WARFIGHTER MADE

Our goal at Warfighter Made is to provide the best experience possible for ill, injured, and combat wounded veterans. PTSD and veteran suicide is a serious concern in this country, with 22 veterans a day committing suicide. Our recreational therapy programs are aimed to provide the environment, resources, support and camaraderie that has been shown to give a veteran hope and assist in managing the impact of PTSD. With the use of a fleet of Polaris RZR's, we hold 6 events per year where all veterans, from all branches, and all eras, can come drive the vehicle on a secure course. The adrenaline released while experiencing the thrill of the ride, releases dopamine, the 'feel good' chemical in the brain. This allows the veteran, along with their family, to enjoy off road recreation together. This alleviates the impact of PTSD and creates a supportive environment along side other veterans and their families. These events are extremely impactful to spouses and children of veterans as well, allowing them to enjoy and connect as a family in a fun environment. We have to date, prevented 12 known suicidal veterans from taking their lives, and helped hundreds more find purpose and excitement again. Our community presence and recreational therapy is providing a place to belong for veterans that struggle to acclimate to life after their military service ends. Our camaraderie therapy provides opportunities for veterans to join other veterans and volunteer on projects within our organization. Veteran learn various skills related to the mechanics and maintenance of the off road machines. This type of focus driven work takes their mind off of their stressors, and creates a sense of accomplishment and teamwork. Both teamwork and camaraderie are fundamental values we emphasize in our organization. Additionally, we are finding solutions for catastrophically wounded veterans who desire the ability to maintain aspects of life before their injuries occurred. We are adapting vehicles with the appropriate customization so that that veteran can resume their independence in a way that demonstrates their unique personality and passion. By adapting a motorcycle for an amputee, or adapting a vehicle for a triple amputee, we are providing freedom and independence that a catastrophically wounded veteran has lost. The impact on a veteran is immense. We not only find a physical way for them to thrive, but drastically effect them psychologically. Giving an identity, freedom, and independence back to a veteran is giving them a sense of self back that they feared would be lost forever. The impact this creates not only effects the veterans mental health, but positively impacts relationships with spouses, children, family, and society.

Our strategy involves the expansion of programs and events, as well as expand and grow the relationships with our community and sponsors. We will expand our impact and awareness through social media platforms, community events, and networking within our community. Additionally, we are collaborating with others veteran non profits to provide support to one another and ensure veterans are given the best experience possible. We have implemented new systems and organization that will catapult our outreach and impact within the community. Sponsor and donor relationships will be nurtured and grown together through the shared interest of creating solutions for the veteran community, more specifically, combat wounded and those suffering with PTSD. We will expand our impact as leaders by partaking in leadership development, organizational growth, communication and public speaking.

In addition to our current programs, we decided to add a youth program to our organization. The program is called B.O.L.T (Building Offroad Leaders of Tomorrow). It is a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) based program for the children of military service members and veterans from ages 6-11. The program teaches the importance of preserving and protecting ecosystems, respectful and responsible recreation, drivers safety, and proper maintenance of the offroad machine. Additionally, students are taught a new character development trait each week and how it pertains to being a good citizen and leader in the world. This program has made a tremendous impact on the families involved in the program. Students are involved in hands on learning modules, using various tools and metrics, learning public speaking skills, and improving over all self esteem and confidence. Additionally, the program involves the parents of the students, which provides a common interest and platform for connection and healing for both the child and parent.