Operation TBI Freedom Holiday Gathering: A Moment to Reflect and Connect
Amid the holiday season's flurry of activity, the Operation TBI Freedom team found a precious moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect during our annual holiday meal. This cherished tradition allowed us to step away from our busy schedules, set aside the demands of our daily work, and come together to celebrate the season in the best way possible— by enjoying each other's company. Our gathering was filled with laughter, gratitude, and warmth. We exchanged thoughtful gifts, a small token of the appreciation and camaraderie that defines our team. As we shared a delicious meal, we also shared stories and reflections on the year's successes, challenges, and the impact we've made in the lives of the veterans and families we serve.
Of course, the most surprising revelation of the evening? Apparently, time really does stand still when you're part of this team! Not a single one of us aged a day this past year—everyone looks exactly as they did last holiday season, in the same place, at the same time. We're convinced it's the magic of working together (or perhaps the excellent lighting in the room). This moment of respite was a reminder of the importance of balance—of taking a knee to recharge, appreciate one another, and foster the strong bonds that enable us to do the meaningful work we do.
Past Quarter's Highlights
Operation Phoenix Recovery Annual Memorial Rock Ruck Hike: Honoring, Healing, and Celebrating Life
Operation Phoenix Recovery (OPR) provides a meaningful space for Operation TBI Freedom alumni, active clients, and Gold Star parents to connect, heal, and honor those lost. This year's Annual Memorial Rock Ruck Hike, held at Cheyenne Mountain, offered participants a chance to reflect, release burdens, and celebrate life.
Led by MSS Sarah Lowrey, the event began with a heartfelt invocation by Craig Hospital's Chaplain, Candace (Candy) Boyd, setting a tone of gratitude and remembrance. Participants inscribed names of the fallen or personal challenges on stones and carried them during the hike as symbolic burdens, and many chose to leave them behind as an act of release and renewal.
The hike exemplifies OPR's mission to normalize PTSD's challenges and foster community and healing. It is a powerful reminder of resilience, connection, and the strength found in shared experiences. Thank you to all who joined us in honoring, healing, and moving forward together.
Operation TBI Freedom News/Updates (Q1 FY-25)
Past Quarter's Highlight Cont.
Holiday Cheer with River Deep: Smiles for Miles
Operation TBI Freedom joined forces with our wonderful friends at River Deep to host a holiday celebration that was nothing short of spectacular. The event brought together our community for an afternoon filled with bowling, laughter, delicious food, and sweet treats.
From strikes and spares to shared stories and smiles, the celebration was a heartwarming reminder of the joy and connection that the holiday season brings. It was a time to pause, cherish our friendships, and create new memories with those who have become like family.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us in making this holiday gathering unforgettable and extend our heartfelt thanks to River Deep for their partnership and support. Moments like these remind us of the strength in community and the joy that comes from sharing time with those who matter most. Here's to more moments of joy and togetherness in the new year!
Past Quarter's Highlight Cont.
A Dream in the Making: Travis Blackman's Journey to a New Home
At Operation TBI Freedom, we take pride in standing by our veterans every step on their journey to a better quality of life. One such veteran, Travis Blackman, has faced countless challenges but has always shown extraordinary resilience. Travis received life-changing news this past few months—he and his family will soon move into a home specially designed to accommodate his needs, thanks to the incredible efforts of Helping A Hero and his dedicated case manager, Military Support Specialist (MSS) Tim Patrick.
Tim Patrick has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to collaborate with Vicki Brentin from Helping A Hero. Vicki is another unsung hero who has been instrumental in this remarkable feat. Helping A Hero is a nonprofit organization committed to building specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans and much more. Helping A Hero's mission is to provide homes that maximize independence for veterans who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Whether it's an amputee requiring roll-in showers, roll-under sinks, and adapted toilet areas or a veteran like Travis who lives with the effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is someone who has paraplegia, these homes are thoughtfully designed with every detail in mind.
Making Travis' dream a reality would not have been possible without the extraordinary support of Bass Pro Shops' Founder, Johnny Morris. Additionally, Lennar Homes has joined the effort and committed to building 10 homes for Helping A Hero as part of the 100 Homes Challenge. Homes by Lennar are being planned in Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Colorado—with more homes to be added. His generosity and vision have ignited a movement to provide homes tailored to the unique needs of our heroes, ensuring they can live with dignity and independence.
One of the most memorable moments of this journey occurred when Tim Patrick took Travis and his family on an outing to tour the Olympic & Paralympic Museum this past quarter. What started as a fun day out turned into an unforgettable surprise. During their visit, Travis and his family were honored with a pre-groundbreaking ceremony, marking the beginning of their new chapter. Tim, reflecting on that day, shared, "I was overjoyed. This was such an incredible moment for Travis and his family. It has been a long time coming, and I just cannot find the words to describe my joy and excitement for them."
