As we approach the end of the quarter, the Operation TBI Freedom team remains strong and in good spirits. The excellent weather hanging around has kept our energy high, and we’re not quite ready to hunker down just yet. With just a few more outings and special events on the horizon, the team remains fully engaged.
Day to day, our staff have been balancing the demands of case management while also leaning into the planning and execution of outings and events that bring our veterans together. You’ll see many of these highlights throughout this newsletter. Each activity, whether a community partnership event, recreational outing, or one-on-one support effort, reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to caring for our veterans and their families.
In short, morale remains steady, the pace is strong, and the team remains focused on closing out the season with a lasting impact.
Team Morale & Momentum
Past Quarter's Highlight
A New Beginning for Sergeant Travis Blackman
Operation TBI Freedom is proud to celebrate Sergeant Travis Blackman, who recently received the keys to his new adaptive home in the Percheron community of Colorado Springs. This moment was months in the making and came to life through the dedication of his case manager, Tim Patrick, who nominated Travis and worked behind the scenes with Helping A Hero and community partners Bass Pro Shops, Lennar, and Norwood Development. Making Travis’ dream a reality would not have been possible without the extraordinary support of Bass Pro Shops’ Founder, Johnny Morris.
Additionally, Lennar Homes has joined the effort and committed to building 10 homes for Helping A Hero as part of the 100 Homes Challenge, with homes planned in Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Colorado—and more on the horizon. His generosity and vision have ignited a movement to provide homes tailored to the unique needs of our heroes, ensuring they can live with dignity and independence. We weren't just cutting a ribbon, but celebrating what happens when a paratrooper, a case manager, and a community refuse to leave a fellow veteran behind.
Travis, a former 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper and Afghanistan veteran, was paralyzed after his discharge but has never lost his spirit or devotion to his children. His new home gives him back the independence to be the father he wants to be and the freedom he earned through service. On that day, we didn’t just welcome a family home, we honored a promise and proved what’s possible when commitment meets compassion.
Past Quarter's Highlight Cont.
Honoring the Journey: Operation TBI Freedom’s Second Annual Alumni Induction
Ceremony
Operation TBI Freedom proudly hosted its second annual Alumni Induction Ceremony, a powerful celebration honoring 13 extraordinary former clients whose journeys reflect resilience, perseverance, and hope. This gathering was far more than an event; it marked another milestone in recognizing the courage of brain injury survivors who continue to inspire our mission and our community.
This meaningful afternoon was thoughtfully planned, coordinated, and led by MSS Mik Spillane, whose leadership and attention to detail ensured the ceremony was carried out with purpose and heart. The event was made possible through the generous support of Weifield Group Electrical Contracting, who sponsored the entire occasion. Lunch was catered by Famous Dave’s BBQ, and each alumnus and alumna received a token of appreciation in recognition of their journey and continued connection to Operation TBI Freedom.
As each inductee was recognized, the room was filled with admiration, unity, and gratitude— not just for the veterans we serve, but for the unwavering dedication of the Operation TBI Freedom team. Events like this don’t come together by accident; they happen because our staff brings passion to the mission, passion for veterans, passion for purpose, and a commitment to ensuring that every milestone is honored with meaning. This ceremony will be remembered as a celebration of courage, healing, and community, proving that the impact of Operation TBI Freedom extends long beyond the program itself.
Past Quarter's Highlight Cont.
Operation TBI Freedom Stands with Community Partners for Patriots Day 2025
Operation TBI Freedom was honored to join Mt. Carmel and more than 35 community partners in this year’s Patriots Day event, an annual tradition that continues to grow in impact and purpose. Outreach efforts like this are a powerful reminder that when veteranserving organizations unite, the outcomes for service members, veterans, and their families are always stronger.
This year’s event was a resounding success and marked the largest Patriots Day turnout in Mt. Carmel’s 10-year history. Together with fellow partners, volunteers, and supporters, we helped distribute 400 food kits to 272 vehicles, directly supporting 1,021 individuals across military, veteran, first responder, and civilian households. More than 100 non–Mt. Carmel volunteers stepped up to serve, showcasing the unity and compassion that define our community.
From the pre-event food box packing to what many called the best opening ceremony to date, Patriots Day 2025 reflected the very best of collaboration. Operation TBI Freedom is grateful for the continued invitation from our friends at Mt. Carmel and looks forward to supporting this event each year. When we stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners, we reinforce the shared mission of ensuring no service member, veteran, or family is left without support.
Big success, and an even bigger testament to what partnership makes possible.
Past Quarter's Highlight Cont.
Women Veterans Find Connection and Strength in the Mountains
Operation TBI Freedom proudly partnered with the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) to host a transformative women veterans retreat in Breckenridge, CO. Military Support Specialist Renee Miller planned, coordinated, and helped facilitate this impactful event, ensuring the experience was meaningful from start to finish. Set against the backdrop of the Rockies, the retreat provided the perfect environment for connection, rest, and renewal among those who have worn the uniform and continue to carry the weight of service.
A night out for dinner sparked laughter and camaraderie, while campfire chats provided a safe space to share stories and talk openly about the unique challenges they face as women veterans. What unfolded over the course of the retreat was more than a weekend away, it was a celebration of strength, sisterhood, and resilience.
