That calling eventually gave rise to two closely connected efforts, Little Patriots Embraced, a nonprofit dedicated to military children, and Defenders Gateway, a St. Louis-based technology company designed to serve veterans, first responders, and their families in a practical, personal way. The app was developed to honor all active military members, veterans, first responders, and their family members by providing a free resource hub, the ability to connect with other members, and gain easy access to business and nonprofit resources. All designed to make life easier for our hero’s community.
Watanabe retired from her marketing company more than 21 years ago, choosing to dedicate her time to building Little Patriots Embraced. At the time, she saw plenty of organizations supporting troops, but very few addressing the unique needs of military children.
“Through serving young families, I became aware of their needs,” she said. “I understood how important it would be for them to have one place where they could find the most relevant and helpful resources.”
That insight planted the seed for what would eventually become Defenders Gateway.
Defenders Gateway exists to honor those who serve and protect. The app brings together thousands of organizations, businesses, and opportunities that support military members, veterans, first responders, and their families, with privacy and security of users at the forefront.
Watanabe feels very strongly that this community deserves a secure space and built a vid and verification system that holds a US Patent. Every person must be verified to join the community, to ensure the security of the exclusive community platform and the app will never share or sell members’ personal information.
“My first and most important focus is to honor our military, veterans, first responders, and their family members,” Watanabe said. “We do this by showcasing organizations that serve them and connecting them with businesses that offer support, perks, discounts, and job and career opportunities.”
Rather than forcing users to search endlessly across the internet, Defenders Gateway compiles those resources and places them directly in members’ hands. The app includes nonprofit services, career and business opportunities, and has recently expanded to include a Kids Corner, reflecting Watanabe’s concern for supporting families.
“We do the work,” she explained. “The resources are already there for our members.”
Community is another cornerstone of the platform. Defenders Gateway is built as a verified, members-only space, creating a sense of trust and shared identity among members nationwide. Members can connect, engage in secure chats, and learn which businesses actively support and honor their service.
“It is important that our nation’s heroes understand this is an exclusive community built just for them,” Watanabe said.
Watanabe considers the potential of trusted resources when she looks at the challenges families and individuals in the military and first responder communities face. The platform Watanabe works with is built with these communities in mind, providing them with a web of support that lets them breathe a little easier.
Looking ahead, Watanabe hopes to continue expanding both Defenders Gateway and Little Patriots Embraced, bringing in more resources and deepening the sense of connection among those who serve.
“I believe I have been called to honor and serve our patriots,” she said.
Watanabe has built a trusted place, growing community, and a reminder that those who protect our nation and our neighborhoods should never stand alone.
Discover more at Defenders Gateway or download the app here.
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