OSFOpShieldFDN_Logo_Horizontal_Web_RetinaFinal_Web-1024x404

WHAT IS HIGHER GROUND?

Higher Ground uses recreation, therapy, and continued support to give people of all abilities a better life. With their programs, they are working on bridging the gap between disabilities and belonging. Research has proven that Higher Ground participants experience an increased sense of camaraderie, attentiveness, sleep quality, confidence, and a decrease in depression and anxiety. They empower people to achieve their highest quality of life by giving them emotional and social tools they need.

WHAT IS OSF DOING WITH HIGHER GROUND?

Together, Operation Shield Foundation and Higher Ground are providing a week-long retreat in Bellevue, Idaho for Bryan Allison. This program is designed to help him discover a renewed sense of belonging, improve his quality of life, and to help him reconnect with his community. This experience is an Equine/Horsemanship Program where he will be working with horses. This includes horseback riding, roping, cattle sorting, and more. At the end of the retreat, they will compete in a “Ranch Rodeo”.

LEARN ABOUT OUR RETREAT CANDIDATE!

Bryan joined the Army in 1993 and was honorably discharged from his first contract in 1996. After moving around Alabama and North Carolina, he went back on active duty in 2000, where he moved to Germany for 2 years. In 2002, he got transferred to Fort Meyer, Virginia, where he served until 2005. In 2003, he was sent on his first deployment to Djibouti, Africa where he helped fight transactional terrorism. 2005 marked the end of his tour, where he then said goodbye to the Army. From here, he started a career in Arlington Cemetery where he made sure service members were fully dressed and prepped for their funerals. From here, he also helped bury POWs with honors as well as service members that were pulled out of the USS Oklahoma in Pearl Harbor.
2022