About IGY6 Coalition — Our Mission, Story & Team
Built by Those
Who Served.
IGY6 Coalition is an Oklahoma-born nonprofit founded by first responders and veterans who know what it means to need support — and find none.
The Meaning
What Does
"IGY6" Mean?
"I Got Your 6" — in military and law enforcement culture, your "6 o'clock" is directly behind you. It's your blind spot. Your most vulnerable position.
When someone says "I got your 6," they're making a promise: I'm watching your back. You are not alone. It's a declaration of loyalty, trust, and brotherhood forged in the most demanding circumstances imaginable.
That promise is the foundation of everything we do. First responders, law enforcement, and military personnel spend their careers watching everyone else's six. IGY6 Coalition exists to watch theirs.
Rooted in Oklahoma.
Serving first responders and veterans nationwide.
Our Story
How IGY6 Began
IGY6 Coalition founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma by JT Thornton after the Moore tornado response exposed critical gaps in first responder support.
Received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Launched first family support program serving 40 families in the Oklahoma City metro area.
Expanded disaster relief operations statewide. Responded to 8 major weather events across Oklahoma, distributing over $120,000 in aid.
Launched the Equipment Exchange program, redistributing retired gear from 12 Oklahoma agencies to underserved departments.
Veteran Support program launched in partnership with Oklahoma VA facilities. Served 200+ veterans in the first year.
Expanded to 15 states. Surpassed 1,000 families supported milestone. Launched annual IGY6 fundraiser gala in Tulsa.
Opened second operations hub in Oklahoma City. Launched t-shirt fundraiser line, generating $85,000 in program funding.
Continuing to grow — serving first responders, veterans, and their families across the nation with Oklahoma roots and values.
Legal Status
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
IGY6 Coalition is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Oklahoma. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Our financials are transparent and available upon request.
EIN
88-XXXXXXX
Incorporated
Oklahoma, 2018
Status
Active 501(c)(3)
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Loyalty
We never leave our own behind. Every person we serve has earned our unwavering commitment.
Compassion
We meet people in their hardest moments with dignity, empathy, and real, tangible support.
Community
Built by first responders and veterans, for first responders and veterans — we are the community we serve.
Leadership
The People Behind the Mission
Every member of our leadership team has served — in uniform, in the field, or beside someone who did.
James "JT" Thornton
Founder & Executive Director
Retired Oklahoma City Fire Department Captain with 22 years of service. JT founded IGY6 Coalition after witnessing firsthand the gaps in support for first responders and their families during and after crises.
Maria Vasquez
Director of Veteran Services
U.S. Army veteran and licensed clinical social worker. Maria leads our veteran support programs, connecting transitioning service members with mental health resources and community networks across Oklahoma.
Derek "Doc" Simmons
Director of Disaster Relief
Former paramedic and emergency management coordinator with 15 years of disaster response experience across Oklahoma and the surrounding region. Derek coordinates all rapid-deployment relief operations.
Renee Caldwell
Director of Family Services
Spouse of a retired law enforcement officer and longtime family advocate. Renee built our family support program from the ground up, understanding the unique sacrifices made by the families behind the badge.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you need support or want to provide it — there's a place for you in the IGY6 Coalition community.