OUR Mission

MISSION

Veteran Overland is a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on increasing RESILIENCE within the Veteran community through the proven healing power of CONNECTION, the positive impact of the OUTDOORS, and the need for post-service skill building through OVERLANDING.

PARALLELS OF OVERLANDING AND MILITARY SERVICE

Community - Skill Building - Gear - Adventure - Resilience

V/O Effort PILLARS

CONNECTION

Veterans need Veterans and to connect with like minded individuals. Veterans also need the support of civilian supporters, otherwise we’d be alone.

The power of connection gives a reason to come outside, to send a text, to pick up the phone, to stay alive.

In some cases the power of connection is more effective than therapy or prescription drugs.

OUTDOORS

The natural healing power of the outdoors has been proven to be an effective solution to mental health of all levels.

Documented advantages of outdoors and health include lower blood pressure, reduced stress, improved mood, improved focus.

In addition, “H.R.2435 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans to report on and make recommendations regarding the use of public lands or other outdoor spaces for medical treatment and therapy for veterans”.

OVERLANDING

The experience and platform to bring it all together.

The skills learned and maintained while deployed; first aid, technical vehicle recovery, trip preparation are the very things Veterans are missing from military service, and in some cases missing from their life. Overlanding, combined with an avenue to connect with their families and other Veterans make this a well suited activity for Veterans.

RESILIENCE

Resilience is the step before suicide prevention.

Psychologists define resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress.

Proven ways to build resilience include prioritizing relationships, joining a social group, practice mindfulness, avoid negative outlets, help others, maintain a hopefull outlook (American Psychological Association).