strong communication and relationship-building skills to his role. As the son of founder and Air Force veteran Mark A. Burney, he grew up with a firsthand understanding of military family life and the challenges veterans may face after service. Mark is committed to strengthening VMO’s programs, partnerships, and reach while helping veterans build connection, restore purpose, and move forward.
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Janice Jones

President (Chair) & Treasurer
Janice Jones is the President & Treasurer of Veterans Moving Onward and a U.S. Army veteran who served in Berlin, Germany, during the Berlin Wall era. Following her military service, she spent more than 30 years supporting the National Reconnaissance Office, contributing to missions that strengthened our nation's security. A lifelong advocate for service, Janice is passionate about supporting veterans and promoting animal welfare. Her vision for Veterans Moving Onward is to ensure no veteran faces life's challenges alone by providing connection, hope, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose.
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Carrie Thomas

Programs Director & Secretary
Carrie Thomas serves as Programs Director and Secretary of Veterans Moving Onward, leading the development and coordination of the organization’s wellness programs and member activities. Through her years of caregiving and supporting individuals during challenging times, Carrie brings compassion, dedication, and a deep understanding of the importance of connection and support. She is committed to ensuring every veteran feels welcomed, heard, and encouraged as they take meaningful steps toward wellness and moving forward.

The Four Pillars, Up Close

The Four Pillars, Up Close

Our whole health model addresses every dimension of a veteran's life because healing doesn't happen in silos.

Move Better

Physical movement is medicine. Our Move Better pillar includes guided outdoor walks, group fitness challenges, and low-barrier exercise programming designed to rebuild strength, restore energy, and reconnect veterans with their bodies.

What this looks like

  • Weekly group walks and hikes in the Morgantown area.

  • Bodyweight and functional fitness challenges.

  • Adaptive programming for veterans with physical limitations.

  • Movement journaling and progress tracking.

Think Better

Mental wellness is not weakness; it's work. Our Think Better pillar draws on mindfulness, cognitive resilience tools, and peer-facilitated discussion to help veterans understand their minds and build lasting psychological strength.

What this looks like

  • Peer-led mindfulness and breathing practices.

  • Cognitive reframing and resilience workshops.

  • Stress and trigger management tools.

  • One-on-one peer check-ins and accountability.

Live Better

The basics matter more than we think. Our Live Better pillar focuses on nutrition, sleep hygiene, and daily structure. The foundational habits that stabilize mood, sharpen focus, and make everything else possible.

What this looks like

  • Practical nutrition guidance (no fad diets, real food).

  • Sleep hygiene education and habit-building.

  • Daily routine and structure workshops.

  • Substance use awareness and harm reduction support.

Connect Better

Isolation is the enemy. Our Connect Better pillar creates intentional community  peer support groups, shared meals, community events, and the simple but powerful experience of being truly known by people who understand.

What this looks like

  • Weekly peer support group sessions (max 12 participants).

  • Community events and shared meals.

  • Veteran-to-veteran mentorship pairing.

  • Family engagement and communication workshops.

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Ready to Take the First Step?

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don't have to have it figured out. You just have to show up. We'll walk the rest of the way with you.

Reach Out Today