Editor’s Note: Since this article was published in May 2020, Hope for Heroes has continued to grow and help more veterans and first responders. Mitch Serlin takes great pride in the Foundation’s ability to continue to fulfill its mission. America’s Car-Mart is also proud to continue supporting this worthy organization. This article has been updated to include the latest information and success stories about Hope for Heroes.
Mitch Serlin knew he had to help his ‘brothers and sisters.’
His love of the great outdoors and his deep appreciation for its healing power led him to establish Hope for Heroes, an organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders heal their emotional and physical wounds through recreational therapy.
Hope for Heroes Foundation invites injured military members, police officers, and firefighters—all expenses paid—to its lodge in Burkesville, Ky., on 1,600 acres in the Kentucky foothills. Here, they can enjoy hunting, hiking, fishing, and, most of all, camaraderie.
Knowing that sunshine and fresh air is a great healer, Mitch takes individuals dealing with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other injuries outdoors. “I just know that dealing with PTSD myself, there’s going to be a time when they need to be around other individuals and being outside will help heal them,” says Mitch, the organization’s Founder and Executive Director.
“The idea is to get these individuals out and involved in something instead of sitting at home,” Mitch continues. “We provide the outdoor experience, but the healing happens at the table where the guys are able to talk and share similar experiences. It’s an organic way the guys heal from being in the outdoors. They get to enjoy nature and simply be with each other.”
Essentially, Hope for Heroes creates experiences that are physically and emotionally possible – and therapeutic – for all heroes. “The guys put their trust in me,” says Mitch. “And, it’s my way of helping and also showing appreciation to our wounded soldiers.”
Hope for Heroes hosts 12 outings annually. The excursions are small intimate trips for four or five guys. Since the organization was founded in 2010, over 400 individuals have participated in different events.
Camouflage therapy
With a bit of help from the great outdoors and through companionship and hunting for doves, deer, or turkey, the outings recharge the soldiers and others who may not see any hope for the future. They find peace, possibilities, and strength at the end of a few days together. Camouflage therapy is an integral part of the rehabilitation process for many with PTSD.
Mitch welcomes them like brothers. “We’ve become a family; we’re a community,” says Mitch, who adds that it’s essential to let the warriors know they’re not alone. “The therapy is camouflage in what we do,” says Mitch. “And everybody is a success story.”
Alex was depressed and considered quitting life, but he was convinced to participate in a Hope for Heroes hunt. With ‘Mitch and the guys,’ he realized that others cared about him and his sacrifice for his country. Today, Alex is happily married with a child and embraces the future with courage and determination.
James participated in a hunt at Project Healing Waters at the urging of some friends. His wife said James had hardly left his house for over two years. But, after the hunt, he was all smiles. His wife said she had not seen him smile in two years. And, now, James has a strong desire to pursue other opportunities.
Jay Inampudi enthusiastically accepted the organization’s invitation to a turkey hunt. It was an unforgettable and exhilarating experience as he successfully got his first bird.
“It was beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. I met some great people. I talked about life with fellow veterans. All the camaraderie we built was special,” says Jay, who served in the Army from 2013 to 2019. Jay currently volunteers at Hope for Heroes, where he performs IT duties.
“People who serve their country or community are bonded because they have a similar innate trait that they want to help others. When you have been through stuff that’s very difficult, such as a loss of life, you can’t help it and it stays with you,” says Mitch. “When they were in the trenches, there is this connection, and this trust, people feel comfortable.”
Indeed, it’s a close community. Mitch’s “family” includes a self-deprecating cast of characters. Stories abound from every outing.
When Perry attended a Hope for Heroes event, he looked at Mitch and said, ‘I know you from somewhere. I’ve been blown up 18 times and I can’t remember much, but I remember you.’ Lo and behold, Mitch and Perry discovered they had taken sniper school together. Now, Perry participates in every event.
Canine companions provide safety and camaraderie to vets and first responders
In 2021, Mitch initiated a Canine Companion Program that matches service dogs with individuals. Training dogs is a natural progression of the services and support provided by Hope for Heroes.
Mitch partners with a breeder to select dogs with specific traits, such as a calm demeanor and problem-solving skills. During the four to six months of training, the dogs are exposed to various stimuli to ensure they are well-socialized. Then, the dogs are trained for the unique needs of the individual and their family.
Car-Mart lends a helping hand to support our heroes
Car-Mart is a proud partner of Hope for Heroes. “We’re honored and humbled to support what Mitch and his organization do for our nation’s heroes. We have veterans and first responders in our Car-Mart family. Because of their sacrifice, we all enjoy safety and freedom in our local communities. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you,’” says TJ Pike, Senior Director of Marketing at Car-Mart.
Mitch also appreciates Car-Mart’s involvement. “It’s extremely helpful and confirms that we’re doing the right thing,” he says. “We can’t grow without the support of corporations and individuals.”
“It’s a privilege and an honor to help those who have answered the call and sacrificed so much for us. And we thank them for their service,” says TJ, who has participated in several of the organization’s activities. “It is our utmost honor to be a small part of their [the warrior’s] incredible journey in finding hope and restoration again. These heroes have sacrificed so much for us, and each of them has such a servant’s heart. They look forward to these gatherings. It has been truly humbling and rewarding to share time with these men and women.”
Mitch’s Story – Helping the brotherhood in recovery, healing, and hope
After serving in the military, specifically as a Desert Storm Combat Veteran of the U.S. Army, Mitch served as a K-9 police officer in Westchester County, New York. He, also, operated a hunting business, so now he handily applies his military, law enforcement, and outdoor experience to Hope for Heroes.
Mitch joined the army in 1989 at 23 years old. He served during the first Gulf War in the 101st Airborne. “I wanted to serve my country. We are afforded so much in this country. My family came over and built a particularly good business. I recognized that we get a lot from this country and the way we get to live. I wanted to give back in some way and say, ‘thank you,’” says Mitch, a former recon scout, and sniper.
His most memorable moment in the military was receiving his E-5 sergeant status in a ceremony in the Gulf. “There were good times, the camaraderie and the friendships. There’s just something about being on the battlefield together,” Mitch recalls.
While serving as a police officer, Mitch served on a swat team and trained K-9 dogs. Mitch’s unit also helped with search and recovery at the World Trade Center during the 2001 terrorist attack.
Now, Mitch is focused on Hope for Heroes. The organization plans to build a 4,000-square-foot lodge on its 118-acre property in Hillsdale, N.Y. The lodge will serve as a central location for many of the organization’s events and provide a space for warriors to enjoy outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, and bonding. Mitch is building the necessary infrastructure for the heroes to enjoy the outdoors.
“The lodge will serve as a private retreat, providing individuals a getaway to recharge and ground themselves. These individuals will have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a setting tailored to their needs, allowing them time to reflect and find enjoyment in their activities in a private setting,” says Mitch. “Above all, we will be there to support them.”
“Plus, with the lodge, we can help more people. So, we’re on the push to raise money,” smiles Mitch.
Making a difference in other people’s lives gives Mitch a sense of purpose in giving back to his ‘brothers and sisters.’ “They’re not alone. And I get something out of it, too,” Mitch concludes. “It gives me a sense of purpose. We’re healing one hero at a time.”
To learn more about how you can help our wounded warriors and first responders, go to Hope for Heroes Foundation.
