A First Family Vacation That Meant More: Jake Janes’ Story
Jake Janes served four years, one month, and thirteen days in the United States Marine Corps, deploying twice during his military career.
His first deployment took him to Fallujah, Iraq, followed by a second deployment to Now Zad in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Those deployments would ultimately change the course of his life.
On April 3, 2009, while serving in Afghanistan, Jake stepped on a pressure plate improvised explosive device (IED).
The blast resulted in the loss of both legs below the knee, along with soft tissue and tendon damage to his left arm and hand. Jake also sustained traumatic brain injuries from blast exposure during both deployments.
Like many service members who experience life-altering injuries, Jake had to navigate a new chapter of life after returning home.
Years later, an experience with the Travis Mills Foundation (TMF) would give his family something they didn’t even realize they needed.
A Trip That Started for His Family
In June 2025, Jake attended the HHERO program at the Travis Mills Foundation with his wife Melina and their daughter Avery.
For the Janes family, the trip was significant for a simple reason.
It was their first family vacation together.
It was also Avery’s first time flying on an airplane.
“This was actually our first family vacation and my daughter’s first time on a plane.”
Getting away from the routines of everyday life created space for the family to slow down and reconnect.
“It was truly relaxing and awesome to get away from everyday life. Sometimes you don’t realize you’re caught up in it until you get away and TMF provided that.”
For Jake, deciding to attend the retreat required stepping outside his comfort zone.
Not Expecting Special Treatment
After his injury, Jake spent time recovering at Walter Reed, where he encountered many organizations offering programs and support for injured service members.
However, those experiences sometimes felt uncomfortable to him.
“After being injured and going to Walter Reed there were countless organizations always there and the very few I did anything with seemed, for a lack of a better term, a dog and pony show.”
Public recognition events and large displays of appreciation weren’t something Jake was looking for.
“Getting paraded through town and people lined up on the streets was always just too much and I never wanted some over the top special treatment.”
Because of those experiences, Jake typically avoided programs like this.
But this time, he decided to attend for his family.
“I decided to go out on a limb on account of my wife and child because they deserve the experience.”
What he discovered at the Travis Mills Foundation retreat was something completely different.
A Week That Felt Like Family
Instead of feeling like a public event or ceremony, the week at the Travis Mills Foundation felt natural and relaxed.
“TMF knocked it out of the park with the atmosphere and connection between families.”
Participants were free to engage in activities as much or as little as they wanted.
“You can do everything or nothing in the terms of planned activities. It’s literally like being at summer camp as a kid.”
Many days were spent enjoying simple moments together.
“Most days are filled with hanging out at the lake, cruising on the boat or watching the kids have a water balloon fight followed by a campfire just talking about life.”
The environment was welcoming, relaxed, and focused on creating meaningful connections.
“It is extremely relaxed and there are zero expectations of you from the TMF staff.”
For the Janes family, that atmosphere made the week especially meaningful.
Seeing the Experience Through His Daughter’s Eyes
One of the most powerful moments of the week came through Jake’s daughter, Avery.
Being around other recalibrated veterans and families gave her experiences she would never encounter back home.
At one point, Avery excitedly noticed something familiar.
“I heard my daughter yell on multiple occasions, ‘Dad, he has a leg just like you.’”
For a three-year-old growing up in small-town Wisconsin, the experience opened a new world of understanding and connection.
“It was truly awesome to see my daughter get to interact with other people with similar situations and hang out with other kids whose families have similar situations that she’s not going to experience in small town Wisconsin.”
The other children at the retreat quickly embraced Avery.
“The other kids there also really took my daughter under their wing as if she was a little sister.”
They included her in activities, games, and adventures throughout the week.
“They were constantly including her in everything they were doing.”
For Jake and Melina, watching that unfold became a moment of growth as parents.
“We as parents actually grew quite a bit by letting her go off on her own and doing things with them and us not tagging along being ‘helicopter parents.’”
A Week to Reset and Reconnect
The retreat provided something simple but powerful for the Janes family.
Time to relax.
Time to reconnect.
And time to share experiences with other families who understood the journey of military service and life afterward.
“It truly was a great refreshing, relaxing experience for my whole family.”
Learn More About the HHERO Program
The HHERO Program at the Travis Mills Foundation provides recalibrated veterans and their families with the opportunity to step away from everyday life and reconnect through adaptive recreation, community, and shared experiences.
Families spend a week together in Maine enjoying outdoor activities, relaxation, and time with others who understand the unique challenges and strengths of military life.
2026 HHERO Program Eligibility
To attend the HHERO Program, participants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must have served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces after September 11, 2001
- Must have a 100% VA disability rating, and/or a permanent physical disability including:
- Amputation or limb loss
- Spinal cord injury (SCI)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Amputation or limb loss
- Prior Warrior PATHH participants (veterans or first responders) are also eligible
Applicants must provide documentation such as:
- VA Rating Decision and/or Service Verification Letter
- For prior Warrior PATHH participants: a photo of your PATHH coin or screenshot of the PATHH app
Additional requirements:
- Participants and/or family members must be medically stable to participate in adaptive recreation, or attend with a caregiver.
Participants must agree to follow retreat rules promoting respect, safety, and inclusivity.
Apply for the HHERO Program
If you’re a recalibrated veteran or family member interested in experiencing the HHERO program, you can learn more and apply through the Travis Mills Foundation. Learn more and apply here!