Qualified Listeners is a 501 C3 nonprofit serving Veterans and families regardless of location or type of discharge, we just need documented proof you served
Qualified Listeners was founded in January 2017 by Greg Goettsch. Mr. Goettsch is a Vietnam Navy Veteran serving three tours from 1968 – 1972. His history includes being a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, and active in the Marine Corps League.
From 1972 to 2011 he hid his Veteran status, especially being a Vietnam Veteran, because of the controversy and disrespect across America. In May 2011 he was invited to participate in a small lineup for the Northern Colorado Honor Flight motorcade on their way to Denver International Airport. Being a part of the lineup along the highway was a life-changing experience.
After the motorcade passed, he sat down and broke down in uncontrollable sobbing. It triggered many deep feelings he had no idea existed. He realized that if he felt that way, many of his comrades do too.
He started wearing apparel showing he’s a Veteran and proudly wore them. Other Veterans would approach him – whether at a community event, grocery store, gas station, coffee shop, or other public places – and began talking to him about their time in the military. Some conversations would last 30 minutes or more. Most of them would say “I don’t know why I’m telling you this. I’ve never told anyone before.”
That spawned the beginning of Qualified Listeners.