Rucking for the One Mile Challenge: this year, the second week of the One Mile Challenge (September 7–13) is Carry the Weight Week, powered by GORUCK. The idea behind this week belongs to everyone taking on OMC this year — and rucking is a great physical fitness practice in general, so we wanted to explain what it's really about.

This is the 5th Annual One Mile Challenge — five years of guardians, families, and communities across the country moving for one mile a day for the 30 days of September. At this special five-year marker, we wanted to look back at where OMC came from and the stories & perspectives of two people who've carried it from idea into impactful initiative: Alex Othmer, GR co-founder and former Navy SEAL, and Kim Haight, current GR CEO and civilian — and why it matters so much.

There are many stories behind people's miles, and many reasons people care about our mission of improving the lives of guardians and their families through the free programs and events we offer here at Guardian Revival. As we approach our 5th OMC this September, we wanted to highlight five stories of people who take part and why.

This year marked our 11th Annual Veterans Appreciation Chow Down, and the community showed up in full force yet again! We welcomed 146 guests for the 11 AM seating and another 164 for the 2 PM seating — over 300 veterans, family members, friends, and community members gathering to share a meal, connection, and gratitude. Thank you to all who attended as well as our generous sponsors for making it happen.

Suicide Prevention Month isn’t just a date on a calendar — it’s a global movement. Every September, organizations, advocates, and communities come together to raise awareness and promote healing.

This month is more than just individual awareness — it’s a time to build connections, show unyielding compassion, and become a force for positive change.

It calls on us to educate ourselves and others about the risk factors, warning signs, and myths surrounding suicide. It encourages us to open our hearts and have stigma-free conversations about mental health. It empowers those who are struggling to seek help and reminds them that they’re not alone.

The RAND Corporation and Benjamin Center (SUNY New Paltz) surveyed thousands of guardians across New York State. Their studies confirm what many already know — guardians face serious mental health challenges and aren’t getting the care they need. At Guardian Revival, we offer the kind of trusted, barrier-free support these reports recommend for military, veterans, first responders — and their families.

We’re honored to announce the dedication of the Putnam County Guardian Dog Park — a collaborative project between Guardian Revival, Putnam County, and the PFC Dwyer Vet2Vet Program — designed with compassion, connection, and community in mind.

Located in the Upper Park of Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, this 50,000 square foot facility was created to provide a space where veterans, first responders, and their dogs can train, play, and connect. The park includes a public dog run for recreation, and a future training course is planned for K9 handlers, Boots & Paws recipients, and local agencies.

Our military service members (and their families) invest their time and physical, mental, and emotional health into their roles.

At Guardian Revival, our mission is to serve guardians & families, helping to improve their mental health & well-being.

During Military Appreciation Month, we recognize the significance of their service, both for our country & communities and for the individuals who serve. We invite you to learn more about this month and how we can honor our military service members & veterans.

Every year on March 29th, the United States observes Vietnam Veterans Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring those who served during the Vietnam War. Over 2.7 million American service members were deployed, and more than 58,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. The war deeply affected not only those who fought but also the nation as a whole.

When the curtains rise on “With No Name on the Marquee, they’ll reveal a man stepping back into his past, and that of many of his fellow Vietnam Veterans, and the ways in which he grapples with the experiences in the war and the return to civilian life after his tour.

A cathartic experience for Veterans, active military, and civilians alike, this one-man, one-act play will transport audiences into the world of Veteran Vietnam as he shares his experiences and shines a light on what it means to have served in and returned from the Vietnam War.

To be human is to struggle. At Guardian Revival, this truth fuels everything we do. We don’t just help guardians and their families overcome hardships; we empower them to heal and rediscover their strength. Every step forward is a testament to the power of community and connection. These moments remind us why we do what we do and inspire us to continue.

This year, Guardian Revival is giving you two ways to ditch the holiday crowds and make a difference, starting with our Opt Outside hike on Black Friday and continuing with our Get Out, Give Back campaign on Giving Tuesday. Together, these two events can help you bring a sense of peace and purpose to your holiday season.

In September, we walk together for the One Mile Challenge to support & honor veterans and first responders affected by trauma and mental health struggles. Learn why we walk and share your own stories & reflections on OMC to help raise awareness and support suicide prevention in our community.

On the anniversary of 9/11, Guardian Revival reflects on the day that changed the lives of many in our community. From veterans to first responders to civilians, we share some of our personal stories in honor of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those lost and the guardians who continue to serve.

Walking one mile a day can significantly impact your mental, physical, and emotional health. By signing up for Guardian Revival’s One Mile Challenge, you can show your support for veterans and first responders and do something great for your well-being at the same time.

Learn more about therapy dogs and how they can play a unique role in supporting mental health and well-being by providing comfort, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of healing across a variety of settings — from hospitals and schools to long-term healthcare facilities and special groups for trauma survivors.

Keith, Jon, and Tyler — retired military veterans with over 40 years of combined service — took on the challenge of The Sea to Sea Race: navigating over 300 miles of rugged Florida terrain, from one coast to the other, using only a compass, a map, and their wits to get them to the finish line.

The significance of our national anthem isn’t just confined to one historical event — it extends to moments throughout our history that remind us of what it means to be an American, like this heartfelt rendition of the song played by veteran Brian Freeman in honor of the guardians who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of others on 9/11.

A free online course for family, friends, and significant others of military service members and veterans. Parents, partners, children, and close friends are welcome! Learn how to better understand and support your loved one — and better maintain your own well-being. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

The Veterans Appreciation Chow Down is a special annual event where we bring hundreds of local veterans together to show our appreciation, celebrate, and break bread together. Guardian Revival hosted the 9th Annual Veterans Appreciation Chow Down at the Putnam County Golf Course on November 5, 2023.