Travis Mills Foundation steps up to help post-9/11 injured veterans, their families

With the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks approaching, KTAR’s community spotlight this month focuses on a foundation that supports post-9/11 injured veterans, first responders and their families.

The Travis Mills Foundation has several programs designed to help them live through their disabilities and challenges. One is the HHERO Program that offers veterans and their families a five-to six-day stay at their main house in Maine, where they can take part in activities like golfing, cycling, boating, archery and more.

Other programs, such as the Caregiver Program, focus on helping caregivers of veterans at a retreat in Maine. Activities at this retreat include hiking, yoga, waterfront sports and more.

The nonprofit organization was founded by Travis Mills, a former U.S. Army staff sergeant who lost portions of all of his limbs while serving in the Afghanistan War. Mills told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona Morning News on Tuesday that while in the hospital recovering from his injuries, he and his wife still wanted to support his fellow veterans who were going through experiences similar to his.

“I could no longer serve my country, but I could still serve veterans and their families, which is near and dear to me,” Mills said. “We started the Travis Mills Foundation simply thinking we can give back to the guys that are overseas with care packages, and that grew to bringing in families that were like mine with physical disabilities and showing them how to do things adaptably.”

Mills noted the organization helps veterans and their families in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

“We’re so fortunate to have these families come out and see that life is possible after injury,” Mills said.

Mills emphasizes helping “recalibrated veterans”

Mills explained the veterans he helps are “recalibrated,” not wounded, as his own experience made him realize there was life after injury and wounds eventually heal.

“I had to find my new normal. When you wake up in (a) hospital four days after your injury, and you find out you have no arms or legs, it’s quite a shock to the system. When people were like, ‘Oh, you’re one of those wounded guys.’ Well, eventually my wounds healed, and I have scars for sure, and I had to recalibrate my life,” Mills said.

“I had to look at my new normal and find a way through life and realize that it’s possible to live a productive life after injury. I didn’t like people thinking I was wounded all the time because I’m not anymore.”

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