Each woman left with a renewed sense of purpose and new friendships that will last beyond the retreat, forming a supportive network for the journey ahead. This gathering honored their service and courage, marking the beginning of many more connections and conversations to come.
Peer Support Groups:
Peer Support That Heals: A Look Back at This Quarter’s TBI Peer Groups
This quarter, Operation TBI Freedom’s peer support groups, led with dedication and heart by Military Support Specialist John Lenz, continued to be a lifeline for veterans and service members living with traumatic brain injury. These aren’t just gatherings, they are trusted spaces where the weight of TBI is understood, and no one has to explain why the struggle is real.
Under John’s leadership, participants have found room to speak openly, share victories and setbacks, and lean on one another without judgment. The groups have remained focused, empowering, and authentic, offering a connection that many participants say they can’t find anywhere else.
John also facilitated meaningful discussions on TBI Warrior – Real Talk, giving veterans the opportunity to speak candidly about the realities of living with brain injury. Through shared experience, practical strategies, and mutual respect, these sessions continue to build community, confidence, and hope among those who attend.
Operation TBI Freedom is proud of the consistency, compassion, and leadership John brings to this vital part of our mission.
TBI Education Classes:
Knowledge is Power: TBI Education at Operation TBI Freedom
This quarter, Operation TBI Freedom continued its commitment to education through a series of TBI-focused sessions for veterans and service members. Military Support Specialist Tim Patrick led the planning, coordination, and facilitation, ensuring each class was meaningful and accessible.
Tim brought in facilitators for discussions on three important topics: “The Lone Wolf Doesn’t Make It: Veteran Isolation,” “Recovery Through Recreation,” and “TBI and Anxiety: Is It All In My Head?” These sessions offered space for honest dialogue and practical learning while helping veterans better advocate for themselves by understanding their symptoms and needs.
For many participants, TBI education is a turning point. Gaining clarity about how brain injury affects memory, mood, and daily functioning often reduces frustration and builds confidence. These classes also foster connection and communication with loved ones and care providers.
We extend sincere appreciation to Tim for his leadership and dedication. His efforts continue to strengthen our community, one class at a time.
Empowering Through Recreation: Enhancing Lives of Veterans and Service Members with TBI
Participation is a key outcome in any post-acute TBI program, and at Operation TBI Freedom, we take that responsibility seriously. The recreational and therapeutic activities we offer provide more than a break from routine; they create a safe space for veterans and their families to engage in experiences they may not have otherwise pursued. Sometimes the best medicine isn’t found in a brick-and-mortar clinic or hospital, but instead outdoors in good company.
These activities foster connection, movement, and a sense of purpose. They encourage mobility, stimulate cognition, and build confidence while easing isolation and reminding participants they’re not alone in their journey.
Much of this impact is made possible through the compassion and dedication of people like MSS Renee Miller. Her efforts help ensure our veterans and their families have meaningful opportunities to heal, connect, and thrive beyond the walls of traditional care.
MSS of the Quarter:
***Renee Miller***
Please join us in congratulating Renee Miller on being named Operation TBI Freedom’s Military Support Specialist (MSS) of the Quarter!
Renee has gone above and beyond in every facet of her role. Alongside the already demanding requirements of case management, she took on the planning, coordination, and facilitation of all Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) events throughout the summer, executing each trip safely, smoothly, and with her signature positive spirit. Every outing she led reflected care, preparation, and genuine enthusiasm for the veterans and families we serve.
When a fellow case manager departed, Renee didn’t hesitate to step in and lead our women’s peer support groups, ensuring these services continued without disruption. She also managed every detail of our outings with River Deep, strengthening our partnership and creating meaningful experiences that build connection, confidence, and community.
Renee exemplifies the heart, professionalism, and grit of an Operation TBI Freedom MSS. Her quiet strength, can-do attitude, and steady reliability make her not only a trusted teammate but a driving force behind our program’s continued success. Her work this quarter didn’t just fill gaps; she elevated the standard.
We also want to recognize and congratulate Renee on her recent honorable discharge from the United States Army. Thank you for your service to a very grateful nation, Renee!
We are proud to recognize her leadership, compassion, and moxie, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have her on the team.
OTF’s Vet of the Quarter:
SSG Gregory Hendricks (Nominated by MSS Jonathan Woo)
SSG Gregory Hendricks embodies the quiet strength, perseverance, and purpose that define our veteran community. An 11B Infantryman with more than a decade of service and still actively serving, he continues to lead with focus, resilience, and humility.
A Purple Heart recipient, SSG Hendricks carries the weight of sacrifice with dignity and intention. While navigating a demanding schedule of medical appointments, he has remained a steadfast provider and source of support for his family in Arizona, ensuring their needs are met despite the miles between them.
Amid these responsibilities and challenges, he reached a remarkable milestone: earning his master’s degree in finance. This accomplishment is more than an academic achievement; it reflects his discipline, perseverance, and deeply rooted sense of responsibility.
SSG Hendricks reminds us that strength doesn’t always announce itself. Often, it’s found in quiet persistence the resolve to show up, press forward, and choose purpose over circumstance.
We are honored to recognize SSG Gregory Hendricks as our Veteran of the Quarter, not only for what he has accomplished but for the grit and grace with which he continues to serve and lead.
Thank you, SSG Gregory Hendricks, 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.
