In 2014, Veterans R&R formed the R&R Outdoors program as a way to engage veterans, provide an opportunity to take part in fun outdoor activities, spend time with peers and friends and learn about other ways that Veterans R&R can serve them.
If you served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces congratulations you are part of the 1% of the United States that signed a check due and payable for your life.
In 2014, Veterans R&R conducted a pilot test to potentially launch a program with a mission of engaging veterans, active duty service members and their immediate families through outdoor activities. Our first events included hunting and fishing outings. The overwhelming response was amazing and so Veterans R&R Outdoors Program was officially launched.
Why Outdoors
Our Outdoors Program is designed to provide veterans with an exhilarating, challenging and rewarding outdoors experience while connecting them to other veterans, active duty service members, military families, as well as professionals in the civilian sector.
Based on our own experiences and the results of our pilot these outings helped bolster confidence, self esteem and provide struggling veterans with the hope that they can live active and productive lives. Therapists have termed this “social reintegration”.
The suicide rate for veterans is roughly double the rate of those who never served. The VA’s National Center for PTSD reports that as many as 20 percent of Iraqi and Enduring Freedom veterans and as many as 30 percent of Vietnam Veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
As of 2014, 24 US Military veterans or active duty service members per day commit suicide. That is up from 22 in 2012.
Studies have proven that connected veterans are far less likely to take their own lives.
As we grow, R&R Outdoors will expand to include a variety of activities designed with the same goal in mind, and that is to bring veterans, active duty, military families and caring civilian professionals together in a stress-free environment to connect with one another.
Donate Now
Veterans R&R received our IRS 501(c)3 status as of March, 2013. We are 100% Volunteer supported, which means we want to maximize every dollar given to directly support the men and women who serve and who have served our country. Veterans R&R respectfully requests your support for the Veterans R&R Outdoors Program. Please help us maintain a therapeutic, fun and safe environment for the healing of veterans, active duty military personnel and their families.
Our programs are open to active duty servicemen/women and veterans of all timeframes. All applicants to our veterans only programs will be asked to verify their service with their DD-214 for veterans or government issued ID card for active duty military members. Some events will be open to veterans and active duty family members as well. Each event will specify who may apply.
Through our fun activities we are giving veterans the confidence to get out of their houses, develop new key civilian and veteran relationships, ample opportunities for camaraderie and the freedom to go about their lives as they choose.
Veterans R&R Outdoors Program strives to provide a safe, relaxing environment where trusting relationships are built at every outing.
As veterans become more trusting and confident we assist to connect them by being a bridge to other outstanding Veteran Servicing Organizations that specialize in services they might additionally need e.g. mental health, human development, financial, educational, etc. This assistance provides a vehicle for the next step for treatment or in the road to integrating to a civilian lifestyle.
Ultimately, as veterans become reintegrated and productive in society we encourage them to be a mentor to other veterans that may be entering into one of our programs.