Support Hometown Hero Outdoors on Saturday

Sometimes, serving our country or community comes at a price. For veterans and law enforcement, it can mean PTSD and anxiety and more.

To help, Hometown Hero Outdoors was formed five years ago. It started in Stillwater, and has grown to be in 26 states.

The non-profit provides free trips for service members, veterans, and law enforcement, so they can heal with an outdoor adventure.

Les Albert is a field staff representative for the organization. The marine veteran is from Illinois. He’s a former sheriff’s deputy and former firefighter as well. He told us he was watching videos involving those past work experiences when he found one from Hometown Hero Outdoors.

“I was dealing with depression, and anxiety, and the works. I was missing the work,” Albert told us.

After seeing the video, he did some research online about the organization, and found a trip to Lake of the Woods.

“Instantly, when you got there, it was open arms. We were all in the same boat. Same situation same problems. When you leave the military or law enforcement, you lose that camaraderie. Your buddies are your family. And instantly, on the trip, that was back,” Albert told us.

He went on a few more. And then he found a way to make this a part of his life.

“I started realizing this is my own therapy, helping other people, putting smile on their faces, talking about anything and everything. It was great,” Albert added.

To help bring more awareness about their group, he’s organized a fundraiser called Loyalty Day Celebration. It is Saturday, from 2-7pm, at the Sawmill. Enjoy food, music, raffles, a corn hole tournament and more.

For more information about the organization: https://hometownherooutdoors.org/