Maine Winter Expedition for Military Veterans

Hello! My name is Nelia. I’m here to ask for your help to support veterans' health and wellness!

I'm a US Navy Veteran (Retired) having served just over 20 years. As such, I am fully aware of many of the mental, emotional, and physical hardships our veterans face on a daily basis. Those hardships aren't always resolved, nor do they necessarily cease after their military time in service is up. More often than not, our veterans separate or retire with service-connected disabilities; Many of which are unable to be seen by the naked eye.

While I served on active duty, in addition to my regular required duties, I made it a priority to assume key positions and actively participate in many veteran support programs (i.e. Mentorship programs, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Suicide Awareness and Response, etc.). Now that I am retired, I am trying to find other ways to help support my fellow comrades in arms... and this is one... Team Red, White, and Blue (Team RWB).

Team RWB helps veterans to prioritize their well-being first. It exists to guide veterans through that journey with local, virtual, and event opportunities focused on building a healthier mental and physical lifestyle. A strong focus on self-care is critical to survival, progress, and a positive outlook on life. More often than not, veterans face many struggles with finding new purpose, adapting to civilian life, and keeping a positive mental attitude after finding themselves (what feels like) suddenly thrown into a completely different type of life. Many feel or become lost as they struggle with PTSD, lasting physical and mental pain and injuries, and permanent disabilities. Team RWB provides an avenue in which veterans are able to reignite that sense of direction, purpose, and camaraderie.

So, why am I raising funds?... Team RWB has begun a new type of program this year, 2024, by providing adventure challenge opportunities in which members of Team RWB are able to come together to complete challenges through extreme weather, mountainous terrain, heat, cold, etc, as a tool to regain self-confidence, strength, and a positive mental state-of-mind.

Lucky me! I have received the privilege of being selected as 1 of the 30 veterans to participate in the first of the challenges, “The Maine Winter Eagle Expedition” this February 2024 with "Team Red, White, and Blue"!!

I would LOVE to take part in this challenge so I may continue to show my direct support for my fellow veterans by trekking side-by-side with them through the freezing (single digits) Maine weather. I will be able to connect with fellow veterans, build camaraderie, and do my part in encouraging a healthy, positive mind-set, which is truly key in overcoming life's challenges, both in and out of the military. As we all know, life is a roller coaster. So we need to keep challenging ourselves to stay on top to keep our mental, emotional, and physical health in our favor. Not only for ourselves, but for our loved ones.

As I said, we will be freezing weather, trekking through the mountains of Maine, somewhere north of the Appalachian Trail. That said… I live in FLORIDA! Cold weather preparation and training for mountainous terrain is NOTHING like being there. All donations will go toward equipment and travel costs for me to participate in the challenge. Any remaining funds will be donated directly to Team RWB's Winter Eagle Expedition Campaign. Please see the links below if you are interested in obtaining more information or would like to donate to other participating veterans as well.

Thank you for your consideration in supporting my fundraising efforts to join Team Red, White & Blue on the Maine Winter Eagle Expedition. I am greatly looking forward to the challenge with over 30 other veterans and veteran supporters this winter. This opportunity is only possible with your contribution!!

Links:

- Team RWB Mission

https://teamrwb.org/mission

- Team RWB Maine Winter Eagle Expedition

https://teamrwb.org/winter-eagle-expedition

Thank you!!