The Fallen Outdoors: Changing Lives Through Adventure
The Fallen Outdoors (TFO) began in 2009 in a remote outpost in Afghanistan and from there grew into a nationwide community with dedicated chapters in each region of the country. By organizing outdoor adventures for veterans of all ages and from all branches of the military, TFO aims to connect soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines with a community of like-minded individuals.
TFO understands the benefit of getting outdoors and having a strong support system of people who enjoy the same hobbies as you. At no cost to the veteran, outdoor excursions are planned and offered by TFO volunteers and funded by donations. This encompasses hunting and fishing trips—from whitetail and wild turkey to small game. Not only that, but any outdoor adventure is on the table—the local Virginia chapter in the past has found opportunities for blacksmithing trips, dolphin cruises and essentially any activity you can imagine.
TFO’s pro-staff are diligent when it comes to securing new land, equipment, vehicles and excursions for the community they serve. In Virginia, TFO recently acquired roughly 166 acres of land near Fort Pickett. The lease, construction materials, and manpower to make the land accessible was all provided by donations and volunteers. This past weekend, the Virginia TFO team set to work clearing shooting lanes and creating elevated wheelchair trails for participants to utilize their recently donated Trackchair. Wheelchair accessible trails at the Virginia TFO property will be suited for whitetail deer and turkey hunting. But the TFO team hopes to create enough trails for the hunting of small game and enjoying the surrounding woods as well. The Virginia team plans to get the entire property up to snuff for fall season and utilizing the land to provide those in need with family camping trips, get-together opportunities and much more.
Pro staff are always on the lookout for landowners, hunt clubs, outfitters and boat captains who share their passion for taking veterans, service members and their families outdoors. Even if someone can only offer one treestand or one duck blind for a weekend, TFO makes sure that the adventure is matched to the person who will enjoy it most. Inspired by the possibility of impacting a veteran’s life, TFO Pro Staff and volunteers also value the camaraderie that comes from having a new hunting or fishing partner. Beyond the adventures, it’s the community that’s formed along the way that makes the most difference in someone’s life.
The impact TFO has had on so many lives is nothing short of inspirational, and aside from donations you can also volunteer your time, land or gear. iSportsman will be attending the Fallen Outdoors Virginia Banquet in September as a sponsor in support of their mission in the hopes of helping promote this outdoor opportunity to anyone in need of a great outdoor community.
You can find a TFO community to join as either a participant or volunteer here , or donate following this link.
