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.
Veterans generally have no designated place and time to re-establish the kind of support system and sense of community previously available to them in the military. R&R at the retreat is designed to be a safe haven for Veterans and their families to relax, recuperate, and reconnect. The retreat is located on a private working cattle farm 45 min north of downtown Chattanooga, TN. Events in Chattanooga and surrounding areas reduce isolation by filling the social vacuum experienced in post-military life and provide a setting that supports improved mental wellbeing.
Currently, the retreat is open for Veterans with their families who wish to bring their self-contained campers to the retreat and spend quality time together. There is fishing and paddleboarding available at the on-site lake, as well as nearby access to the Cumberland Trail State Park. Two cabins are being constructed in order to expand these offerings. Learn more about the vision here and check social media often for the latest updates.
Donations to assist with building the retreat and ongoing expenses are appreciated and can be made at the donate page.
Why “Gallantly Forward”?
The impetus behind the development of Project Gallantly Forward is the life experience of its founder and president, Lucas Lewis, who joined the army in October 2004. During his military career, Lucas had two deployments to Iraq, serving with 1/71 CAV.
“Gallantly Forward” is the motto of the 71st Cavalry Regiment that Lucas was assigned to. This regiment has lost more soldiers post-military due to suicide and problems with reintegration than they did during his tours in Iraq. Project Gallantly Forward is dedicated in honor of their final battle lost, and is committed to prevention of further losses.
After his military discharge, Lucas had to confront and address his own serious symptoms of PTSD that were preventing him from moving forward. He sought help through various modalities and venues and found those that focused on veteran-to-veteran and family-to-family interventions to be the most helpful in getting his life back on track. He has a deep, abiding desire to offer those opportunities to other veterans and families so that they can find direction and meaning again.
Read more about the life events that lead to the launch of Project Gallantly Forward in his bio.
How will it Help?
It is well established that veterans suffer from a substantially higher suicide rate than the national average. They also experience serious mental and physical health issues directly related to their veteran status. The breakdown of their lives on all fronts, including social reintegration, financial security, healthy family and significant other relationships, occupational growth, spiritual well-being and sense of purpose, drives them deeper into serious mental health issues and way too often, suicide. They frequently find themselves isolated from other veterans while trying to establish a new life away from the structure and peer support previously offered by the military. 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. The peer-to-peer model, such as the one used at Vet Centers across the country, has proven the efficacy of informal support systems.
According to VA.gov, in 2016 the Veterans Benefit Administration paid over 27 billion dollars in annual benefits to more than 680,000 veterans receiving disability compensation at the 100% rate. These veterans have medical and psychological disabilities that warrant that level of compensation. However, there are unintended consequences created when veterans are not allowed to work, such as: losing meaning and purpose in life, becoming increasingly depressed and often descending into substance abuse as a coping mechanism. The solution to provide needed financial support creates new problems for veterans who have a deep need to contribute, feel like their lives matter, make an impact on the world, and maintain a sense of identity as independent and capable human beings deserving of respect.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a condition that thrives in isolation. Unfortunately, formal systems of care such as the Veterans Administration, cannot always meet veterans where they are in their personal journey. Veterans may have an innate distrust of those systems and consciously choose to avoid reaching out for help, pushing them further into their pathology. Veterans can easily lose their way, believing they should persevere and stand on their own feet, only to find that they continue to spiral downward. At Project Gallantly Forward, we believe we can bring the kind of support that could help veterans regain momentum to move forward with their lives by creating opportunities for those who can help reach out to those who need help.