The 2023 Adventure
The 2023 Annual Veteran Trip was conducted on 1-6 September, 2023. A group of six veterans from various branches of service and varied backgrounds in the military participated in the program. The group flew into Ketchikcan, Alaska, where they were lodged at the historic Gilmore Hotel. The group was treated to a special warrior blessing from the Saxman Native Tribe that evening and observed cultural performances with a hosted dinner amongst tribal members. The next morning, the group took a float plane ride to the Babe Islands Lodge on Prince of Wales Island. The lodge is a hundred year old floating logging cabin complex. For the next four days, the veterans participated in fishing, crabbing, shrimping, live fire shooting event on a unique water range, free diving for scallops, and observed a large amount of wildlife to include American Bald Eagles, whales, and orcas to name but a few. Additionally, the Today With Tally Podcast conducted a mobile show that week covering all the activities. On the last day, the entire group transited back to Ketchikan on chartered fishing vessels to the airport to fly back to their homes.
The week proved to be very productive for all the veterans that participated and the staff that helped execute the program. All supporters, and community members of Ketchikan received a lot of valuable time with these heroes as well. The time spent healing for the entire group encompassed reflection, self discovery, self worth, meaning of service, establishing camaraderie, forging lifelong bonds, and connecting veterans with other veterans. Every veteran left with a new network of resources and an extended family for life.
