The Sangin Valley Gun Club (SVGC) originated on social media in 2013 in order to foster camaraderie among veterans, civilians, and those still on active duty who served in the Sangin District of Helmand Province, and in other districts of Afghanistan. By 2021, the SVGC included more than 14,000 people – service members, veterans, friends, and family members – from the myriad nations that supported the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) mission, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations, and other efforts in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021. To better serve this diverse and growing community, the SVGC became a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit with the following priorities: active-duty and veteran services and support; transition assistance; education and awareness about the history and significance of the conflict in Afghanistan; and honor for the fallen.