Supporting Causes that Make The Difference: Camp Southern Ground
The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging for veterans. While many readjust to civilian life with relative ease, a large number of our nation's veterans struggle with life after service. According to PEW Research Center, post-9/11 veterans and those who actively served in combat are significantly more likely to experience difficulties than those who did not.
This is where organizations like Camp Southern Ground come into play. The mission of this outstanding nonprofit is to provide extraordinary experiences for individuals to recognize and magnify the unique gifts within themselves and others to profoundly impact the world.
Founded in 2011 by Grammy Award-winning artist Zac Brown, Camp Southern Ground stretches across more than 400 acres in Fayetteville, Georgia. Founded on the premise that they have an obligation to support and serve the men and women who have fought to protect our country, Camp Southern Ground’s veteran programs Warrior Week and Warrior PATHH help post-9/11 veterans find direction, purpose, and healing during - and even long after - their transition back to civilian life. These programs serve veterans from across the country struggling with life after service, as well as those struggling with PTS, depression, anxiety, and/or combat stress. All services, including transportation, are provided at no cost to the participants.
During the summer months, Camp Southern Ground hosts children for weeklong residential camps. An inclusive camp, they serve children ages 7-17 from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and religions, with programs that challenge, educate, and inspire. They bring together typically developing children, children with neurodevelopmental differences, children from underserved areas, and children from military and veteran families.
Standing by Our Veterans: FAE USA Donates a UML/SSL/150/BL mulcher to Camp Southern Ground
FAE is committed to supporting causes that Make The Difference for our nation. The men and women who have fought to protect our country are very close to our heart and we proudly have many of them in our winning team.
One of our ways to stand by our nation's veterans is by supporting organizations like Camp Southern Ground, that look after their mental health and wellbeing. That is why last month, FAE USA donated a brand new UML/SSL/150/BL and a demolition door for a CASE CTL to Camp Southern Ground.
Our National Senior Product Manager, Lee Smith, a veteran who served in the US Navy for 7 years, was there to deliver the equipment, along with our East Coast Product Specialist, Adrian Majka, also a veteran, who served in the US Marine Corps for 8 years and in the US Army for 7 years. Our CEO, Giorgio Carera, Central product specialist, Tim Cicora, Regional Territory Manager, Randy Shavor and Camp Southern Ground’s CFO/COO, Drake Bivins, were also present.
We asked Giorgio Carera and Lee Smith a few questions about their visit to Camp Southern Ground.
Q: Why did we donate a piece of equipment to Camp Southern Ground?
Giorgio Carera: Their mission is a very important one and we want to do our part to support it. We know how much they do for our veterans with PTSD and those having to get back into society after the military. They also help kids with a camp, they include children with special needs and all is provided for free. This is the type of organization FAE stands behind.
Q: How does Camp Southern Ground align with FAE’s values?
Giorgio Carera: Although we are a business, we care tremendously about family, community and the environment. The folks at Camp Southern Ground stand behind those exact things, so, in very different ways, our missions align seamlessly.
Q: How will this mulcher from FAE help the Camp Southern Ground mission?
Lee Smith: It will help maintain their existing hiking trails and allow them to add more in their currently unusable space. It will also allow them to add new areas for viewing wildlife, recreation and extending their facilities to better serve our veterans and children.
Q: Is there anything about your visit to Camp Southern Ground that stood out?
Lee Smith: Yes, I definitely could not get over two things. First, how the entire place is constructed. It is the most environmentally friendly and self-sustainable place I have visited, super modern and at the same time incredibly classy and artistic. Second, they made a labyrinth that they walk veterans with PTSD and other problems through, to try to help them return to life and get over their pain and stress, symbolizing the path from struggle to strength. It is so powerful, I encourage everyone wanting to help veterans to support this organization.
FAE USA is proud to contribute to causes that Make The Difference. If you or someone you know is a veteran looking for connection, motivation and transition support, we invite you to join Camp Southern Ground’s virtual community and private groups. For more information, please visit their website at campsouthernground.org
By Maria Bray
