Community change doesn’t happen in silos.

Creating lasting, impactful change in the lives of military Veterans and their families begins with strong relationships, partnerships, and collaborations. Owned and operated by two Veterans, VetREC seamlessly integrates research and practice to support Veteran healing. We achieve this by partnering with Veteran Service Organizations and research institutions across the U.S.

Our Purpose and Approach

Mission: Serve those who serve Veterans.

Vision: To transform the landscape of Veteran research and education by ensuring Veterans are actively engaged in shaping solutions that improve their lives and the communities that support them.

Motto: Research with, not on, Veterans.

Offerings: We provide tailored consulting services and free access to the virtual VetREC Community, fostering collaboration and support for those who serve Veterans.

VetREC is owned and operated by two Veterans.

Jeni Hunniecutt, CEO | Co-Owner

Dr. Jeni Hunniecutt is the CEO and Co-Owner of VetREC, a leader in Veteran-related research, and an independent Research Affiliate at the Integrated Behavioral Health Research Institute, focusing on community-engaged research with Veterans. She served as an enlisted soldier in the Virginia Army National Guard from 2008 to 2014. Her time in service influences her current work on Veteran identity, military transitions, and psychosocial health.

With a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Denver, Dr. Hunniecutt has held various academic roles, including Research Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Assistant Director of Research and Education at the Chez Veterans Center. She is the author of Rethinking Reintegration and Veteran Identity and numerous peer-reviewed articles, with her research supported by federal grant funding that prioritizes community-engaged approaches to research.

Dr. Hunniecutt has also served as an Outreach Specialist at the Sturm Specialty in Military Psychology at the University of Denver and held leadership roles in Veteran organizations. She is a peer reviewer for the Journal of Veteran Studies and an invited Champion Representative for the American Council on Education’s Military Learners Initiative.

Abbie Holland Schmit, COO | Co-Owner

Abbie Holland Schmit is a combat veteran and COO of VetREC, with a career dedicated to supporting Veterans through peer mentorship and systemic change. She joined the Wisconsin National Guard at 17 and later served in Iraq. After earning her B.S. in Psychology and Political Science, she became an advocate with the Army’s Wounded Warrior Program and held leadership roles at the Wounded Warrior Project, where she developed programs, trained peer mentors, and championed women’s issues.

Abbie has led initiatives at Dryhootch of America and Illinois Joining Forces, focusing on women Veterans and systemic solutions. As co-founder of Phenix Legacy, she supported Military and first responders through peer mentoring. From 2020 to 2024, she directed the Justice-Impacted Veterans Program at Safer Foundation. Abbie also serves as a Veteran Ambassador at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, working on two community-focused research engagement projects with women Veteran Military Sexual Trauma survivors. She is passionate about ensuring that research, policy, and systemic change are conducted with Veterans, amplifying their voices to create lasting impact.

Schedule Free Consultation