Despite the cold and wet weather, the day was worth braving. The staff had the honor of participating in the wreath-laying ceremony at Pike’s Peak National Cemetery this past Memorial Day. Each of us laid a wreath representing a branch of our Armed Forces, a humbling tribute to those who served. It was powerful to stand united with our military and veteran community, honoring a cause greater than ourselves
A particularly special moment was visiting the gravesite of our fallen hero, Mike Bonomo. As we paused at his resting place for a quiet moment of reflection, it served as a powerful reminder of the personal connections we hold to this mission. Mike's legacy continues to inspire the work we do each day in support of veterans living with traumatic brain injury.
We are grateful to be part of this sacred mission and to have shared in such a meaningful day of remembrance.
Past Quarter's Highlight
More Than Sport: A Day of Purpose and Connection
What an incredible day it was at Kiowa Creek Sporting Club! We had an absolute blast clay shooting, surrounded by great people, a powerful purpose, and unforgettable moments.
A huge thank you to Belair Site Work Services for sponsoring the event in support of Operation TBI Freedom. Together, we raised $50,000, funds that will directly support our veterans living with traumatic brain injury.
That day was about more than just sport. It fostered connection, sparked healing, and inspired hope.
The funds raised will help ensure that veterans and service members living with the invisible wounds of TBI receive the long-term, individualized support they deserve, from case management and peer support groups to critical resources that promote stability and recovery. Every shot fired and every dollar raised brought us one step closer to empowering those who have sacrificed so much.
We are truly grateful for the memories made, the generosity shared, and the mission we continue to serve.
Here’s to community, camaraderie, and the cause that brings us together!
Past Quarter's Highlight Cont.
United for Healing: Operation TBI Freedom at the Care Fair
It was an honor for Operation TBI Freedom to participate in the Air Force Wounded Warrior Care Fair. The event brought together a powerful network of support service members, veterans, families, and care professionals united by a shared commitment to the well-being of the nation’s wounded warriors.
Throughout the evening, we had the opportunity to connect with incredible individuals whose resilience and determination remind us why our mission matters. It was inspiring to witness the strength of the community as organizations, caregivers, and warriors stood side by side, sharing stories, resources, and encouragement with one another.
Events like this underscore an essential truth: healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires connection, compassion, and a community that is committed to walking alongside each warrior on their path forward. We’re proud to be part of that community and remain dedicated to ensuring no veteran or service member has to face recovery alone.
Past Quarter's Highlight Cont.
A Dream in the Making: Travis Blackman's Journey to a New Home Continues
Operation TBI Freedom is proud to stand beside our veterans as they work toward a better quality of life. One such veteran, Travis Blackman who lives with a traumatic brain injury and paraplegia recently reached a major milestone. While receiving care at the Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center, Travis was present for a formal groundbreaking ceremony held in his honor for a specially adapted home that will soon be built for him and his family.
The event brought together Operation TBI Freedom, VA staff, Lennar Homes, Norwood Development, and representatives from Congressman Jason Crow’s office, all united in support of Travis and his journey.
This home is being made possible through the 100 Homes Challenge led by Helping A Hero, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing specially adapted housing for severely wounded veterans. The initiative is supported by the generosity of Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris and the commitment of Lennar Homes, who have pledged to build 10 homes as part of the challenge.
Travis’ case manager, Military Support Specialist Tim Patrick, worked closely with Helping A Hero’s Vicki Brentin to bring this project to life. The home, scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025, will offer Travis the accessibility and comfort he needs, providing his family with peace of mind and stability.
Together, we are building more than homes we are building hope.
Peer Support Groups:
Peer Support That Heals: A Look Back at This Quarter’s TBI Peer Groups
This past quarter, Operation TBI Freedom's peer support groups, led with heart and consistency by MSS John Lenz, have continued to provide a safe, welcoming space for veterans and service members living with traumatic brain injury. These gatherings are more than just meetups they are lifelines. For many who walk the challenging path of TBI, the ability to connect with others who truly get it makes a world of difference.
Peer support groups allow participants to share their stories without judgment, exchange strategies for coping and healing, and build friendships rooted in trust and mutual respect. Under John’s leadership, the groups this quarter have stayed focused, empowering, and authentic.
We’d like to give a big thank you to Palace Construction for sponsoring our June group with some much-appreciated pizza, because nothing brings people together quite like good food. And yes, in case you're wondering, Dorothy the Dinosaur even made a surprise cameo that brought smiles all around (see photo for proof!).
Here's to the continued power of peer support and the community that keeps it strong.
TBI Education Classes:
Knowledge is Power: TBI Education at Operation TBI Freedom
This past quarter, Operation TBI Freedom proudly hosted a series of TBI education sessions designed to empower our veterans and service members living with traumatic brain injury. These sessions were facilitated and coordinated by MSS Tim Patrick, whose dedication ensured every class ran smoothly and met the unique needs of our community.
TBI education plays a crucial role in the recovery journey. For many, it’s the first time they gain a clearer understanding of how brain injury affects memory, mood, concentration, and day-to-day functioning. These sessions help clarify what’s happening internally, offering knowledge that often leads to greater self-awareness, reduced frustration, and a renewed sense of hope.
Thanks to Tim’s coordination efforts, we were able to bring in subject matter experts who delivered meaningful, accessible information in a supportive environment. Whether it was learning new coping strategies or simply finding comfort in shared experiences, our veterans walked away with tools to help them navigate life after TBI.