The new home, designed with state-of-the-art adaptive living features, is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2025. For Travis, this isn't just a house; it represents hope, comfort, and a safe space where he can focus on his recovery and well-being. For his family, it means peace of mind and the promise of a brighter future.
Operation TBI Freedom is proud to support the 100 Homes Challenge, and we invite you to join us in making a difference. Helping A Hero's homes go beyond bricks and mortar—they are lifelines for our wounded warriors, giving them a chance to regain independence and thrive in a supportive environment.
As we look forward to the completion of Travis' new home, we remain committed to walking alongside our veterans, providing unwavering support, and celebrating their victories, both big and small. This milestone for Travis is a testament to what can be achieved when compassion, collaboration, and dedication come together.
Together, we are building more than homes—we are building hope!
Recreational Outings
Recreational Outings: A Vital Connection Amid the Holiday Hustle
Outdoor/Indoor Recreational Activities: Multiple activities are available for our veterans, service members, and their families—see OTF Events tab at https://craighospital.org/operation-tbi-freedom/otf-events
Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, Operation TBI Freedom remained committed to supporting veterans, service members, and their families living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PTSD. Despite the season's demands, we made time for recreational outings, offering moments of joy, connection, and healing.
Led with care and compassion by Renee Miller, these outings highlight that TBI and PTSD are medical problems with social solutions. Recreational activities not only promote physical health and cognitive recovery but also foster community and combat isolation—key elements in holistic rehabilitation.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication and tireless efforts of everyone involved in creating these meaningful experiences. These outings highlight the power of human connection and the profound impact of fostering spaces where healing and joy come together.
MSS of the Quarter
Tim Patrick: THE "Winston Wolf"—he solves problems!
Tim Patrick's unwavering dedication to our veterans, service members, and their families is truly remarkable. He exemplifies what it means to be a Military Support Specialist—compassionate, committed, and always willing to go the extra mile.
Whether supporting veterans in the Veterans Trauma Court (VTC) during difficult times, sitting by their side during hospital stays, leading outings at the Olympic/Paralympic Museum with his clients to foster connection and healing, or working diligently behind the scenes to secure adaptive housing solutions, Tim's impact is evident across every aspect of our program.
Beyond these efforts, Tim consistently goes above and beyond, making home visits and delivering thoughtful gifts during the holidays to bring joy to veterans and their families. His dedication doesn't stop at providing comfort. Tim is also a strategic problem-solver, assisting veterans in navigating the VA's and other agencies' complex processes and ensuring they receive the support and benefits they deserve.
Tim Patrick is the gold standard of what an MSS should be—devoted, compassionate, and ready to lend a helping hand. His tireless efforts and genuine care make him a true standout and a shining example of excellence at Operation TBI Freedom.
Congratulations, Tim, and thank you for all that you do!
Our Vet of the Quarter: SSG Michael Stafford
Nominated by MSS Renee Miller:
SSG Michael Stafford exemplifies the spirit of service and perseverance. Serving 10 years and 11 months as a Combat Medic in the U.S. Army, Mike completed two combat tours: Iraq from 20092010 and Afghanistan from 2014-2015, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice. Following his Army service, Mike continued his commitment to his country, returning to duty as a medic with the Air Force Reserves.
Mike's determination to grow and improve is truly inspiring. Balancing a full-time career as an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professional with full-time studies for his Paramedic Certification, he still finds time to attend our TBI education and support groups. Despite an incredibly demanding schedule, his dedication to learning and self-improvement highlights his unwavering commitment to personal growth and supporting others.
Mike's hard work, resilience, and willingness to serve make him a valued member of Operation TBI Freedom. We are proud to have him as part of our community and grateful for the example he sets for all of us.
Thank you, Mike, for your service and dedication to making a difference!
Gratitude and Unity: Closing Another Successful Chapter at Operation TBI Freedom
As we close the chapter on another successful quarter here at Operation TBI Freedom, we find ourselves overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support from our private donors and the invaluable contributions from our esteemed community partners. Together, we stand as a beacon of hope and healing for our veterans, service members, and their families who are navigating the challenges of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
We extend our sincerest appreciation to our private donors for your continued generosity. Your support fuels our mission and enables us to provide essential services, resources, and programs to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Your commitment to our cause strengthens our resolve and amplifies our impact, ensuring that no TBI-affected veteran or service member is left behind.
Additionally, we are immensely grateful for the collaboration and camaraderie of our close community partners. Your dedication and passion for serving our military community enrich our programs and enhance our quality of care. Together, we form a formidable alliance in the joint fight to support and empower those living with TBI, fostering a network of compassion and resilience that transcends boundaries.
As we bid farewell to this quarter's newsletter, we eagerly anticipate the unfolding chapters of our journey ahead. To our supporters, partners, and beneficiaries, we extend our heartfelt thanks and encourage you to stay tuned for more updates, stories of inspiration, and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our heroes.
Until next quarter, let us continue to stand together, united in our mission to honor, heal, and empower those who have served. Together, we can make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of our veterans, service members, and their families.
