A primary focus of the retreat, many veterans living on disability struggle with reintegration and lack of purpose. According to VA.gov, in 2016 the Veteran’s 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 an independent and capable human being deserving of respect.
Project Gallantly Forward will offer a limited number of housed staffing positions for volunteer disabled veterans who want to live at the retreat. At the farm, veterans will have many opportunities to interact with other veterans. They will also be provided with skills training, such as animal husbandry, gardening, agri-business, homesteading, and other capabilities that can give them a sense of purpose, boost self confidence and self-esteem.
Veteran volunteers will be utilized to assist in day-to-day operations of the program, including grounds upkeep, maintenance, and assisting other veterans who come for retreats. They will lead hikes, oversee leisure activities and provide outreach and support to attendees. Volunteer veterans would also lead excursions with community partners who will offer recreational outlets which may include white water rafting, hang gliding, car racing and sky diving, to give veterans a way of experiencing the adrenaline rush they have been missing since leaving the military.