An exceptional collection of hunting and fishing experts and many Veteran and active duty volunteers who create a culture and environment of support for every client, on an individual basis.
For every event we have a few small goals.
#1 - Get each veteran in connection with other veterans. Before they even meet they already have a bond that the rest of us don't understand, just put them in a room, a truck or a hunting blind with each other and get out of the way.
#2 - Take a genuine interest in their lives. We ask each of our volunteers to be exceptional listeners and to pay attention to detail. We want to be available when someone calls or wants to open up about their life. We aren't therapists, we're a resource. We're here to listen to them and to care about them. We use our events to form that bond and develop trust.
#3 - Make it fun. Veterans and special needs individuals alike need a release from everyday life. The change of pace and the excitement of the event fuels them and the act of adventure alone can be enough to have a real positive impact.
#4 - Follow up. We always look forward to staying in touch with those we work with. Most of our participants make new friends while they're on a Hero Expeditions outing and it's very common for them to stay in touch with each other as well.