OPERATION CHERRYBEND

Operation Cherrybend is a grassroots and 100% volunteer organization that organizes multiple events and excursions for combat and combat wounded veterans suffering from PTSD and suicidal thoughts. Through community involvement to rally around our Veterans, we create a "Family" that they belong to for support.
We host a week long retreat in September (annually) at Cherrybend Pheasant Farm that brings veterans together for camping, hunting, fishing, skydiving, shooting competitions, and live music from Nashville songwriters. We have 35 Veterans from all over the USA coming together and deepening their network. A concert ends the week to bring attention to veteran suicide. We have hosted John Michael Montgomery, Lonestar, Joe Diffie, Mark Chesnutt, Tyler Far, Randy Houser and Neal McCoy. Through community donations, we are able to provide this talent and marketing outreach as well as give away free tickets to Veterans to participate. We now have Fall and Winter deer, duck and goose hunting excursions. We also organized a Lake Erie Walley trip for 24 veterans. Shining a light on the struggles of combat veterans, yet lifting them up for a celebration has been a wonderful addition to the event. The Ellis Family of Cherrybend donates the use of the Farm and facility for the whole event.
Throughout the year, we host additional supplemental activities outside of the September Retreat:
1. Sporting Clays Competition Fundraiser
2. Golf Outing Fundraiser
3. Weekly Zoom check-in on Sundays at 8pm
4. January collaboration with Hunters Helping Heroes for a Winter Retreat at Cherrybend Pheasant Farm for Pheasant Hunting, Goose and Duck hunting, Deer hunting and networking and collaboration.
5. Collaboration with Wright-Patt AFB for Deer hunting on the base.
6. Small group excursions locally throughout the year to concerts, outdoor adventures and other activities. Organized and executed by an appointed Veteran Sub-committee.
We are committed to staying engaged and in the fight against Veteran suicide. 22 a day is real. 22 veterans commit suicide everyday. We are not therapists--we are neighbors, farmers, teachers, businessmen, pilots, truckers, nurses, engineers--from all walks of life. We come together with a common mission and are grateful to help. What we do works. What we do helps those who seek to be connected and engaged. It has been a blessing to bring our community together to serve our veterans.