Our Story
The Combat Support Institute was founded in 2025 by Erick and Dr. Neysa Holmes. Their story began at the age of eight, creating a lifelong bond strengthened by a shared commitment and purpose. Together, they established an online community and outreach resource dedicated to supporting combat veterans and their families through the Combat Support initiative.
Erick Holmes brings invaluable firsthand experience from his service in the U.S. Army’s 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), having completed five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Paired with Dr. Neysa Holmes’s academic expertise and passionate advocacy, they provide compassionate, practical, and informed support tailored to the unique challenges veterans face in the realm of combat support.
Dr. Neysa Holmes is a devoted advocate for veterans’ rights, tirelessly working to highlight and dismantle systemic barriers in healthcare, disability benefits, and mental health services. Through public speaking, writing, and policy engagement, she is committed to ensuring that every veteran’s needs are recognized and met within the framework of combat support.
Erick and Neysa are a proud military family with a deep-rooted legacy of service. Erick’s 8th great-grandfather served alongside George Washington, famously crossing the Delaware River and sacrificing his life on Christmas Eve, 1776.
They have three sons, including twins. Kihle serves in the Army, Kaelib supports the startup of the Combat Support Institute by managing its IT operations, and their other son, Erick, is a Marine.