Progress with Purpose: Inside the Momentum of the #ReasonableRanks Campaign
- Kirk Carlson
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
In just a few months, the #ReasonableRanks movement—led by Marine Corps veteran and advocate Kirk Carlson—has transformed from a petition into a powerful campaign for military discharge reform and reassignment rights for injured service members.
With 208 signatures and climbing on Change.org, support is rising from veterans, families, civic leaders, and policy advocates who believe in a simple but urgent truth: injured troops deserve options—not dismissal.
📌 Key Milestones Reached
The movement’s early success is built on strategic outreach and grassroots energy:
A formal proposal was submitted to the Janet Goeske Foundation, receiving a positive response from Executive Director Danielle Nelson, with follow-up in the works.
A meeting with Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic has been confirmed, with a Zoom call scheduled for the week of July 1 with staff attorney Ashley Anderson.
Outreach emails were sent to major veteran legal organizations, including:
UGA Veterans Legal Clinic
National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
A printable campaign proposal was created and shared with partners to support upcoming meetings and funding opportunities.
The team also developed a compelling advocacy article, shareable social graphics, and Facebook-ready adaptations to raise awareness about the mission.
🔍 Focused and Strategic
Behind the scenes, the campaign is growing its reach and effectiveness:
Daily email outreach is underway to press contacts, elected officials, churches, and veteran service organizations.
Covenant of Courage is now expanding outreach to faith-based communities across Riverside County, using storytelling and petition-signing events to activate new supporters.
An advocacy toolkit and legislative appendix are in development to equip allies for upcoming congressional briefings.
📣 Community Engagement and Media
Visibility is key—and the community is responding.
A three-day fundraiser is set for June 29 to July 1 at Lazy Dog Restaurant in Corona, CA, where proceeds from meals will go toward Covenant of Courage and the #ReasonableRanks mission.
Social media content—including PTSD awareness posts, women veteran statistics, and countdown graphics—are being shared daily.
Plans are in motion to create short-form and long-form video content via Stage 32, inviting digital creators to help bring these stories to life.
🚀 What’s Next?
The road to change is long—but every milestone is a step closer. Next up:
Follow-up emails to grantmaking foundations, including the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, and Ford Foundation’s JustFilms initiative.
Launch of a “Road to 500” social media countdown.
Continued development of a print and video pitch deck for stakeholders.
More community tabling, digital ad placements, and grassroots outreach.
✊ Join the Movement
This campaign is not about politics. It’s about people—those who served, those who were injured, and those who still want to give back. It’s about reforming a system that too often casts aside the very people it once depended on.
📌 Sign the petition → https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
🌐 Learn more → www.covenantofcourage.com/reasonableranks-action
Because service doesn’t end with injury. And dignity shouldn’t end with discharge.
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