Janis Roznowski founded Operation Comfort in 2004 as a way to support wounded, ill and injured service members recovering at the Brooke Army Medical Center and Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital.

Roznowski started the organization after working for American Airlines as a flight attendant, and seeing soldiers flying in and out of Kuwait City. According to the organization's website, Roznowski began visiting the wounded at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, who were later transferred to BAMC.

Ronzowski has since stepped down as executive director at Operation Comfort, with Cris Levack now in the role. Levack has been with the organizations for around eight months and has served as the executive director for five.

Levack said over the last 20 years the organization has worked to give these veterans and service members a place where they can fit in and participate in activities with individuals who have similar experiences as them.

“The biggest thing that veterans go through in their transition is that for years they have been part of something, and if you do not have an organization or group to fall back on, you can get lost,” Levack said.


The specifics

Operation Comfort offers a variety of activities, including adaptive sports, which allows those with amputations, in wheelchairs and living with other disabilities to participate in recreational activities.

“We cater the sports that we have to their disability,” Levack said. “If you are missing a limb and we put you on a cycle, we build up the part of the cycle that you need so you can control it better.”

Programs offered by the nonprofit include:
  • Adaptive cycling
  • Aquatics
  • Sled hockey
  • Woodworking
  • Adaptive yoga
These programs are offered on a weekly basis, and information about upcoming programs can be found on the organization's website.
Team members playing sled hockey.
Sled hockey allows members to utilize a sled to participate in a hockey game. (Courtesy Operation Comfort)
The nonprofit also partners with other organizations to create a community where members can become involved in other programs outside of the organization.


“When it comes to Operation Comfort, the comfort aspect is the important part,” Levack said. “Even though we have some core programs, we are networked with a whole bunch of other nonprofit organizations, and I will get people where they need to be to take care of them.”

For additional information on becoming a member, contact [email protected] or call 210-826-0500.

Lend a hand

As a nonprofit, Operation Comfort relies on community support and grant funding to provide support for its members.


One of the largest special events each year is the Salute to Service Members 5K, which invites the community to participate in a 5K run or walk to support the organization.

This year, the event will be held on Feb. 24. Registration will be open through Feb. 21 at $45 per participant. Minors, first responders and veterans can get discounted admission.

The organization is also in search of volunteers to help with events and programs. For community members who are interested in donating but do not want to participate in events, additional donation information can be found on the organization's website.