Learn About Our History

About Linchpin Foundation

About Linchpin

The Linchpin Foundation, founded by a veteran-owned company, is dedicated to serving those who have selflessly served our country. We are guided by strong leadership, including two military veterans, combining first-hand experience with compassionate action to address the critical issues facing today’s veteran community.

At The Linchpin Foundation, we are committed to honoring and uplifting the lives of those who have served. We believe that no veteran should face life’s battles alone. Our mission is to empower veterans as they transition from military life to civilian life by focusing on three core areas:

  • Combating Veteran Homelessness: We provide resources to access safe, stable housing and connect veterans with essential resources to help them regain independence and rebuild their lives.
  • PTSD Awareness and Support: We champion mental health advocacy through community education and resource connections to break the stigma surrounding post-traumatic stress and promote healing.
  • Veteran K-9 Support Programs: Recognizing the powerful bond between veterans and service dogs, we support initiatives that help pair K-9 companions with veterans to improve emotional well-being, reduce isolation, and enhance the quality of life.

 

As a Defense government-contracting firm, we understand the unique challenges veterans face, we are driven by purpose, grounded in service, and committed to creating a future where no veteran is left behind.

Our Mission

At our core we are driven by a single purpose: to serve those who served.

Our mission is to honor and support our veterans by directing resources to organizations and initiatives that make a tangible difference in their lives.

 

What We Stand For

Dignity through Housing:

We fight to end veteran homelessness by providing access to reliable, safe, and secure resources that provide housing and long-term stability resources.

Hope through Mental Health Awareness:

We raise awareness about PTSD and connect veterans with resources that provide the care, community, and peer support they need to heal.

Connection through K-9 Companionship:

We provide resources that support and fund programs that pair veterans with service dogs, offering life-enhancing companionship, emotional support, and daily assistance.

Why the Linchpin Foundation?

We bring the mission-first mindset of military service and operational support strength of a federal contractor into the nonprofit space – delivering results with integrity, efficiency, and heart. Our lived experiences shaped our commitment to veterans and guides every step we take.

 

Who We Are

We are a nonprofit organization founded by a veteran-owned government contracting company, driven by a deep and personal commitment to serve those who have served us.

Our leadership team includes two veterans and one dedicated civilian – individuals who understand, both professionally and personally, the challenges veterans face after serve. We bring together military experience, federal program knowledge, and a share mission to ensure no veteran is left behind.

Our team is united by core values: service, accountability, respect, and impact. Thes values guide everything we do and the resources we support, from delivering trauma-informed mental health support, to placing trained K-9 companions, to helping veterans find safe and stable housing.

We are not just advocates, we are problem-solvers. We are backed by the logistical expertise of a federal contractor and the lived experience of veterans; we approach every initiative with mission focus and a sense of duty.

Whether it’s addressing the crisis of homelessness, breaking the stigma around PTSD, or restoring connection through service animals – we’re here to work as the ‘Linchpin’ between service and support.

Edwin “Eddie” Peña

Edwin “Eddie” Peña is a co-founder of The Linchpin Foundation, where he leads with a steadfast commitment to uplifting the veteran community through advocacy, outreach, and direct support services. Drawing on his own military experience, Eddie helped establish the Foundation to address critical challenges facing veterans—such as homelessness, mental health struggles, and the often-difficult transition to civilian life. He plays a central role in shaping the organization’s long-term vision, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring programs are designed with compassion, impact, and sustainability at their core. A 20-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Eddie’s leadership is informed by over a decade of executive-level project management, as well as a deep understanding of the unique needs of those who serve. After retiring from active duty, he founded Linchpin Solutions, Inc., a mission-focused technology firm supporting government and defense operations—further demonstrating his lifelong dedication to service. Eddie holds degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder and the Naval Postgraduate School. Through The Linchpin Foundation, he continues his commitment to service by advocating for those who have worn the uniform—and ensuring they are never left behind.

Paul Frese

Paul Frese is a co-founder of The Linchpin Foundation, where he channels his extensive leadership and business development experience into advancing the Foundation’s mission to support veterans and strengthen their communities. With a strong belief in service, dignity, and opportunity for those who’ve worn the uniform, Paul plays a key role in driving strategic partnerships, expanding program outreach, and ensuring that every initiative delivers measurable, lasting impact. Paul brings over 25 years of experience leading sales and business development teams across the country, with a proven ability to launch initiatives that drive growth and build strong, trust-based relationships. His background spans startups to Fortune 500 companies, giving him a unique ability to navigate complex challenges and scale solutions that serve real-world needs. A graduate of Georgia State University, Paul’s focus at The Linchpin Foundation is rooted in his personal commitment to giving back. He believes in building bridges between industry, nonprofit, and community sectors to ensure veterans have access to housing, mental health resources, workforce development, and a support network they can rely on.

Amy Gwinn

Amy Gwinn is a co-founder of The Linchpin Foundation and a passionate advocate for veteran empowerment and community impact. With a distinguished background in leadership, operations, and strategic growth, Amy plays a vital role in shaping the Foundation’s outreach and development efforts. Her focus lies in building sustainable partnerships, advancing mission-driven initiatives, and ensuring that every program the Foundation offers directly improves the lives of veterans and their families. A proud graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Amy served on active duty as a Navy Cryptologist and tactical communicator. Her service instilled in her a lifelong commitment to those who serve—and inspired her transition into nonprofit work aimed at addressing issues such as veteran homelessness, mental health, and post-service reintegration. In addition to her work with the Foundation, Amy brings over two decades of executive experience from both the defense and technology sectors, including senior roles at TeleCommunications Systems, Gilat Satellite Networks, and Ultisat Inc. Her leadership is marked by a deep sense of purpose, a results-driven mindset, and a personal dedication to leaving no veteran behind.