TESTIMONIALS
Real Stories, Renewed Faith
Hear from first responders, families, friends, and communities about the ways that the 10-42 Project has impacted them.
As a veteran and firefighter, I’ve faced my share of tough stretches…I had several meaningful conversations with the founder that helped shift my perspective. Just talking to someone who understands the weight of the job made a difference. It reminded me I’m not alone—and that healing doesn’t always come through programs, but through connection. When I’m in a better place mentally, my family feels it too. Those conversations gave me tools to think differently, be more present, and prioritize things that matter outside the job.
The 10-42 Project operates with a deep sense of purpose and compassion. Their faith-driven approach to healing is rooted in genuine care, and it shows in the lives they touch. With this approach, the 10-42 Project has saved careers, marriages, families, and lives. Thank you, 10-42 Project, for looking after those who look after us!
The 10-42 project happened to find me during one of the lowest points in my life. Dan has welcomed me as I am, where I am with open arms. For the first time in a long time, I feel hope, and know that I am not alone with my struggles. This is an organization that has been very helpful and has shown me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I believe that this is where my passion lies and I want to be a part of this to help other responders not end up where I have mentally and emotionally.
I witnessed firsthand how the 10-42 Project shows up with compassion and steady support during some of the hardest moments. In a time when an officer was in crisis, they showed up without hesitation—not only for the officer, but then turned around and were just as present for me as I tried to help behind the scenes. Their presence reminded me that we’re not alone in this work. I’m deeply thankful for what they do for First Responders, and for the way they care for the whole community surrounding them.
What stood out even more was their approach to faith. They prioritize getting people connected with real, tangible help—resources, services, and professional support—first and foremost. There was no pressure, no push toward blind faith. Their faith and belief in God simply guide their mission. I was scared to get involved at first, unsure if I’d be “religious enough”; they welcomed me with open arms and made space for questions, doubts, and honest conversations. They helped me understand that wrestling with faith is part of the journey—and that you don’t have to have it all figured out to be supported. That kind of openness is rare, and it is something I will carry with me forever. The 10-42 Project meets people exactly where they are, and they walk with you without judgment. I’m so grateful for what they do—for First Responders and for the rest of us, too.
Getting to know about the 10-42 Project in the past year on my path the self improvement has been incredible. Dan has a REAL story, that by the power of God, he’s been convicted to share and help others. His struggle is not uncommon in this career, but his struggle was uncovered and his experience to bounce back from that has impacted many lives, myself included.
This organization is living proof of life and purpose after the call to serve. Dan and his team have stepped in and assisted many first responders in the midst of a very dangerous time in their lives. I firmly believe God offers something that none of us can offer and He’s doing something very special with the 10-42 Project, and restoring our first responders in His image.
You don’t have to pull the curtain back very far to find thousands of struggling first responders right here in Iowa and such limited resources to help and this is why we need to continue to support the 10-42 Project. I pray God continues to bless this organization.
Board Member Spotlight
Serving on the board has given me a front-row seat to what it means to show up with integrity, purpose, and faith. The 10-42 Project meets first responders where they are, including in their hardest moments. The stuff they have to see would overwhelm some of the strongest people, and yet they know they have a God from whose hand they cannot be snatched. Their team seems to have been designed to tend to the most significant tenets of the need from mental and relational health counseling, financial support, strategy and so on. I love how Daniel and Christina lead with a sense of calling. You can see God’s vision moving in front of them like a pillar of cloud or fire.
When a first responder is supported with dignity, that care reaches every relationship they’re part of. It strengthens marriages. It steadies parenting. It makes room for healing.
The 10-42 Project serves first responders directly, not from a distance but shoulder to shoulder, right where life is breaking open. Their care is real. It shows up in the middle of trauma, burnout, grief, and impossible decisions.
Rick and Monique E.
My husband and I have been volunteering at 4 day PTSD retreats in Chicago for first responders. It has been an honor to help them and to see firsthand what they are going through. My husband Mike retired from the Warren County Sheriff office after 28 years of service. I was a death investigator at the county, state and federal level. Being new ambassadors for this organization gives us the ability to bring Christ to those in need as well to continue our own healing process. It has given us purpose.
I’m the Founder and CEO of HeART Studio Inc. a non-profit faith ministry that serve individuals who have been effected by trauma. We have watched the 10-42 Project become a vital part of the 1st Responder and their family, offering to walk with them through the tough and difficult times of being the first to face the heartbreaks of a communities worse times. They are a dedicated ministry to help those who are the first to help others in our community and they are worthy of mine and your support. Thank you 10-42 for what you do best.
Daniel and Christina were truly a blessing when I was off work due to mental health issues from being in law enforcement. They walked alongside me before, during and after my retirement process. I was medically retired in 2023 and to this day I know I can call them if I need anything. God put them in my life exactly when I needed them so thank Daniel and Christina for doing the work that you do!
