BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Travis Mills Foundation - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Travis Mills Foundation X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.travismillsfoundation.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Travis Mills Foundation REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260525T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260525T130000 DTSTAMP:20260403T170242 CREATED:20260306T180414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T155532Z UID:10400-1779699600-1779714000@www.travismillsfoundation.org SUMMARY:Miles for Mills Memorial Day Weekend 5K Walk/Race and 10K Run DESCRIPTION:Stuck in the Past Until PATHH Set Him Free: Justin’s PATHH Story\n \n \n \n \n Justin Dean Patterson served 21 years in the United States Army\, dedicating his career to protecting others and completing some of the military’s most demanding missions. Over the course of his service\, Justin held multiple roles including Cavalry Scout\, Blackhawk pilot\, and Apache pilot. Across those roles\, he deployed four times overseas\, spending a total of 44 months in combat zones. Two deployments were to Iraq as an enlisted soldier\, and two were to Afghanistan as an Army Aviator. Those deployments would shape the course of his life long after the missions ended. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Combat Experiences That Stay With You\n \n \n \n \n Justin’s first deployment in 2006 had a profound impact on him. The intensity of ground combat and the loss of fellow soldiers left lasting memories. “My first deployment in 2006 was very impactful. I lost a lot of friends on that tour and experienced a lot of ground combat. I did not expect to come home.” Experiences like these can change how veterans see the world and themselves. For Justin\, the weight of those memories followed him long after he returned home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Helicopter Crash That Changed Everything\n\n \n \n \n \n Justin’s final deployment in 2019 brought new challenges. By that time\, he was flying missions as an Army Aviator in Afghanistan\, operating in an extremely dangerous environment. During that deployment\, he survived a helicopter crash. “My last deployment in 2019 was impactful as well. I again didn’t expect to come home as the area I was flying was very dangerous and I experienced a helicopter crash during the deployment.” Returning to the cockpit afterward required courage and determination. “Flying after such a scary crash was also a difficult challenge.” The loss of friends and close calls reinforced a difficult truth. “Losing friends and realizing you can do everything right but it can still happen was challenging.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n When the Past Won’t Let Go\n\n \n \n \n \n After returning home\, Justin struggled to regain forward momentum. The memories of combat\, loss\, and survival kept pulling him back into the past. “I was stuck in my past and couldn’t find a way to get some momentum going for my life.” This experience is not uncommon among veterans and first responders who have spent years operating in high-stress environments. Fortunately\, Justin had a mentor who pointed him toward something that might help. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Discovering PATHH at the Travis Mills Foundation\n \n \n \n \n Justin’s mentor encouraged him to apply to PATHH at the Travis Mills Foundation. PATHH stands for Progressive & Alternative Training for Helping Heroes. It is a nonclinical program designed to help veterans and first responders build post-traumatic growth and rediscover purpose after trauma. The program includes: One week on-site in Maine90 days of virtual coaching and supportA community of fellow veterans and first respondersRather than focusing only on past trauma\, PATHH helps participants build the tools needed to move forward. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why PATHH Works for Veterans and First Responders\n \n \n \n \n One of the most unique aspects of PATHH is the people who guide it. The program is led by Guides who are veterans and first responders themselves. They have experienced their own struggles with trauma and growth\, allowing them to connect with participants in a meaningful way. This shared experience creates an environment of trust and understanding. Participants are surrounded by people who understand the culture of service and the challenges of transitioning back into everyday life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Realizing He Was Not Alone\n \n \n \n \n During the program\, Justin discovered something that many participants experience. He realized that the struggles he faced were not unique. “That I wasn’t alone. There are other people who have struggled.” He also learned that trauma can affect people in similar ways regardless of its source. “I learned that it doesn’t matter what the trauma is from\, the symptoms and the impact are universal.” More importantly\, Justin discovered that growth was possible. “Most importantly\, I learned that there are wellness practices and strategies to find growth.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Life-Changing Turning Point\n \n \n \n \n After completing the PATHH program\, Justin’s perspective on life changed dramatically. “My life has dramatically changed after attending PATHH. I am no longer a person who is stuck in the past. I stay in the present moment and plan for a great future.” The changes affected more than his mindset. His relationships also improved. “My relationships with myself\, family\, and friends has improved ten fold.” Reflecting on the experience\, Justin describes the transformation simply. “It was life changing. Simple as that. I was a diminished version of myself\, struggling to get by. Now I thrive and I have PATHH to thank for that.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Now Helping Other Veterans Find Freedom\n \n \n \n \n Today\, Justin has taken on a new mission. He serves as a PATHH Guide at the Travis Mills Foundation\, helping fellow veterans and first responders navigate their own path toward growth and healing. Because he has walked that path himself\, Justin understands the struggles participants face—and the transformation that is possible. His message for those considering PATHH is simple. “If you meet the eligibility requirements\, apply. You don’t have anything to lose and EVERYTHING to gain by attending.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Is the PATHH Program?\n \n \n \n \n The PATHH Program (Progressive & Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) at the Travis Mills Foundation helps veterans and first responders: Develop tools for post-traumatic growthBuild supportive peer connectionsReconnect with purpose and directionImprove relationships and emotional wellbeingParticipants attend one immersive week in Maine\, followed by 90 days of virtual support and coaching. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who Is PATHH For?\n \n \n \n \n PATHH is designed for: Military veteransFirst respondersIndividuals seeking post-traumatic growthThose ready to move forward from past trauma \n \n \n \n Take the First Step Toward Change\n \n \n \n \n If you’re a veteran or first responder searching for a new path forward\, PATHH may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. Learn more or apply here: https://www.travismillsfoundation.org/pathh/ URL:https://www.travismillsfoundation.org/event/miles-for-mills-memorial-day-weekend-5k-walk-race-and-10k-run/ LOCATION:TBD ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.travismillsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FredField.MFM_.TMF_.5191.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR