Jose Belen is awarded the 2021 Perry Juarez Veterans Scholarship

Shamrock Way is proud to announce that Jose Belen is the recipient of the 2021 Perry Juarez Veterans Arts Scholarship.

Jose is a decorated United States Army Combat veteran and co-founder of Mission Zero Actual, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating the PTSD and suicide epidemic plaguing U.S. veterans.

A native of Amsterdam in Upstate New York, Jose enlisted in the Army at age 19. He deployed to Iraq in 2003 during the initial Operation Iraqi Freedom invasion and spent 14 consecutive months in combat. After an honorable discharge in 2005, Jose eventually moved to Florida, where he began raising a family and launched a successful corporate career in the real estate and insurance industries.

Meanwhile, he was silently battling the debilitating effects post-traumatic stress disorder, with medical and veterans-support systems he had access to offering little help. Jose’s struggles came to a head in 2016, when the war within his own mind almost robbed him of everything: His career, his family, nearly his own life.

Ultimately, however, Jose was able to overcome his personal demons. Inspired by his triumph, in 2017 Jose and his wife Danielle founded their organization dedicated to proving PTSD isn’t a death sentence or the end of the line for U.S. veterans and their families.

To that end, Mission Zero Actual develops targeted education and advocacy campaigns, spearheads suicide prevention efforts, and organizes family support initiatives.

Jose and Danielle also help business owners expand their veterans outreach and hiring programs, as well as run veterans coaching initiatives.  

“I am honored and grateful to receive such support from Shamrock Way, their donors and community. I will use these funds to help veterans and their families find healing through the arts”. Stated Mr. Belen when presented with the grant by Executive Director, Frank Shamrock

Mr. Shamrock went on to say, “Jose and his family have directly impacted many veterans and their families through outreach and the medium of art. The Perry Juarez grant honors the artist in every warrior and Mr. Belen is a true warrior in every sense. Together we will save lives”.

Learn more about Jose Belen and Mission Zero Actual right here:

The Mission - The Art - How to Support!

Jose Belen’s powerful story of service to our country and how to recover from losing his brothers in arms.