The 10-42 Project has had a significant impact on me both personally and professionally. In 2023, I came across the podcast while searching for resources that speak directly to first responders about our mental health. What started as ‘just a podcast’ quickly became something much more. Dan’s honesty, vulnerability, and leadership have been a great asset, and over time, he became a mentor to me.
One conversation with Dan stands out and continues to shape how I lead: he asked, ‘How can you ask a first responder to be bold about talking about mental health if your organization won’t?’ That line hit me hard. It pushed me to be bold, to lead from the front, and to make mental health a visible and vocal priority in my own work with first responders.
Thanks to Dan—his story and his courage—the 10-42 Project is making a lasting impact in our community. And I’m grateful to be one of many who’ve been changed by it.
I have been a firefighter for approximately 17 years. During that time I have seen many things that unfortunately my mind can’t really let go of… I struggle with PTSD which looks like, bad dreams, depression, anhedonia, rage etc. It got worse when I was suicidal in 2018…I never wanted to reach out for help because I figured I could take it…Fortunately for me a buddy of mine basically forced me to contact Daniel and the 10-42 project…Daniel and his peers slowly let me talk. There was no pressure, we moved at my speed…I know now it’s ok to talk, to be a man and still cry and allow yourself to feel and understand. It is only then that healing can begin. With God’s help and 10-42 I was able to get passed some hurdles. Of course I still struggle, of course I know my demons will always be there, but the 10-42 Project offered me tools to combat those demons and understand that we are all in this together. I am confident that anyone that reaches out to this great group will find some comfort, or helpful resources to help them in their lives. We do not have to fight alone, it is NOT weakness to reach out. Thank you Daniel and 10-42.
Personally the 10-42 project has opened my eyes to the importance of mental health and addressing trauma even when it might not identify as one or two traumatic events. Listening to testimonies of first responders it has shed a lot of light on the daily calls and events that can change someone’s life over a matter of 5 to 10 years of a career. The importance of addressing that early in a career and equipping a first responder with nonjudgmental, loving environment can really impact someone’s long-term career on and off the job. Breaking down the mental health stigma of not being able to talk to someone or being viewed as weak is not just in the first responder community. It’s important that we all are able to lean on and seek help when we don’t feel right or healthy. Daniel and his team show great vulnerability with their own firsthand experiences as well as knowledge of the job that is asked by all first responders. As a member of the community and not in the first responders world, I seem now more than ever how we need to surround this community with love and support and open-mindedness.
First Responder Spotlight
Without 10-42, I don’t know that I would have ever found the mental health resources I needed that were tailored to first responders. 10-42 connected me to a non-profit that provides service dogs and I don’t think I would have ever found that.
The mere fact that I’m still here is the biggest impact to my family. I’m not sure I would be without the 10-42 Project.
I know 10-42 Project does a lot for not just those that are struggling but they also do a lot for those that are just coming into the field. They participate in training classes at ILEA and beyond.
Travis B.
My husband and I have been volunteering at 4 day PTSD retreats in Chicago for first responders. It has been an honor to help them and to see firsthand what they are going through. My husband Mike retired from the Warren County Sheriff office after 28 years of service. I was a death investigator at the county, state and federal level. Being new ambassadors for this organization gives us the ability to bring Christ to those in need as well to continue our own healing process. It has given us purpose.
I’m the Founder and CEO of HeART Studio Inc. a non-profit faith ministry that serve individuals who have been effected by trauma. We have watched the 10-42 Project become a vital part of the 1st Responder and their family, offering to walk with them through the tough and difficult times of being the first to face the heartbreaks of a communities worse times. They are a dedicated ministry to help those who are the first to help others in our community and they are worthy of mine and your support. Thank you 10-42 for what you do best.
Daniel and Christina were truly a blessing when I was off work due to mental health issues from being in law enforcement. They walked alongside me before, during and after my retirement process. I was medically retired in 2023 and to this day I know I can call them if I need anything. God put them in my life exactly when I needed them so thank Daniel and Christina for doing the work that you do!
The 10-42 is lead by some of the most genuine people I have ever met. These leaders are extremely experienced and have seen it all. By voicing our experiences together and taking them to God it gives us room to get back on our feet. Everyone has struggles, it’s normal.
The 10-42 Project has been an incredible resource for the first responders and families I’ve referred, offering compassionate support during difficult times. After speaking with Daniel personally, I can confidently say his dedication and heart for this mission are truly inspiring.
The 10-42 project plays a pivotal role in helping members of the civil service job fields when there seems to be not much for resources available to them. Listening to Dan’s story and how he started the 10-42 project impacted me because I found a lot of similarities with experiences I went through while deployed and after and how finding God offered me a chance to truly be free of trauma, shame, and ultimately my sin that had so destroyed my life.
Dan Defenbaugh and the 10-42 Project occupy an incredibly important space in serving those who serve and pour themselves out for others, often at great cost. Our first responders need those who come alongside and care for them, in order to continue serving. And when they transition into other seasons of life, they need those who can help them walk through the trauma they have endured on our behalf.
Help Others See God at Work
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