Our Vision
A world where every military member and veteran can easily stay connected with their loved ones and access the support they need, ensuring no one feels isolated or underserved.
Our Mission
To bridge the communication gap for military members and veterans by providing prepaid calling cards, a free cellphone with a year of free service, and financial assistance, helping them overcome the physical, emotional, and assimilation challenges they face.
Throughout the Years
Cell Phones for Soldiers was Born
At 12 and 13, Robbie and Brittany Bergquist hear the story of a soldier returning home from Iraq with an $8,000 phone bill. They couldn’t believe that a man serving his country was not able to call his family for free. With just $21, Cell Phones for Soldiers was born.
New Fundraising Initiative
Cell Phones for Soldiers co-founders capitalize on a new fundraising initiative: Recycling gently-used cell phones and utilizing the proceeds to fund the non-profit’s mission.
Major Milestone
In just 5 months, Cell Phones for Soldiers distribute $100,000 worth of calling cards to deployed troops.
Teen People Magazine
Teen People magazine profile Brittany Bergquist for “20 Teens Who Will Change the World” as one of tyhe most inspiring teenagers who will change the world in entertainment, politics, sports, the environment, and the media.
Meeting with President Bush
Brittany Bergquist meets with President George Bush and members of America Supports You to share her goals and mission for Cell Phones for Soldiers.
Featured on CBS
Cell Phones For Soldiers is featured on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.
Cell Phones for Soldiers Partners with AT&T
AT&T joins Cell Phones For Soldiers to help troops call home by collecting used cell phones in all of its retail stores.
Appearance on The View
Cell Phones For Soldiers’ co-founders appear on The View.
CNN Appearance
Cell Phones For Soldiers’ co-founders share their mission with CNN’s Glenn Beck.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, hosted by former First Lady Laura Bush, recognizes Brittany Bergquist as one of America’s top-10 youth volunteers.
100 Millionth Minute
Cell Phones For Soldiers calling card program, Minutes That Matter, celebrates its 100 millionth calling card donated to servicemen and women.
Partnering with General Motors
General Motors partners with Cell Phones For Soldiers to help provide precious connections for military members.
Friendship Home Partnership
Friendship Home, a Massachusetts support facility that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, joins Cell Phones For Soldiers by becoming the organization’s calling card fulfillment center.
Jefferson Award
Robbie and Brittany Bergquist receive the Jefferson Award for “Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years or Under” in honor of their efforts to support men and women in uniform.
Santa Rita Wine Partnership
Cell Phones For Soldiers joins partner Santa Rita Wine to distribute thousands of calling cards to American troops during a military appreciation event at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany.
Helping Heroes Home Launch
CPFS launches its veterans program, Helping Heroes Home, to assist returning veterans with emergency funds, communication challenges and physical, emotional and assimilation hardships.
Major Milestone
Cell Phones For Soldiers reaches 11 million cell phones recycled.
CPFS and Captial One Partnership
CPFS, along with Capital One, donates 40,000 free international calling cards or 6 million minutes of talk time to five United States Army bases–Fort Belvoir, Fort Bliss, Fort Drum, Fort Lee and Fort Polk.
200 millionth minute
Cell Phones For Soldiers celebrates its 200 millionth minute donated to U.S. active-duty troops and veterans.
10 Year Anniversary
Cell Phones For Soldiers celebrates 10 years of providing precious connections for servicemen and women.
Myra Kraft MVP Award
The New England Patriots recognizes Robbie Bergquist with the Myra Kraft MVP Award for his outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces of the United States.
Young Nonprofit Professional Award
The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network recognizes Robbie Bergquist with its Young Nonprofit Professional: Forging the Future award, for his work supporting military members for more than 11 years.
Heroes Among Us Award
Robbie and Brittany are awarded the Heroes Among Us award by the Boston Celtics, recognizing outstanding individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities.
Forbes 30 Under 30
Robbie and Brittany are selected as 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneurs at the age of 24 and 26 for their continued support of military members home and abroad.
15 Year Anniversary
Cell Phones For Soldiers celebrates 15 years of supporting military members home and abroad, recycling its 20 millionth device.