Service
We honor service by showing up for the families behind those who serve.
About Yellow Ribbons United
Born from a military family. Built through sports. Driven by purpose.
Our mission is rooted in a simple belief: when someone serves our country, their family serves too.
A PERSONAL MISSION. A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY.
Our story
Two worlds came together.
For founders Derrick and Emma Dockery, military service has never been an abstract idea. It is family.
Emma grew up as the daughter of a career Army officer. Her father served for thirty years and retired as a Colonel. She understood the pride of service—but also the uncertainty, separation, and sacrifice carried by the entire family. The loss of her brother while he was serving in Afghanistan made that sacrifice even more personal.
Derrick’s ten-year NFL career introduced their family to another extraordinary community. Together, they saw how the passion and reach of professional sports could become a powerful platform for supporting military families. Yellow Ribbons United grew from that vision.
Mission and vision
Turning appreciation into action.
We envision a country where every military family knows its service and sacrifice are seen, valued, and supported.
Gratitude
We transform thankfulness into experiences, resources, and enduring relationships.
Connection
We build bridges between military families and civilian communities.
Integrity
We approach our mission, partnerships, and stewardship with care and purpose.
“Supporting those who serve also means supporting the families who stand beside them.”Yellow Ribbons United
Why YRU is different
A connector with a deeply personal why.
Military family roots
Lived experience keeps military families—not programs or publicity—at the heart of the work.
Sports relationships
YRU understands how the energy of sport can create belonging, visibility, and joy.
Partnership design
Companies and communities receive meaningful ways to put their people, resources, and platforms to work.
Our next chapter
Help us build what comes next.
We are expanding partnerships, engaging young leaders, and creating new ways for communities to stand beside military families.