Wounded Veteran Builds a Refuge for Comrades in Arms
Severely wounded by an improvised explosive device during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills made an incredible recovery to become one of only five quadruple amputees in the war to survive his battle injuries.
Mills spent much of his recovery time at Walter Reed Hospital talking to fellow wounded soldiers and their families. He encouraged the soldiers to forge ahead with their recoveries, and soon earned the nickname “the Mayor” for his presence around the hospital.
After his release from Walter Reed, Mills started the nonprofit Travis Mills Foundation to assist wounded veterans. He set as his first goal building a retreat for veterans and their families. Mills envisioned the retreat as a beautiful, peaceful place where veterans with disabilities could enjoy outdoor activities with their families while continuing their recovery.
The foundation purchased lakeside property in Rome, Maine -- the former Elizabeth Arden property -- and is rehabilitating it into a camp that will be fully accessible for disabled veterans. They will be able to join their families in outdoor activities like boating, campfires, adaptive sports, yoga, fishing, swimming and ATV riding. Operation Hat Trick is one of the "angel" supporters of this project by donating money annually.
The idea for the retreat was based on Mills’ worries after he lost his arms and legs about being able to do things with his family. The retreat provides a refuge where they can do that among other veterans who understand their struggles.
“We’re going to have them come up, show them a great time and show they can still do things with their families,” he said while speaking to the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce near the retreat.
OHT Board member and volunteer Megg Thompson first encountered Mills while delivering hats to veterans at Walter Reed Hospital in 2012.
“His personality and sense of humor captivated me,” Thompson said. She and the board members listened to Mills’ vision of the retreat and grew increasingly excited. OHT made an initial donation to the project in 2013, a second in 2014 and a third in 2015.
"OHT is committed to helping Travis complete this project. We can think of no better way of making an impact on the veterans who will attend this 'camp' than to donate money and make a difference," said OHT Founder and President Dot Sheehan. “Wounded veterans from all over the country will come to Maine to do just what Travis hopes: have fun, spend time with family and friends and continue to recover. That fits exactly with OHT’s mission of raising awareness and support for the recovery of wounded veterans.”
