Where Veterans move forward together.
Studies have shown the benefit of programs utilizing Veteran-to-Veteran support which provides an opportunity for veterans to feel heard and understood in a space that is free from judgement. Project Gallantly Forward (PGF) offers R&R at a retreat in rural Tennessee to Veterans with their families who are located nationwide, as well as opportunities for local Veterans to connect. Participation in programs is free of charge. Through these programs, PGF provides time and space for Veterans to begin healing while in the company of other Veterans who are on the same path.
IMPACT
Instances of Veteran support provided through R&R at the retreat, events, classes or mentoring
89% of volunteer hours are completed by Veterans and their families.
Opportunities to raise awareness with the general public about Veteran-related issues.
“I joined the Army in 1995 and am still serving 28 ½ years later. I have deployed to Kuwait, Bosnia, twice to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. Though I am still serving and have access, outlets, and a strong family and friend support system to deal with the trauma experienced during my deployment, not all Veterans are as fortunate…The importance of this organization and those like it is huge. One suicide is too many. When you join the military, they train you how to react to enemy contact and what battle drills to execute to take the fight to the enemy and minimize friendly casualties to the best of your ability. While in uniform you also have a fulltime battle buddy by being on the team. But they don’t train you for how you deal with what comes after you get out and what happens when your battle buddy is not there every day. It can seem like you are on your own if you don’t have a support system. My belief is that this organization provides the services and location that can give Veterans a support system and an outlet to work through trauma and other things they are dealing with in a positive and productive manner.”
-R. Pruesser, US Army
“After my discharge from the Army, I experienced many of the emotional and physical consequences of combat related trauma…Reintegration was quite the challenge, and many other veterans experience the same. My anger, fear, and distrust of others made maintaining employment difficult. The lack of structure and discipline was challenging in post military employment. Each of my relationships suffered, since I felt alone, and I thought no one understood. I lacked purpose, and my marriage was suffering. The impact on my wife was horrible. She struggled with her husband coming home from combat different than he left.
-M. Miller, US Army (Ret.)
We were able to gain support for our relationship through marriage events, growing in our faith and connecting with other veteran families. We were part of events allowing us to be active, in nature, and in support of other veteran families. Service gave us an opportunity regain purpose. My identity was in being a soldier, and I lost myself when my military time ended…I was able to control my fear and anger, and our lives have improved for the better… Many of my brothers and sisters from the military didn’t have the chance to get hope, healing, or regain their purpose. Since leaving the battlefield, too many men and women have taken their lives.”
