RESEARCH

For Military

Project Enlist

The goal of Project Enlist is to serve as a catalyst for critical research on traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. TBI due to improvised explosive devices (IED) and other military service-related causes is a significant problem for our active military and veteran community. However, the scientific understanding of TBI and related disorders is in its infancy, and we lack accurate diagnostic tests for living patients and effective treatments. Service members diagnosed with TBI deserve our attention and support. Brain bank research is an essential step in developing effective treatments for TBI, CTE, and PTSD so we can protect and support the heroes who courageously fight for our nation.

See our FAQ on Project Enlist here.

Will Reynolds Brain Pledge

Pledge your brain to accelerate military CTE research

CLF Project Enlist is recruiting and conducting outreach to the military and veteran communities to encourage signing up for the UNITE Brain Bank Research Registry. Dr. Ann McKee, director of the UNITE Brain Bank, is bringing her expertise to lead this research effort. 

  1. Click here to pledge to donate your brain and join the Clinical Research Registry. If you sign up for the Clinical Research Registry, we will keep you informed of clinical studies you may be eligible for.
  2. Click here to review actively recruiting studies that you may be eligible for. By signing up, you can play an active role in helping scientists find treatments for the effects of brain trauma.

Project Enlist logo

Project Enlist can provide answers after tragedy

Nicole and Ron Condrey

Nicole Condrey lost her husband, U.S. Navy Special Warfare veteran Ron Condrey, to suicide in September 2018 after a three-year battle with depression, anger, and impulsiveness. After his death, Nicole donated Ron's brain to the UNITE Brain Bank as part of Project Enlist. Nicole, now Mayor of Middletown, OH, opened up about her loss and why she believes in Project Enlist in this American Legion feature article.

Imminent brain donation: If a veteran has passed away and the family is interested in brain donation, please instruct them to call the 24-hour UNITE Brain Bank emergency brain donation pager at 617.992.0615.

Why brain donation is critical to helping us understand CTE

Kevin Ash Concussion Legacy Foundation

Brain donation has proven to be an effective accelerator of research on CTE among athletes over the last decade. By showing how CTE has affected hundreds of athletes across multiple sports, we have inspired the scientific community to invest in CTE research. We're learning that CTE isn't just affecting athletes, but is showing up in our nation's heroes. Stories of veterans returning home with brain injuries, like Sgt. Kevin Ash, and symptoms of depression, memory loss, and bouts of rage are all too common. We know these changes are symptoms of CTE, but need to know more. Brain donation allows us to gain a better understanding of the unique effects of military brain trauma exposure.

Operation Brain Health: providing hope and help for Veterans and caregivers

If you are a military servicemember or veteran suffering from the effects of brain trauma, know this: traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) don't control your future. YOU are still in control of your brain health. There are strategies, tactics, and treatments that can help you feel better today and lower your risk of problems in the future. Operation Brain Health is our library of brain health resources designed for members of the military community and others affected by brain trauma, and their caregivers and loved ones.

View Operation Brain Health.

Operation Brain Health

Veteran Matthew S. Collier on why he pledged

The Honorable Matthew S. Collier, a West Point graduate, is the former Senior Advisor to the US Secretary of Veterans Affairs and served six years as a US Army Airborne Ranger Infantry Officer. Collier, who serves on CLF's Board of Directors, announced he has pledged to donate his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation as part of Project Enlist. Watch the video below to hear Matt discuss why he believes all veterans should consider pledging their brains, and click here to read the full story on his brain pledge.

More than 1,000 courageous veterans have taken the pledge so far. If you have fought for our country, now you can fight for the heroes who have defended it alongside you. Take the pledge today.

Become a Project Enlist Program Partner

Our Program Partners help power Project Enlist through networking, events and communications. With their help, we are creating a culture of brain donation within the military community, while also providing a service to veterans through positive brain health messaging.

Click here to learn more about becoming a Project Enlist Program Partner.

Project Enlist is powered in part by Wounded Warrior Project® to honor and empower post-9/11 injured service members, veterans, and their families.

Project Enlist Partners

Click here to check out all our Project Enlist Program Partners.

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Allen Way

Vietnam veteran Allen Way suffered from PTSD and TBI symptoms before researchers diagnosed him with CTE after death. Learn about his struggle, and beautiful life of service in his Legacy Story as told by his widow. 

Read Allen Way's Legacy Story
Keith and Alice Pinkham

When he returned home from the war, Keith Pinkham struggled with the demons that afflict many soldiers. A devoted husband for 32 years, he died at just 65. Keith's wife donated his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank.

Read Keith Pinkham's Legacy Story

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