OUR MISSION

Provide ALL Combat Vets and their families education, training and skills in a relaxed rural setting that elevate their

ability to manage life experiences.

OUR GOAL

• Immediate – Serve ALL Combat Vets with focus on OIF/OEF.

• Long term - Become a national leader.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Bruce Billington – US Navy Veteran, PNH Founder and current Board Chair.

• PDG Dale Johansen– Vietnam Vet, Board Treasurer, 5M9 Cabinet Treasurer, 5M9 Project New Hope Chair.

• Jeff Hall– MSW, LCSW, Major (Ret) serves as the Northern Tier Returning Veterans Outreach Program Coordinator. PNH lead counselor.

• Legal council –

• TBD

Executive Board

Board• Georgann Rumsey – Friendship Ventures.• Lion Evie Ladd - PNH Children's Activities

Coordinator.• Mike Mills – Wounded Iraqi Vet, creator of

www.fortheveteran.com.• Reggie Worlds – MN VA Director of Veterans

Programs.• Margaret Vessel – Former Senior Policy

Advisor for Gov. Timothy Pawlenty.• PCC Bert Nelson• Jerry Braam – Owner, AJB Outdoors

Arrive Friday around 1600, Lions help check-in and all other aspects

Dinner around 1800

Quick session for adultsfollowing dinner

Allows counselors toidentify their audience

Children are entertainedduring the Friday session.

After session, activities for allretreat goers takes place

Saturday – two to three sessions occur. Sessions are based on

group need.

Afternoon free time for the families

One-on-ones between Vetsand/or families are available

during the free time.

“Camp fire sessions”Some of the retreats best work

takes place around the campfire.

Sunday Activities – One session in the morning followed by time to

reflect on the weekend’s activities.

The entire family is involved.

Youth activities, sessions, and counselors are available.

Daycare provided as necessary

Past participants come back and volunteer at retreats.

Camps that we use

Eden Wood Center

Camp New Hope

Camp Friendship

OIF/OEF Vet Retreat Participant Comments Following a Retreat

“Everybody has theirown challenges

With reintegration,But it's good to know/see/feel

That it is normal.”

“Everyone there wasabsolutely wonderfulAnd has pulled our

family from thebrink of destruction.”

Vietnam Vet Retreat Participant Comments Following a Retreat

“What was really heartwarming to me

was that there are still some people who

really do care.”

“It is without a doubtThe most rewarding & helpful session I have

ever attended.”

“If this would have beenavailable to me 15

years ago, things wouldhave been different.”

Everyday Hero’s