Operation Shepherd: A veteran support study project
- Joie Thompson
- May 21
- 3 min read
Updated: May 22
At Stim Factory, we believe in taking action where it matters most. This Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, we are proud to officially launch
Operation Shepherd, a transformative 10-year study aimed at supporting and empowering the individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities—veterans, law enforcement officers (LEOs), and first responders.
Named to honor the “sheepdogs” who stand watch over the flock, Operation Shepherd is more than just a research initiative. It’s a commitment to understanding the challenges these heroes face during financial and mental health crises, identifying gaps in the systems meant to support them, and designing solutions that truly work.
Why Operation Shepherd Matters
The transition from service to civilian life is often fraught with challenges—financial instability, mental health struggles, and a fragmented support pipeline. In recent years, we’ve seen troubling examples of organizations and individuals, such as the Battle Buddy Response Team (BBRT) and others, who have exploited the trust of our veterans and first responders. These bad actors have left many in need without the resources they were promised, and we’ve had enough.
Operation Shepherd is our answer to this crisis. By analyzing how individuals from these communities navigate support systems, we aim to develop a better, more effective pipeline that prioritizes their well-being and ensures they receive the care they deserve.
What We’re Studying
Our research will compare two critical approaches to supporting veterans, LEOs, and first responders:
Stim Factory’s Passive Income Generator (PIG) Tool and Resources: A direct-to-consumer (D2C) solution that provides personalized assistance and private funding support.
Traditional Support Systems: Government programs like the Veterans Affairs (VA) and nonprofit organizations that rely on interconnected resource pools.
Through this study, we’ll determine which system offers the most meaningful and measurable improvements in the lives of those we serve, while also uncovering inefficiencies in the current support infrastructure.
Join Us: Be Part of the Solution
To make Operation Shepherd a success, we need your help. We are currently seeking:
Volunteer Participants: Veterans, LEOs, and first responders who are willing to share their experiences and insights.
Special Ethics Board Members: Individuals from these communities who can help guide the study, ensuring it remains ethical, impactful, and aligned with the needs of those we serve.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating or sitting on the ethics board, we encourage you to reach out. Your voice and perspective are invaluable to this mission.
How to Get Involved
Sign Up: Visit https://www.stimfactory.org/operation-shepherd to learn more about Operation Shepherd, sign up as a participant, or apply to join the ethics board.
Refer a Hero: Know someone who might benefit from participating? Share this opportunity with them.
Spread the Word: Help us amplify this initiative by sharing Operation Shepherd with your network.
A Commitment to Our Heroes
At Stim Factory, our mission is to empower and protect the individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting us. Operation Shepherd is a reflection of that commitment—a promise to build a brighter, more supportive future for our veterans, LEOs, and first responders.
This Veterans Day, let’s honor the sheepdogs who guard the flock by ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive. Together, we can make a difference.
About Stim Factory Incorporated
Stim Factory is a leader in assistive robotics, maker space tools, and innovative solutions for underserved communities. With a focus on empowering individuals and driving meaningful change, we are committed to creating systems and tools that serve those who serve us.
Join the Mission
Be part of Operation Shepherd and help us protect those who protect us. Visit https://www.stimfactory.org/operation-shepherd today to learn more, sign up, or apply to join the ethics board.
Joie Thompson
Visionary Co-Founder and President
Stim Factory Incorporated
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