What is the Call of Duty Endowment for Veterans?

The Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) is a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping U.S. and U.K. military veterans transition into high-quality civilian careers. Established as a 501(c)(3) organization, it was co-founded by Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, and General James L. Jones, Jr., a retired four-star general in the United States Marine Corps. The Endowment focuses on funding non-profit organizations that provide veterans with the necessary resources, training, and support to secure meaningful employment after their military service. It also works to raise awareness about the valuable skills and experiences that veterans bring to the workforce. In essence, the Call of Duty Endowment acts as a bridge, connecting veterans with opportunities and employers eager to harness their talent. The Endowment’s name itself references the renowned Call of Duty video game series, linking a popular gaming franchise with a significant cause. It’s more than just a charitable initiative; it’s a commitment to supporting those who have served their countries.

The Mission: Helping Veterans Thrive

The core mission of the Call of Duty Endowment is straightforward: to empower veterans by enabling their successful transition into civilian life through meaningful employment. To achieve this, the Endowment employs a two-pronged approach:

• Funding Effective Organizations: C.O.D.E. strategically identifies and provides grants to non-profit organizations that have demonstrated success in preparing veterans for the job market. These groups often offer services like career counseling, skills training, resume writing assistance, and job placement services. They also address common barriers to employment that veterans face, such as translating military experience into civilian qualifications. The selection of these organizations is rigorous, as the Call of Duty Endowment bestows its prestigious Seal of Distinction to those nonprofits that show the highest levels of effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity in placing veterans into quality jobs.
• Raising Awareness: Beyond funding, C.O.D.E. actively works to educate employers about the value veterans bring to the workplace. Many employers might not fully understand the range of skills that service members gain through their military experience. The Endowment highlights the leadership, teamwork, discipline, problem-solving, and adaptability that are common among veterans, positioning them as highly desirable candidates for a wide range of roles. This is achieved through various campaigns and initiatives, designed to change perceptions and create more welcoming work environments for veterans.

Impact and Achievements

The Call of Duty Endowment’s impact has been substantial. To date, the organization has facilitated the placement of over 110,000 veterans into good jobs. Moreover, the organization has estimated that their efforts have generated approximately $6.9 billion in economic value for veterans in the U.S. and U.K. This isn’t just about finding any job; it’s about securing quality careers that allow veterans to build stable, fulfilling lives. Activision Blizzard, the video game company behind Call of Duty, has donated over $42 million to support the Endowment’s ongoing work. The commitment from both the organization and its partner provides substantial backing for programs that are truly making a difference in veterans’ lives.

Unique Initiatives

Beyond its core grant-making and awareness efforts, the Call of Duty Endowment also incorporates unique initiatives to engage the gaming community and support veterans. For instance, the Endowment has partnered with USAA to offer a free Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Warrior Pack for Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III and Call of Duty®: Warzone™ to U.S. military service members and veterans. This pack includes in-game items such as weapon blueprints, camos, charms, and stickers, adding a fun element while raising awareness for the cause.

The Veteruns Report is another notable initiative. This allows players to track their in-game mileage and see how much money their activities have contributed to the Endowment, encouraging participation and awareness. These unique methods help blend gaming and philanthropy and provide tangible proof of support, while also making supporting the cause more accessible to all players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Call of Duty Endowment a military discount program?

No, the Call of Duty Endowment is not a military discount program. It is a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping veterans find high-quality careers. However, they partner with other organizations, like USAA, to offer specific perks, such as a free Warrior Pack for military personnel.

2. How do I get the free Call of Duty Endowment Warrior Pack?

The free Warrior Pack is available to U.S. military service members and veterans. You typically need to have an account with a participating organization like USAA to be able to claim the free content.

3. What does the Call of Duty Endowment Pack include?

The Endowment packs vary, but they often include items like: weapon blueprints, unique weapon camos, themed watches, weapon charms, stickers, emblems, and sprays. These in-game cosmetic items are designed to support the cause, while providing fun perks for the users.

4. Is the Call of Duty Endowment a legitimate organization?

Yes, absolutely. The Call of Duty Endowment is a legitimate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is transparent about its operations, impact, and financials. Activision Blizzard has donated a substantial amount of money to this cause.

5. How does the Call of Duty Endowment help veterans find employment?

The Endowment provides financial support to non-profit organizations that focus on preparing veterans for the job market. These organizations offer services such as skills training, career counseling, resume writing, and job placement assistance.

6. Does the Call of Duty Endowment only help U.S. veterans?

Initially focused on U.S. veterans, the Call of Duty Endowment has expanded to include support for U.K. military veterans. They fund organizations that aid veterans in both countries.

7. What is the Veterans Report?

The Veteruns Report is a feature within the Call of Duty ecosystem that tracks the in-game mileage players have traveled. This then correlates to monetary contributions to the Endowment, allowing users to actively track their impact.

8. What does the Call of Duty Endowment’s Seal of Distinction mean?

The Seal of Distinction is awarded to non-profit organizations that demonstrate the highest levels of effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity in helping veterans find quality jobs. This highlights these top performing groups and helps identify best practice.

9. What is the Call of Duty Endowment Timeless Pack?

The Timeless Pack, like the Warrior Pack, contains in-game cosmetic items. These often include weapon blueprints, watches, charms, stickers, emblems, and other items, typically with a specific aesthetic theme.

10. Does the US military give money to Call of Duty?

The U.S. military, particularly the Army, does not currently have a relationship with Activision Blizzard. The Army’s sponsorship of the Call of Duty League ended in 2021.

11. Can I use my military discount on Call of Duty?

General military discounts are not typically applicable directly to Call of Duty products. However, specific collaborations like those with USAA might offer exclusive access to free in-game content or promotions.

12. Is any active duty service considered veteran status?

To be considered a veteran, generally a service member must have served a minimum of 24 months of active duty. However, if they are disabled due to their time in service, there is no minimum length of service.

13. Can veterans use military discounts?

Veterans are often eligible for military discounts offered by various businesses. These discounts may also extend to retirees, reservists, National Guard members, and sometimes, family members. Proof of service is typically required to receive these benefits.

14. What are some common mistakes when communicating with a veteran?

It’s generally advisable to avoid asking veterans about experiences like “Have you ever killed anyone?”, “Have you been shot?”, or “Do you have PTSD?”. These topics can be deeply personal and potentially triggering.

15. Does a veteran have to serve in a war to be a veteran?

No. A veteran is defined as any person who has served honorably on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, regardless of whether they served during wartime or not, or if they experienced combat.

In conclusion, the Call of Duty Endowment plays a critical role in empowering veterans by providing them with the resources and support they need to build successful civilian careers. By strategically funding effective non-profit organizations and raising awareness about the value of veterans in the workplace, the Endowment is making a significant and positive impact on the lives of many veterans and their families. Through a combination of direct funding, gaming-community engagement, and a commitment to long-term success, the Call of Duty Endowment stands as a testament to what can be achieved when the power of gaming is channeled toward supporting those who have served.