Bringing
' Retreat , Relax
Remember ' and
Veterans Outpost works to soothe those who served
Veteran LIFE D WORDS BY TRAVIS HAIRGROVE
“ peace to the war that rages within .”
That is one of the mottos of Veterans Outpost , a 50-acre retreat located just east of Greenville where military veterans , current military and first-responders can enjoy various forms of outdoor recreation .
Originating in Lindale , Texas , the outpost had its official launch in Greenville in November 2021 . The Christian faith-based organization is dedicated to supporting veterans in a natural setting who may suffer from PTSD , depression , stress or other challenges .
“ This started back in 2016 , when my wife and I started hosting parties on a 17-acre piece of property we had , where we ' d have 20 to 30 people show up with their four wheelers and dirt bikes , and we ' d barbeque ,” said Veterans Outpost founder David Thompson . “ A lot of the guys who would come were veterans , and by the third or fourth party , a lot of them really started to bond together .”
“ Sometime after one of the parties , a suicide note that had been written by one of the guys was found ,” Thompson explained . “ He had intended on having one last party , then driving his bike off of a bridge , but after that night he decided not to take his life .”
“ That ' s basically what this all stemmed from .”
While the physical development of the retreat is still a work in progress , it has already proved to be a popular place for veterans to take some time to relax . “ Right now , we already get calls from vets wanting to come out to camp or fish ,” Thompson said . “ We also get a lot of people who just want to do some ' tractor or skid steer therapy ' and drive around . They ' ll do that for a bit , and when they ' re done they ' ll say , ' I ' m good now . Thank you .'” “ Sometimes , that ' s all they want .” In addition to camping and fishing , the outpost also currently has horses for equine therapy and a herd of miniature cattle for bovine therapy .
SUMMER 2022 27 GREENVILE LIFE