Fortunate Sons Program Director-Greg Baker
I’m a combat veteran who realized, one day, that I had lost more of my former soldiers and friends to suicide and bad life choices than I ever lost in 13 combat tours. That realization drove me to get educated about PTSD, generational trauma, moral injury, and Traumatic Brain Injury. Armed with a growing understanding of these issues, I feel called to make it my mission to help those who are struggling with them to not only overcome the problem, but to also find purpose in the pain they’ve endured. That’s what led me to connect with Michael and Paula Lindsey at Waves of Love to create “Fortunate Sons”, our veteran adventure program. The name is an ironic play on the protest song by CCR.
We have been sending veterans down to the Waves of Love campus for a year and a half for a week of purpose, camaraderie and adventures. During the week soldiers form lasting relationships and form a tribe. The team come together for a purpose when laying a concrete floor for a family in need. This is life changing for the veterans and for the families. During our week veterans fish, surf, hike...there are no limits to the outdoor adventures! This program is offered at no expense to the soldier. The average cost is $2,500.00 per veteran per week. We specialize in intimate 6 to 10-member teams. We have found this size spurs more intentional conversations.
Testimony:
Traveling to Nicaragua with Fortunate Daughters was transformative experience- one that helped reshape my perspective on resilience, community, and gratitude. Immersing myself in a culture that embraces strength through adversity, I found inspiration not only in the people I met but also in the lessons I carried home. T. Lewis
Testimony:
The Fortunate Sons program has been life-changing for me as a veteran living with PTSD. I came all the way from Puerto Rico to Nicaragua in search of healing, and what I found was a brotherhood that truly understands. This program gave me a safe space to reconnect, reflect, and begin my journey toward recovery. The support, structure, and sense of purpose it provides have helped me manage my trauma in ways I never thought possible. I'm proud to be part of something that's transforming the lives of veterans like me- J.C. Rodriguez
