Never Give Up. Never Quit.

September | 2026

September is a big month around here!

In just a few days, we'll welcome friends and supporters to the Retreat for our Building Strength Gala, and later this month, we'll head to Portland for one of my favorite events of the year, our Plane Pull. Both are a lot of fun, but more importantly, they help make everything we do here possible.

We're also watching our Warrior PATHH facility take shape, welcoming families to the Retreat and continuing to serve veterans, first responders, caregivers and their families through programs offered at no cost to them.

Whether you're attending the Gala, putting together a Plane Pull team, volunteering, donating or simply telling someone about what we do, you're part of this mission. Thank you for continuing to show up for the men and women we serve.

-U.S. Army SSG (Ret.) Travis Mills

Founder, President

Travis Mills Foundation

Building Strength:

The Warrior PATHH Expansion is taking shape

If you've visited or drove by the Retreat recently, you've probably noticed something big happening. The foundations for our new Warrior PATHH facility have been poured, and walls are beginning to go up.

It's exciting to see years of planning begin to take physical shape.

Warrior PATHH (Progressive & Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) is a peer-led training program based on the science of Post-Traumatic Growth. It gives combat veterans and first responders the tools to transform struggle into strength and continue moving forward in their lives.

The $5.5 million expansion includes a dedicated Warrior PATHH training facility, additional lodging for participants and PATHH Guides and expanded administrative space. The project will also create additional capacity for Struggle Well community workshops and allow us to expand our Women of Valor programming.

We'll continue bringing you along as construction progresses. For us, every wall that goes up represents another step toward being able to say "yes" to more veterans and first responders.

Learn more about the project

HHERO: Time to reconnect as a family

This summer, families from across the country spent time together at the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat through our HHERO Program — Helping Heroes Empower, Recalibrate & Overcome.

HHERO is designed for post-9/11 recalibrated veterans and their families, including spouses, children or a guest. The program was inspired by the experiences of Travis and Kelsey Mills and their family as they navigated recovery and life following the IED explosion that took portions of all four of Travis' limbs.

Throughout the year, up to eight families at a time stay together in the Main House at the Retreat. Each week offers a full schedule of adapted sports, recreation and activities designed so everyone can participate, regardless of ability. Depending on the season, families may find themselves kayaking, golfing, fishing, trying archery, playing wheelchair basketball, creating something during art therapy or even heading out for dog sledding, ice fishing or tubing.

But HHERO isn't about keeping a packed schedule. Families can participate in as much or as little as they'd like. For some, the best part of their stay may simply be having the opportunity to slow down, relax and spend uninterrupted time together away from the responsibilities and stresses of everyday life.

One family who joined us this summer shared just how important that opportunity was while they were navigating an especially difficult time:

"This program gave our family something we really needed — a chance to reconnect without the stress of the fire, rebuilding, finances, and everything else constantly hanging over us. It gave our kids the chance to just be kids again, and it gave my wife and me a chance to breathe and enjoy our family instead of always worrying about what comes next."

That's what HHERO creates: an opportunity for families to recalibrate together, make new memories and connect with other families who understand some of the experiences they've been through. Like all programs offered by the Travis Mills Foundation, HHERO is provided at no cost to participants and their families thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters.

See HHERO in Action

Watch the video below for a look inside the HHERO Program and some of the experiences families share during their time at the Retreat.

Learn more about HHERO

We're almost ready for the Building Strength Gala

The tables are nearly set.

On Saturday, September 12, we'll welcome guests to the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Rome for the 2026 Building Strength Gala, presented by Avalon Pontoons, supporting the expansion of Warrior PATHH and the next chapter of our mission.

The evening will be emceed by Lee Goldberg, with entertainment from The Mallett Brothers Band, and will bring together friends and supporters from across Maine and beyond.

Only a handful of tables remain. If you've been planning to join us, now is the time to secure your spot.

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat | Rome, Maine

Purchase tickets

Grab your crew. We're pulling a plane!

On Saturday, September 26, teams will take over the tarmac at Portland International Jetport for the 2026 Travis Mills Foundation Plane Pull, presented by Hammond Lumber Company.

And yes — you're actually be pulling a plane.

Teams of 20 will go head-to-head to see who can pull a 45-ton FedEx Boeing 757 20 feet across the tarmac in the fastest time.

Teams commit to raising a minimum of $2,500, with proceeds supporting our TMF programs for recalibrated veterans, first responders and their families.

There's still time to register a team, but don't wait until the last minute to start recruiting your crew.

There are plenty of ways to be a part of the mission

Every event, every dollar, every hour given helps change a life. Thank you for being part of it.

There are so many ways to support the Travis Mills Foundation and help us continue serving recalibrated veterans and their families!

Make a Donation – Every contribution makes a meaningful impact. Donate here.
Host a Third-Party Fundraiser – Turn your passion into purpose by organizing a fundraiser to benefit TMF. Learn more and submit your event here.
Attend an Event – Join us at one of the upcoming third-party or signature events listed above and help support our mission.
Volunteer – Interested in donating your time and talents? Sign up here.
Sponsor an Event or Program – Looking to make a larger impact through sponsorship or by providing opportunities for our veterans and families? Contact us at events@tmf.org.

Looking for a way to get involved?

Support the mission by attending one of these upcoming community events benefiting the Travis Mills Foundation.

2026 Building Strength Gala

September 12 • 100 Watson Pond Rd • Rome, Maine

Side By Side Golf Benefit

September 14 • Pleasant Valley Country Club • Sutton, Massachusetts

Murder Mystery Dinner

September 19 • Faithful Navigator Assembly 1679 • St John's Community Center • Brunswick, Maine

Plane Pull

September 26 • 151 Jetport Blvd • Portland, Maine

Did you learn something new about the Travis Mills Foundation today?

Spread the word!

Follow TMF on social media, share our stories and invite someone new to learn about the Foundation. Sometimes supporting the mission starts simply by introducing someone else to it.

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