Draft:Devil Dog USA

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  • Comment: Think about WP:READERSFIRST and ask yourself what people coming to Wikipedia would want to know about the topic. I will tell you that they do not care about a break-in that happened in 2017 or "challenges and resilience." These are things the organization would want people to know but most readers would not care. These types or things need removed from the draft. CNMall41 (talk) 00:35, 12 October 2025 (UTC)



Devil Dog USA Incorporated
Formation2013
FounderGonzalo Duran
TypeNonprofit
PurposeVeterans' support and advocacy
HeadquartersNew York City, United States
Region served
United States
Websitedevildogusainc.org

Devil Dog USA Incorporated, commonly referred to as Devil Dog USA is a nonprofit organization founded in 2013 by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Gonzalo Duran.[1][2][3] Based in New York City, the organization provides programs for veterans transitioning into civilian life, with a focus on housing advocacy, community engagement, recreational therapy, and media outreach. Since its founding, Devil Dog USA has been recognized for its advocacy efforts, particularly around housing rights for student veterans.[4][5]

Founding and early work

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Devil Dog USA was established in 2013 following Duran’s own experiences with unemployment and housing instability after military service.[6][7] The organization initially focused on providing transitional assistance to veterans facing similar challenges.[8][9]

In 2014, Duran encountered a pivotal case involving a homeless Marine Corps veteran attending Fordham University under the G.I. Bill.[5] Although the veteran had housing benefits, he was repeatedly denied apartments because landlords did not recognize GI Bill funds as income. Duran secured housing for him within days—an outcome that drew media coverage and highlighted gaps in veteran housing protections.[4][10][11]

Devil Dog USA, Inc., in partnership with the National Association for Black Veterans, hosted a veteran town hall event that brought together several veteran service organizations to discuss coordinated support strategies. During the event, retired Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North emphasized the importance of local veteran outreach, praising the efforts of it leader Gonzalo Duran and Devil Dog USA, Inc.[12][13]

Student veteran housing initiative

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The 2014 Fordham case led Duran to pursue converting his family home into transitional housing for student veterans, with the goal of providing stable accommodations for those facing similar challenges.[14][15]

In the years that followed, the organization broadened its efforts to include advocacy for stronger housing protections, through lobbying, public statements, and community outreach.[16][17]

Local Law 119, adopted in 2017, formally recognized G.I. Bill housing allowances as a lawful source of income under the New York City Human Rights Law.[7][18]

Programs

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Since its founding, Devil Dog USA has developed a diverse range of programs supporting the transition of veterans to civilian life.[6][13]

A core initiative of the organization is housing advocacy, particularly in cases where veterans face discrimination from landlords unwilling to accept G.I. Bill stipends as income.[9]

The organization also organizes community engagement events, including resource fairs, holiday celebrations, and community drives. These initiatives provide both material assistance and opportunities for veterans to connect with local residents.[19][20][21]

Recreational therapy has also been emphasized as a tool for rehabilitation and reintegration. Devil Dog USA offers both indoor and outdoor programs to promote physical and emotional wellness among veterans.[3][22][23]

The organization also runs media outreach efforts, most notably Vet Talk with Sergeant Gonzalo Duran, a veterans-focused broadcast aired on BronxNet, Manhattan Neighborhood Network, and other community platforms.[24][25][26] In January 2017, Devil Dog USA’s van was broken into and several thousand dollars’ worth of video equipment used for Vet Talk was stolen.[27][28] Following community fundraising efforts, the equipment was replaced, and programming resumed.[29]

Another area of focus is veteran recognition advocacy, which seeks to highlight veterans’ contributions within their local communities. These efforts include award presentations, collaborations with civic organizations, and initiatives aimed at fostering integration between veterans and the general public. Through these programs, Devil Dog USA promotes public awareness of veterans' achievements and encourages stronger community connections.[30][31][32]

Despite periods of financial difficulty and resource shortages that have threatened closure,[3][17][22] Devil Dog USA has continued operating due to strong community support and strategic partnerships, underscoring its grassroots nature.[29]

In 2023, the organization marked its tenth anniversary by opening a new office in New York City. The milestone was celebrated by staff, volunteers, and community partners.[6][33]

National outreach

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Although headquartered in New York City, Devil Dog USA has expanded its work to other states. Examples include providing memorial support in Arkansas, supporting a workforce readiness program in Connecticut, and coordinating holiday distributions for veterans and homeless populations in Michigan.[34][35][36]

