The Hope For The Warriors Outdoor Adventures Program provides opportunities for wounded military members to participate in outdoor sporting activities adapted to their needs—such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Many of these service members previously embraced the outdoor lifestyle, and along with those that are new to outdoor sports, the program’s recreational opportunities are ideal for those on the road to recovery.
Hope For The Warriors created the Outdoor Adventures Program in 2010. Two years later, the program had expanded to include the spouses and children of wounded and fallen service members. Each trip brings wounded veterans together with other veterans and military families. Equally important, the experience encourages healing and aims to revitalize each veteran—by proving they are capable and independent, regardless of their injuries.
Ken Sutherby is the director of the program. A retired Marine himself, he understands why these experiences and the associated camaraderie can be beneficial to veterans.
“Exploring the outdoors through activities like hunting, fishing and hiking is a therapeutic avenue for many veterans and their families,” said Sutherby. “Often, [they] are experiencing extreme social isolation as they assimilate to post-combat life resulting in declining self-worth as they evaluate their current lifestyle compared to their former military life.”
Co-founded by Robin Kelleher in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a non-profit dedicated to restoring a sense of hope for post 9/11 veterans, service members and military families. She is the president and CEO for the group. Kelleher, who is on both the NRA Disabled Shooting and Military and Veteran committees, has led this grassroots effort to national heights.
“I am proud to see the growth of our organization and the impact we have had in restoring a sense of self, family and hope to our service members and military families,” said Kelleher. “I look forward to sharing more stories of hope and successful transitions.”
To learn more about the Hope For The Warriors Outdoor Adventures program, visit hopeforthewarriors.org/sports-recreation/outdoor-adventures
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