Veterans struggling with PTSD find hope in North County
Local philanthropist establishes Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs at ranch In San Miguel
The Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs have planted their roots at SkyRose Ranch, a 20,000 acre ranch in San Miguel owned by California native and philanthropist, B. Wayne Hughes, Jr. The organization’s mission is to assist veterans, active duty service members, and their families who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress and Combat Trauma, by discovering a new life purpose through faith and hope. The six-day Post-Traumatic Stress Reintegration Program, known as Fight Club for Men serves as the catalyst to help warriors discover the answers to the “why” questions in life. Fight Club’s confidential, safe, and hospitable environment, its Christ-based foundation, and its camaraderie, recreational activities, and peer-to-peer interaction all foster healing.
“These warriors have committed themselves to fight for their country and for our freedom, but have returned home from deployment needing to be reminded it’s time to fight for their spouses and their families,” expresses Chad Robichaux, an Afghanistan Veteran and a Certified Pastoral Counselor, founder of Mighty Oaks and Director of Veteran’s Affairs for Serving California. Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs are official programs of Serving California, a non-profit organization founded by Hughes.
Serving California exists to help veterans, victims of crime, and ex-offenders rebuild their lives. Hughes was shocked to learn that an average of 23 veterans was committing suicide every day. Although he himself was not in the service, his father and grandfather had been, and here sits his ranch literally surrounded by military bases. He wanted to see the property used to give back to the country’s warriors. Since the program’s inception, approximately 500 warriors have completed the program and there have been no reports of suicides or divorces amongst its alumni.
The program also offers a unique opportunity for the local community to give back to these warriors firsthand. Upon the completion of each Fight Club there is a graduation that is open to the public. For many participants, this is the first time they are honored and greeted with a real tangible hero’s welcome home. The next Fight Club for Men graduation is scheduled for Friday, December 12th at 7pm at SkyRose in a barn located at 74580 Cross Country Rd San Miguel, CA. The event features a potluck dinner whereby tri-tip is provided, and guests provide a side or dessert. Following the meal, the ceremony includes a guest speaker as well as the opportunity for a few of the Fight Club participants to share their stories.
For details to attend the December 12th graduation, please contact Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs at mightyoaksinfo@servingcalifornia.org. For more information about the Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs, please visit http://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/.
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