My Nonprofit Reviews

Prior to my first TMF retreat I was isolated, over medicated, sleep deprived, and just existing through life but not really living. I had attended another veterans retreat not through Travis mills foundation in the early 2000’s. It was more of an intensive family/ ptsd focused retreat and was a bit too intense for my liking. Unfortunately it left me not wanting to attend other non profit retreats. Luckily for me my mother attended at Travis mills caregiver retreat around 2018. She returned from her trip only singing praises to the quality and overall positive experience from the TMF volunteers and retreat center. She was able to talk me into a winter retreat shortly after her return. I read so many positive online reviews that it gave me the confidence to attend. To say that I was blown away by my experience would be a massive understatement. From the moment I landed in Maine an overall since of calm took over me. From the compassion and friendliness of the volunteers who picks you up at the airport to the volunteer staff on sight. Everyone made sure I was comfortable and enjoying my stay from the moment I arrived. The experiences of ice fishing, dog sledding, swimming in the new wellness center, the excellent food, the wonderful and friendly staff really showed me people want to make a difference for our disabled veterans. Since attending I’ve gone on the Atlanta aquarium retreat, summer retreat, and plane pool event. Every time I attend I’m left in shock because the quality just improves. It’s hard to imagine a place that can improve from overall excellence, but that’s TMF. The friends, experiences, and connections I’ve made in the past 5 years have changed my life in truly profound ways. Now I find myself counting down the months between visits. I wish I could verbalize the overall welcoming and calming atmosphere that TMF provides to all their guests. I show up for the retreats stressed, tired, overwhelmed, and needing to take a break. By the time I leave I feel fully recharged and ready to take on life. I hope all our disabled veterans get a chance to visit TMF!

I’ve had some of the best experiences in my life at Travis mills! Just over 3 years ago was my first trip. I still recall the terrible condition i was in at the time. I barely slept, was on countless medication and did not trust people. I only went on the retreat because of the outstanding reviews from other veterans. I still recall the kindness and compassion of all the volunteers that helped me take those vital first steps in my recovery. Everyone was willing to listen to me talk about my challenges, offer words of encouragement and support, as well as providing a peaceful calming environment that i so desperately needed. To say that the Travis mills retreat played a major role in my recovery is a understatement. I’ve been so blessed to have had the opportunity of multiple retreats. I continue to look forward to future events and hope everyone at TMF knows how much they helped me in my recovery. Sincerely Joe Collins.