Adventure Blog July 2026

Sep 1

Mission Update | July 2026

RECONNECTING WARRIORS • RESTORING PURPOSE

A Message From Our Founder

As summer continues, our mission continues to gain momentum.

Over the past month we've had the privilege of representing the Special Operations Adventure Foundation in new communities, meeting incredible supporters, and continuing to spread awareness about the unique challenges facing Special Operations veterans after military service.

Every event we attend and every dollar raised moves us one step closer to providing life-changing therapeutic outdoor retreats for the warriors who need them most. None of this would be possible without your continued support.

Thank you for believing in our mission.

— Jason Borges
Founder & Board Chair

Appalachian 1000: Riding With Purpose

One of the highlights of July was our participation in the Backroads of Appalachia Appalachian 1000, a demanding 72-hour, 1,000-mile endurance rally through the mountains of West Virginia and Kentucky. Appalachian 1000

Mother Nature certainly made sure this year's event would be memorable.

Heavy rain, countless water crossings, deep mud, and long days in the saddle tested every rider's determination. But despite the difficult conditions, our team completed the mission with one goal in mind—bringing awareness to the challenges Special Operations veterans face after service.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, more than $7,000 was raised during the event, with every dollar going directly toward funding future therapeutic retreats for Special Operations veterans.

Perhaps even more important than the fundraising was the opportunity to introduce the Foundation to an entirely new audience throughout Appalachia. We connected with riders, businesses, veterans, and community leaders who had never heard of our organization before, expanding our reach and creating new relationships that will help our mission continue to grow.

Community Spotlight

Thank You, Haselden Construction

We would like to extend another sincere thank you to Haselden Construction for their incredible generosity and support.

Not only did they invite the Foundation to participate in their annual charity clay shoot benefiting Homes For Our Troops, but they also selected the Special Operations Adventure Foundation as the beneficiary of their Hi/Low fundraising game.

Their generosity helped raise over $2,000 that directly supported our travel expenses to the Appalachian 1000, allowing more of the funds raised during the rally itself to go directly toward veteran programming.

Partnerships like these demonstrate the incredible impact businesses can have when they invest in the veteran community.

Thank you for standing beside us.

Looking Ahead

Women's Rocky Mountain Retreat

Planning continues for our upcoming Women's Rocky Mountain Retreat, an experience specifically designed for women who served in Special Operations roles.

This six-day retreat will provide opportunities for:

Mountain biking
Hiking
Fishing
Team-building activities
Shared meals
Lifelong community with women who understand each other's experiences

Women who served alongside America's Special Operations forces represent one of the smallest and least recognized veteran communities. Our goal is to ensure they know they are never alone.

If you or someone you know may benefit from this retreat, we encourage you to reach out.

Why We Continue This Mission

Transitioning out of Special Operations isn't simply about finding another career.

For many veterans, it means losing a lifelong identity, a close-knit team, and the daily sense of purpose that defined decades of service.

At the Special Operations Adventure Foundation, we believe adventure can become a pathway back to connection.

Our retreats aren't vacations—they're opportunities for Special Operations veterans to reconnect with peers who understand their experiences, rebuild confidence, and rediscover purpose through shared challenge.

That mission remains at the heart of everything we do. soafoundation

Ways You Can Help

Every contribution makes a difference.

You can support the Foundation by:

Donating to fund veteran retreats
Sharing our mission with your friends and family
Introducing us to businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities
Volunteering at future events
Following and sharing our social media content

Together, we are building a community where no Special Operations veteran has to navigate life after service alone.

Stay Connected

Visit our website to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our mission.

Special Operations Adventure Foundation

Jason Borges