Devil Dog USA
 | |
| Formation | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Gonzalo Duran |
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Purpose | Veterans' support and advocacy |
| Headquarters | New York City, United States |
Region served | United States |
| Website | devildogusainc |
Devil Dog USA Incorporated is a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy and support for United States military veterans transitioning to civilian life.[1] The organization is known for advocacy related to housing access for student veterans who rely on G.I. Bill housing allowances as income.[2]
History
[edit]Devil Dog USA was founded in 2013 by Gonzalo Duran, a United States Marine Corps veteran.[3] The organization initially focused on transitional assistance for veterans facing reintegration challenges.[4]
In 2014, Devil Dog USA became involved in a housing discrimination case involving a homeless veteran enrolled at Fordham University under the G.I. Bill.[5] The veteran was denied rental housing after landlords declined to recognize G.I. Bill housing allowances as qualifying income.[6] The case highlighted challenges faced by student veterans who rely on educational benefits to secure housing.[7]
In 2026, Devil Dog USA launched the Corporal Yegor Zubarev Veterans Bill.[8]
Student veteran housing initiative
[edit]The 2014 Fordham case led Duran to pursue converting his family home into transitional housing for student veterans, with the goal of providing stable accommodations for those facing similar challenges.[9][10]
In the years that followed, the organization broadened its efforts to include advocacy for stronger housing protections, through lobbying, public statements, and community outreach.[11][12]
Local Law 119, adopted in 2017, formally recognized G.I. Bill housing allowances as a lawful source of income under the New York City Human Rights Law.[13]
In 2026, CEO Gonzalo Duran through Devil Dog USA launched the Corporal Yegor Zubarev Veterans Bill. The bill honors U.S. Marine veteran Corporal Yegor Zubarev, a friend and colleague of Duran. It focuses on housing, citizenship, and mental health access for veterans.[8]
Programs
[edit]Devil Dog USA conducts community-based programs for veterans in collaboration with local organizations.[14][15][16] The organization has also engaged in veteran recognition initiatives in partnership with civic and community groups.[17][18]
The nonprofit produces Vet Talk, a veterans-focused media program broadcast on BronxNet, Manhattan Neighborhood Network and other community platforms.[19] The program features discussions on veteran issues and community affairs.[20]
In 2023, the organization marked its tenth anniversary with the opening of a new office.[21]
In 2026, Vet Talk celebrated its 13 year anniversary, a return to filming in BronxNet, and production in conjunction with the Big Apple Gazette.[22]
National outreach
[edit]Although headquartered in New York City, Devil Dog USA has expanded its work to other states.[23] Examples include providing memorial support in Arkansas, supporting a workforce readiness program in Connecticut, and coordinating holiday distributions for veterans and homeless populations in Michigan.[24][25]
Governance and finances
[edit]Devil Dog USA is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.[26]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Formoso, Jessica (2017-01-12). "Cameras stolen from veterans charity's SUV". Fox News. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ Clarke, Erin (2014-06-13). "Bronx Marine Fights to House Fellow Veterans". NY1. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ Clarke, Erin (2017-01-11). "Former Marine, Homeless After Returning from Iraq, Now Fighting to Help Other Vets in the Bronx". NY1. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ "Devil Dog USA Inc". Fox News. 2014-10-14. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ Torres, Joe (2014-07-15). "Tiempo on July 13th, 2014: Part 1". ABC7 New York. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ Reinders, Sienna (2025-10-01). "Gonzalo Duran Discusses Founding Devil Dog U.S.A." The Fordham Ram. Retrieved 2025-10-04.
- ^ "Sgt. Gonzalo Duran wants Bronx home to be homeless shelter for veterans". News 12. 2014-05-27. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ a b "Devil Dog USA launches legislative effort aimed at providing assistance to veterans – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2026-02-25. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
- ^ Rapoport, Scott (2014-05-26). "Tri-State Area Honors Those Who Gave Their Lives In Service For Memorial Day". CBS News. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ "Hero helping heroes: Marine's transitional home for vets". Fox News. 2017-02-03. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ Torres, Joe (2014-07-15). "Tiempo on July 13th, 2014: Part 2". ABC7 New York. Retrieved 2025-09-21.
- ^ Kochman, Ben (2014-10-13). "Bronx ex-Marine Gonzalo Duran will stop at nothing to house veterans". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ "New York City Human Rights Law with Local Law 119-2017" (PDF). New York City. 2018.
- ^ Larkin, Gary (2023-01-06). "Former Marine seeks help for program". The Riverdale Press. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ "Bronx community braves the snow to celebrate Valentine's Day at the Walnut Bus Stop". Bronx Times. 2024-02-16. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ Cusano, Arthur (2016-12-24). "Bronx Veteran looks to help fellow vets with hugs". Bronx Times. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
- ^ Marcellino, Marisa (2023-11-11). "Veterans Day ceremony in Longwood honors local veterans". News 12. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ McKenzie, Asha (2023-12-19). "Bronx woman stitching up her legacy by keeping veterans warm". News 12. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ Logan, Erin (2017-01-12). "Cameras, Laptop Stolen From Charity Group's Van In The Bronx". CBS News. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ Logan, Erin (2017-01-19). "Donation Lets Veterans Charity Recoup Equipment Stolen From Vandalized SUV". CBS News. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ Cadet, Brittany (2024-01-28). "New center in Crotona Park offers resources to veterans". News 12. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ "Veteran-focused talk show 'Vet Talk' celebrates 13 years as it returns to filming at BronxNet Studios – Bronx Times". www.bxtimes.com. 2026-05-13. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
- ^ Cruz, David (2016-11-11). "For Devil Dog USA Founder, Every Day is Veterans Day - Norwood News". Retrieved 2025-10-04.
- ^ "City Scene". The Courier. 2023-02-17. Retrieved 2025-09-20.
- ^ Yost, Meghan (Jun 12, 2017). "Pop-up Store in Milford Helps Veterans Transition Back into Workforce". News8. Archived from the original on February 14, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
- ^ Hussey, Chad (2014-08-18). "Bronx Non-Profits Come Together To Make Veterans The Focus Of Their Efforts". Bronx Daily. Retrieved 2025-10-04.