July 29-30, 2022
Location: Elevenmile Reservoir, Lake George, CO
Hosted by: River Deep Foundation
Participating Groups: Operation TBI Freedom, Ft. Carson SRU

Camping and Balloon Fly

We always have a fantastic time at the annual weekend trip to Eleven Mile State Park. Veterans and their families had campsites with beautiful views of the lake and mountains. On Friday, our activities included boating, fishing, and hiking, and a chance for everyone to become acquainted. In the evening we gathered together for dinner prepared by our friend Marty from Roosters Competition BBQ. With BBQ and camping going hand-in-hand, it was the perfect delicious dinner for our hungry crew. Saturday we rose early and left for the hot-air balloon launch site. Rides were provided compliments of Pikes Peak Ballooning Society. Not only did they provide the beautiful balloons and pilots, they also fed our group! A big thank you to them for their generosity. They made it a fun and memorable experience for everyone who participated!   

Jesus Guerra, CBIS
Military Support Specialist, Operation TBI Freedom

Bob Adwar
Executive Director, River Deep Foundation
Chairman, SCI Humanitarian Outreach

July 19 2022
Location: USAFA Equestrian Center, Colorado Springs, CO
Hosted by: River Deep Foundation
Participating Groups: Operation TBI Freedom

Equine Assisted Learning
It was another great day at the Air Force Academy with an amazing group of veterans learning about equine therapy. Even though it was a little cold, we still managed to have a lot of fun.  We learned about equines and how to do a few exercises to cope with stress. Our time included a nice hour of horseback riding that included three water crossings. It was exciting and also relaxing.   

Jesus Guerra, CBIS
Military Support Specialist, Operation TBI Freedom

Bob Adwar 
Executive Director, River Deep Foundation
Chairman, SCI Humanitarian Outreach

July 17, 2022
Location: Lincoln Hills
Hosted by: River Deep Foundation
Participating Groups:  Operation TBI Freedom, Craig Hospital, VA, Ft. Carson SRU

Fly Fishing - Anglers of Honor

We had an enthusiastic group of veterans and Craig Hospital grads ready to learn fly fishing! The experienced guides from Front Range Anglers started with teaching the fundamentals of gear, knots and casting and then providing further instructions in the crystal clear stream.  The trout could be seen rising to the surface to snack on the bugs, making it even more enticing!  The fly fishing continued until it was time for lunch which was provided by Gondolier Restaurant. During lunch, everyone had plenty of fishing stories to share. It was a great day made special thanks to Lincoln Hills, Front Range Anglers and Gondolier for a tasty Italian lunch.

Bob Adwar 
Executive Director, River Deep Foundation
Chairman, SCI Humanitarian Outreach

July 9, 2022
Location: Kilroy’s Workshop, Colorado Springs, CO
Hosted by: River Deep Foundation
Participating Groups: Ft. Carson SRU, Operation TBI Freedom, VA

Blacksmithing

Another amazing Saturday at Kilroy’s Workshop learning the principles of blacksmithing. This one  was a little different as we got to work outside of the workshop due to the weather. Our Master Blacksmith, Ron Hardman took his time to make sure everyone understood what to expect from the class. First they learned a little bit about the history of blacksmithing and put all the skills learned in practice. Each participant used the skills they learned to create a knife to take home with them.

Jesus Guerra, CBIS
Military Support Specialist, Operation TBI Freedom

​Bob Adwar 
Executive Director, River Deep Foundation
Chairman, SCI Humanitarian Outreach

July 8, 2022
Location: Cottonwood Center for the Arts, Colorado Springs
Hosted by: River Deep Foundation
Participating Groups: Operation TBI Freedom

Art Class - Hand Clay Building

We had a wonderful evening at Cottonwood Center for the Arts with a group of veterans and their families learning the basics of working with clay using hand building techniques.  We worked on fun pottery projects like bowls, ornaments, sculptures and more! It was an amazing class and our instructor, Kris Saxton, did a very nice job taking his time to explain the fundamentals of hand clay building.  A big thanks to Kris Saxton and the Cottonwood Center for the Arts for making this such an enjoyable experience!

Jesus Guerra, CBIS
Military Support Specialist, Operation TBI Freedom