“SFA was founded and is operated by veterans that understand that feeling of connectedness to a group and that sense of being part of something bigger than yourself. Losing that feeling of being attached, close, and thoroughly accepted by your people is something all too common with veterans after leaving the service. The number of veterans that have taken their lives in the last two decades greatly exceeds the number of those that have been killed in action in the global war on terror. Approximately 120,000 veterans have committed suicide since 2001, compared with 7,057 killed in post 9/11 military operations.
Unfortunately, the Department of Defense and Veteran’s Affairs are struggling to give the support our service members and veterans need to successfully transition out of the military, with the right mindset. Hence why there are so many homeless veterans and veterans that had amazing military careers but struggle to find purpose and direction on the outside.
Six Feet Above is more than just getting veterans and service members together to skate. It’s about connecting and supporting one another, and bringing back that sense of belonging and purpose that we had while we were in the military. Breaking the stigma of being too tough to ask for help and lifting each other up, so that we can rise above our barriers. The multi-day retreats are designed to give the veterans and service members a well-rounded experience so they may exercise their mind, body, and soul.”
(Harrison Bowman, USMC veteran)
