Thursday, Sep. 02, 2010

Soldier founds organization to help wounded warriors

The idea for Freedom Outdoor Adventures was a gradual one. When SSG Brandon Moak returned from Iraq with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, he spent time in “what I call God’s gift of natural therapy” — hunting in the great outdoors, he said.

“My inspiration was just the feeling of relaxation, the feeling of peacefulness. It helped me calm down. I wasn’t stressed,” said the south Texas native. “So I started taking some guys from the WTB. There are a lot of these veterans who come back and don’t have anything to turn to. They feel like they’re alone. I look at (outdoor activities) as a form of rehabilitative therapy.

Realizing he’d found something, Moak launched Freedom Outdoor Adventures in April 2009.

The nonprofit organization has helped 30 Fort Benning Soldiers, many from the Warrior Transition Battalion, go on “dream” hunting trips in 10 states, including New York, Kentucky and Missouri.

Moak said he’s seen some success, besides his own. A few Soldiers have been able to discontinue use of their anxiety medications during the outings. Others have given him positive feedback.

“They have something to look forward to,” said Moak, Education NCOIC with MEDDAC. “It’s just a way for these guys to forget about all their hassles, just step away from the stress of everyday life.”

The program is open to all service members, including those who have physical or mental injuries, and family members, veterans and disabled military children.

“It’s 100 percent free. All they have to do is show up; we’ll take care of the rest. We’re trying to make it their weekend. It’s all about them; it’s not about us,” Moak said. “It’s not just a one time thing. I don’t just take them. We constantly keep in contact.”

Besides providing any necessarily gear and travel expenses, Moak makes sure attendees have the opportunity to remember their trip by providing a video of the event and even mounted trophies.

That’s where SGT Brad Ingram, Warrior Transition Battalion, got his mounted pheasant, which he proudly displays in his home.

Ingram was one of three Soldiers who attended one of the first hunting trips with Freedom Outdoor Adventures in October 2009. It was a weeklong pheasant hunt in North Dakota.

“I loved it. It was awesome,” said Ingram, who heard about the opportunity through his chain of command.

“Nothing can compare to that week we were there. We had the time of our lives.”

Ingram suffered a severe shoulder injury during his most recent deployment in 2009. He has also struggled with traumatic brain injury, PTSD and lower back pain.

During the trip, he said he felt relaxed and hardly noticed the physical pain.

“When you’re out there, you don’t think about the pain,” he said. “Your mind’s clear. You’re one with nature. It’s serene and quiet. You have no stress, no anything. Hunting is my escape. It’s just me and the outdoors.”

Ingram encourages others to get behind Freedom Outdoor Adventures by supporting the program, which in turn supports the military.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s one of the greatest organizations I can say I was glad I was a part of,” he said. “I just want to thank Brandon for everything he’s done for us, the wounded warriors. He’s making a difference for a lot of people.”

To find out more about the program, visit www.myfreedomoutdoors.org.

People who want to get involved helping wounded warriors in the Fort Benning area can support Freedom Outdoor Adventures by attending one of their upcoming fundraisers:

Freedom Outdoors Golf Outing • 4 Man Best Ball Scramble • Sept. 7 at Maple Ridge Golf Club, Columbus • Registration available in the morning or at 1:30 p.m. • $100 per player • Includes 18 holes, golf cart rental, lunch, drinks, Mulligans, contests, prizes • 706-718-6641 or 706-593-2938

Freedom Festival

• Sept. 11 at Alaga Plantation near Richland, Ga. • Opening acts 3 p.m. • Josh Gracin 6:30 p.m. • Colt Ford 8:30 p.m. • $35 for ages 13 and older • $10 for ages 6-12 • Food and Freedom Outdoor Adventures merchandise available for purchase