A heartfelt thank you to Tim for his leadership behind the scenes and for helping make these sessions possible. Because of efforts like his, our community continues to grow stronger and more informed one class at a time.
Recreational Outings
Healing Through Connection
Recreational Outings
Healing Through Connection Cont.
This past quarter, Operation TBI Freedom hosted a series of powerful outings in partnership with the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) and River Deep Foundation, offering veterans and their families meaningful opportunities to connect, heal, and grow.
One of the standout events was a multi-day family camping trip with BOEC, where participants unplugged from daily stress and immersed themselves in nature. With accessible activities, teambuilding opportunities, and time around the campfire, veterans and their loved ones shared experiences that helped strengthen family bonds and promote resilience. Family involvement is vital because TBI and PTSD don’t just affect individuals; they impact the entire household.
Thanks to strong leadership and thoughtful coordination from MSS Renee Miller, who oversaw logistics and facilitation, these outings ran smoothly and with intentional design. Her ability to create inclusive, well-organized environments ensured that every participant felt supported and welcomed.
Operation TBI Freedom also partnered with River Deep to offer several more memorable outings, ranging from fly fishing to art and equine experiences. These events created a safe space for veterans to reconnect with themselves and one another, rediscover joy, and build community through shared experiences.
Participation is a key outcome in any post-acute TBI program. These outings are more than recreational—they serve as critical steps toward rebuilding confidence, purpose, and identity.
While TBI and PTSD are medical conditions, they often bring social consequences: isolation, disconnection, and a loss of community. That’s why social solutions like these outings are so effective. They foster a sense of belonging, reduce stigma, and remind veterans that they are not alone on their journey.
We are grateful to BOEC, River Deep, and all the team members—including MSS Renee Miller—for making these experiences possible. These outings prove that sometimes, the most impactful healing happens not in a clinic, but in the great outdoors, surrounded by community and understanding.
MSS of the Quarter:
***Mik Spillane***
Please join us in congratulating Mik Spillane on being named Operation TBI Freedom’s Military Support Specialist (MSS) of the Quarter!
Simply put, Mik has been our team’s utility player, hands down. He wears multiple hats and wears them all well. As our Eligibility Specialist, Mik plays a critical role by conducting thorough initial intakes and administering the MPAI4 and SWLS outcomes assessments, which help case managers shape meaningful, individualized care plans for each veteran and service member we serve.
But Mik’s impact goes far beyond eligibility. He is truly the unsung hero in his operations role (another hat he wears), supporting and sustaining nearly every aspect of our program from admin to logistics. He has done a phenomenal job collaborating with Craig Hospital’s Quality Management team to manage our data systems. This Herculean task has resulted in a reliable and accurate data dashboard that we now depend on for making critical decisions, and he’s always finding ways to improve upon it he is the team's information manager.
And he doesn’t stop there. Mik is the kind of teammate who shows up for outings and fundraisers, spending time with clients and building community. Amid recent staffing transitions, he has also stepped up to manage a full caseload all while continuing to juggle his other responsibilities with grace and a great attitude.
In addition to all of this, Mik is currently studying to become a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) through the Brain Injury Association of America yet another testament to his dedication to professional growth and his unwavering commitment to those we serve.
Mik is the ultimate team player, always willing to jump in, lend a hand, and support both his peers and the Program Coordinator, all with a glad heart.
Mik, you are an absolute gem to this team. Thank you for everything you do. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
OTF’s Vet of the Quarter:
SGT Joshaua Coleman-Domanoski
SGT Joshaua Coleman-Domanoski served in the U.S. Army from July 2007 to November 2012 as an 88M Motor Transport Operator. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2009–2010) and earned several honors, including the Parachutist Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge. One of his proudest roles was serving as a squad leader, where his leadership and mentorship shone
Joshaua lives life fully spending time with his children, parents, and service dog-in-training, and enjoying fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. He recently returned from his second Yellowstone trip with Will’s Hope Outdoor Immersion, this time serving as an aid to the group leaders.
Joshaua continues to meet his goals with determination and grace. He’s a model client and an inspiration to us all. Congratulations, Josh we’re proud to stand beside you on this journey!
Thank you, Joshaua, for your service and dedication to making a difference!
Gratitude and Unity: Closing Another Successful Chapter at Operation TBI Freedom
As we close the chapter on another successful quarter here at Operation TBI Freedom, we find ourselves overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support from our private donors and the invaluable contributions from our esteemed community partners. Together, we stand as a beacon of hope and healing for our veterans, service members, and their families who are navigating the challenges of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
We extend our sincerest appreciation to our private donors for your continued generosity. Your support fuels our mission and enables us to provide essential services, resources, and programs to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Your commitment to our cause strengthens our resolve and amplifies our impact, ensuring that no TBI-affected veteran or service member is left behind.
Additionally, we are immensely grateful for the collaboration and camaraderie of our close community partners. Your dedication and passion for serving our military community enrich our programs and enhance our quality of care. Together, we form a formidable alliance in the joint fight to support and empower those living with TBI, fostering a network of compassion and resilience that transcends boundaries.
As we bid farewell to this quarter's newsletter, we eagerly anticipate the unfolding chapters of our journey ahead. To our supporters, partners, and beneficiaries, we extend our heartfelt thanks and encourage you to stay tuned for more updates, stories of inspiration, and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our heroes.
Until next quarter, let us continue to stand together, united in our mission to honor, heal, and empower those who have served. Together, we can make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of our veterans, service members, and their families.
