The Fallen Outdoors Helps Illinois Veterans Find Healing and Camaraderie

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be one of the most challenging journeys a veteran faces. The camaraderie, shared mission and close-knit support systems built during service often fade after returning home, leaving many veterans searching for a renewed sense of belonging. The Fallen Outdoors (TFO), a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to addressing this challenge.

It was the love of the outdoors that helped launch TFO in 2008 on a remote mountaintop outpost in Afghanistan. Three soldiers – Staff Sgt. John Bates, Spc. Eric Finniginam (who died in 2010) and Spc. Eric Bakken – recognized the profound impact that spending time in nature had on their own well-being. Once home, they began organizing informal hunting and fishing trips for other service members, and The Fallen Outdoors was born.

See more: Salger’s Ostrich Products “Meats” a Need With Red Meat Alternative

The organization now operates in 40 states, serving more than 100,000 service members, veterans, Gold Star Families and event participants nationwide. Through outdoor adventures, including hunting, fishing, hiking and camping, TFO provides veterans with opportunities to build new friendships, discover healthy hobbies and reconnect with the sense of community they once relied upon in the military.

“Our organization’s primary mission is to help veterans connect with one another as they transition back into civilian life or transition from duty station to duty station,” says Clayton Yantis, TFO national secretary and a leader with Team Illinois.

Yantis, who served 13 years in the U.S. Army before being medically retired, has seen firsthand the difference these programs make.

“Through TFO, veterans are learning new skills, staying active and finding renewed purpose,” Yantis explains. “Most importantly, we are helping to build stronger veteran communities – support networks that last a lifetime.”

See more: From Blossom to Bushel: Midwest Apple Improvement Association Creates Tasty Apple Varieties

From Combat to Camaraderie

By combining the healing power of the outdoors with the strength of shared experiences, TFO is ensuring no veteran faces the transition alone. The outdoor activities also help veterans work through issues often associated with military service, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and thoughts of suicide.

“It’s all part of helping vets stay healthy, both physically and mentally,” Yantis says.

Adam Newingham, an Illinois veteran who lives near Springfield, agrees.

“It’s a super great group of people, who have a lot in common and want to band together,” says Newingham, who served in the Army for 18 years, including in Iraq. “It’s also really nice to have a connection to other vets who have been through the same things as you.”

For Carter Scott, a Marine veteran who served in Iraq and lives near Peoria, the best thing about TFO is the ability to build relationships with other vets.

“It’s not just the fun you have fishing and hunting; it’s the camaraderie,” Scott says. “That’s what has been so valuable for me. The camaraderie of TFO is really like therapy for me and lots of other vets.”

See more: Brewin’ Hope Coffeehouse Pours A Cup of Ambition for Employees with Special Needs

A Place for Every Veteran

The organization also brings veterans together from all branches of the service and from different eras. That range of experience helps all veterans feel they are part of a larger community.

“We may be from different branches, and we sometimes tease each other about it, but you all have that same sort of brotherhood and connection,” Scott says.

In Illinois, most TFO activities revolve around hunting and fishing. Each year, the group sponsors chartered fishing trips on Lake Michigan, as well as outings on smaller lakes and rivers around the state. Hunting trips are typically for deer, turkey, waterfowl and upland game birds.

“We work very closely with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and private landowners to help secure land to hunt on,” Yantis says.

TFO is also open to other outdoor activities beyond hunting and fishing if veterans are interested in them.

“If there’s a hobby for it, we’ll try to do it,” Yantis adds.

Illinois veterans often have an opportunity to travel to other states for outdoor outings sponsored by TFO. The organization’s activities are also becoming more popular among women veterans, with all-female outdoor activities being offered. And TFO works to make accommodations for disabled veterans in their activities.

“Anything we can do to keep our disabled veterans outdoors, we are happy to try it,” Yantis says.

See more: The Rescuers: Midwest Food Bank Turns Food Waste Into Feeding Opportunities

Building Connections

Each year, the Illinois Chapter of TFO holds a gathering called Operation Rally Point, bringing veterans from all over the state together with their families for a weekend of activities, learning and companionship.

“We bring in Veterans Administration Services to provide information on VA Services and PTSD outreach programs, along with other issues for veterans,” Yantis says. “We cover all the camping fees, and the food is always provided by Freedom68 out of Effingham.”

In addition, there are fishing excursions on Lake Shelbyville conducted by Nick Rose, Steve Fermon, Andrew Cox and several other area guides and volunteers. Bounce houses, waterslides and s’more stations, along with other activities, are set up for the kids.

“We have a lot of families that have been coming year after year to Operation Rally Point,” Yantis says. “It’s really become a staple for them.”

See more: Veteran Steve Archer Finds Mission in Community Garden (VIDEO)