Governance and finances

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Devil Dog USA is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with an IRS ruling year of 2014.[7][12]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Clarke, Erin. "Bronx Marine Fights to House Fellow Veterans". ny1.com. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  2. ^ "Devil Dog USA Incorporated". Devil Dog USA Incorporated. 2025-09-22. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  3. ^ a b c "Devil Dog USA Inc. in need of 'Christmas Miracle' – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2014-12-14. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  4. ^ a b "Tri-State Area Honors Those Who Gave Their Lives In Service For Memorial Day - CBS New York". www.cbsnews.com. 2014-05-26. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  5. ^ a b "Tiempo on July 13th, 2014: Part 1". ABC7 New York. 2014-07-15. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  6. ^ a b c "New center in Crotona Park offers resources to veterans". News 12 - Default. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  7. ^ a b c Reinders, Sienna. "Gonzalo Duran Discusses Founding Devil Dog U.S.A." The Fordham Ram. Retrieved 2025-10-04.
  8. ^ News, Fox (2018-03-30). "Devil Dog USA Inc". Fox News. Retrieved 2025-09-20. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  9. ^ a b Bronx, Erin Clarke The. "Former Marine, Homeless After Returning from Iraq, Now Fighting to Help Other Vets in the Bronx". ny1.com. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  10. ^ "Tiempo on July 13th, 2014: Part 2". ABC7 New York. 2014-07-15. Retrieved 2025-09-21.
  11. ^ "Hero helping heroes: Marine's transitional home for vets | Fox News Video". Fox News. 2017-02-04. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  12. ^ a b TheBronxDaily (2014-08-18). "Bronx Non-Profits Come Together To Make Veterans The Focus Of Their Efforts | The Bronx Daily | Bronx.com". Retrieved 2025-10-04.
  13. ^ a b admin (2016-11-11). "For Devil Dog USA Founder, Every Day is Veterans Day - Norwood News". Retrieved 2025-10-04.
  14. ^ "Sgt. Gonzalo Duran wants Bronx home to be homeless shelter for veterans". News 12 - Default. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  15. ^ "Former Marine Trying to Turn Late Father's Home Into Veterans' Housing". DNAinfo New York. Archived from the original on 2025-07-09. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  16. ^ "Former Marine Holds Cleanup at Property That He Wants to Use to House Vets". DNAinfo New York. Archived from the original on 2025-06-23. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  17. ^ a b "Bronx nonprofit that helps veterans struggles to stay afloat". New York Daily News. 2014-12-15. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  18. ^ "New York City Human Rights Law with Local Law 119-2017" (PDF). New York City. 2018.
  19. ^ admin (2023-01-12). "Three Kings Day Celebrated Across The Bronx, Ending the Holiday Season - Norwood News". Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  20. ^ Larkin, Gary (2023-01-06). "Former Marine seeks help for program". The Riverdale Press. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  21. ^ "Bronx community braves the snow to celebrate Valentine's Day at the Walnut Bus Stop – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2024-02-16. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  22. ^ a b BronxNet (2016-08-08). Veterans Intro to Golf. Retrieved 2025-09-20 – via YouTube.
  23. ^ "Bronx Veteran looks to help fellow vets with hugs – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2016-12-24. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  24. ^ "Vet Talk is Back! | The Bronx Chronicle". The Bronx Chronicle. 2016-10-18. Archived from the original on 2023-05-29. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  25. ^ "Bronx's Vet Talk Show with Sgt. Gonzalo Duran - The Bronx Chronicle". The Bronx Chronicle. 2014-08-08. Archived from the original on 2016-12-24. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  26. ^ TheBronxDaily (2025-05-08). "Political Chit Chat With Gonzalo Duran Launches: A New Era In Political Talk | The Bronx Daily | Bronx.com". Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  27. ^ "Cameras stolen from veterans charity's SUV". FOX 5 New York. 2017-01-12. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  28. ^ "Cameras, Laptop Stolen From Charity Group's Van In The Bronx - CBS New York". www.cbsnews.com. 2017-01-12. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  29. ^ a b "Donation Lets Veterans Charity Recoup Equipment Stolen From Vandalized SUV - CBS New York". www.cbsnews.com. 2017-01-19. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  30. ^ "Bronx woman stitching up her legacy by keeping veterans warm". News 12 - Default. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  31. ^ "Veterans Day ceremony in Longwood honors local veterans". News 12 - Default. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  32. ^ admin (2024-03-11). "Iraq War Veteran, Luis Moreno, 19, Remembered 20 Years After His Death in the Line of Duty - Norwood News". Retrieved 2025-09-20.
  33. ^ TheBronxDaily (2024-02-01). "Bronx Veteran Non-Profit Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary With Opening Of 2nd Office | The Bronx Daily | Bronx.com". Retrieved 2025-09-23.
  34. ^ Courier, Submitted | The (2025-09-18). "City Scene: Feb. 17, 2023". The Courier. Retrieved 2025-09-20. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  35. ^ Yost, Meghan (Jun 12, 2017). "Pop-up Store in Milford Helps Veterans Transition Back into Workforce". News8. Archived from the original on February 14, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
  36. ^ Hosang, Elizabeth (2022-12-16). "These People Are Giving Back to Veterans This Holiday Season". NewsBreak. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
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