While the Travis Mills Foundation Veteran Retreat property in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine offers never-ending activities for post-9/11 recalibrated veterans and families, we also host Off-Site Programming in an effort to reach more participants.
To expand our offerings beyond our Maine retreat, we have cultivated nationwide partnerships that provide unforgettable experiences for our veterans. For instance, we host quarterly trips to the aquarium in Atlanta, where veterans can snorkel alongside whale sharks and other gentle giants of the sea. Additionally, we provide funding so families can enjoy off-site adventures—such as adaptive skiing and other accessible activities—with their recalibrated service members. Our programming is further enriched by local community dinners and collaborative events with allied organizations.
The Foundation, in partnership with the Georgia Aquarium, brings recalibrated veterans quarterly to swim in its “Journey with Gentle Giants” experience. Swimmers glide along with enormous whale sharks, manta rays, a sea turtle and thousands of other underwater creatures in the Ocean Voyager Exhibit.
The weightlessness that water offers is a relief for many of our recalibrated veteran participants, especially amputees. The veteran’s family also gets to tour the aquarium and watch on in excitement as their loved one takes part in this opportunity.
What is the Off-Site Program?
The Travis Mills Foundation has partnered with the Georgia Aquarium to take post-9/11 recalibrated veterans on this trip since May 2021 and it continues to be an inspiring experience.
The Foundation also hosts dinners and events based on the location of participants and Signature Events held by the Foundation.
Since 2022, TMF participants have enjoyed being part of the Never Give Up On Country benefit concerts in Ocala, Florida, featuring some of yesterday and today’s favorites among country musicians.
Group dinners are a cherished off-site activity hosted by the Foundation during each programming season. These gatherings provide veterans and their families with a valuable opportunity to build connections and foster a sense of community within their local networks.
