Our Story

Discover Our Journey So Far

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

Cell Phones For Soldiers is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing cost-free communication services and emergency funding to active-duty military members and
veterans.

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.

April 2004

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.

May 2004

Major Milestone

In just 5 months, Cell Phones for Soldiers distribute $100,000 worth of calling cards to deployed troops.

November 2004

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.

December 2005

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.

March 2006

Featured on CBS

Cell Phones For Soldiers is featured on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.

June 2007

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.

July 2007

Appearance on The View

Cell Phones For Soldiers’ co-founders appear on The View.

November 2007

CNN Appearance

Cell Phones For Soldiers’ co-founders share their mission with CNN’s Glenn Beck.

July 2008

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.

May 2009

100 Millionth Minute

Cell Phones For Soldiers calling card program, Minutes That Matter, celebrates its 100 millionth calling card donated to servicemen and women.

May 2010

Partnering with General Motors

General Motors partners with Cell Phones For Soldiers to help provide precious connections for military members.

May 2010

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.

January 2011

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.

June 2011

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.

February 2012

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.

July 2012

Major Milestone

Cell Phones For Soldiers reaches 11 million cell phones recycled.

July 2013

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.

October 2013

200 millionth minute

Cell Phones For Soldiers celebrates its 200 millionth minute donated to U.S. active-duty troops and veterans.

November 2013

10 Year Anniversary

Cell Phones For Soldiers celebrates 10 years of providing precious connections for servicemen and women.

April 2014

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.

June 2014

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.

June 2015

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.

November 2015

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.

January 2017

15 Year Anniversary

Cell Phones For Soldiers celebrates 15 years of supporting military members home and abroad, recycling its 20 millionth device.

April 2019

Our Impact by the Numbers

Service members assisted through emergency funds
M
Recycled phones
M
Minutes of Airtime for service members worldwide
B
Kgs CO2 Emssions by recycling electronic devices

Make a Difference Today

Your donation can make a lasting impact on the lives of military members and veterans

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