Family strong: Downrange Warriors and Veterans Talking to Veterans unite for community event

The Downrange Warriors and Veterans Talking to Veterans organizations, in conjunction with Mentor Agility, are bringing a two-day community event to the Lovell Community Center on April 23 and 24, an event called Family Strong. The event aims to strengthen families, build resilience and foster leadership within the community, event publicity states.

“We want to invite everyone to come, from community leaders to family members, anyone who can share their stories and ideas for a foundation of community connection,” said Josh Foster of Downrange Warriors. “We’ve heard a lot of need in the community, where to turn for help and community connection, how to find some relief for social issues.

“Part of suicide prevention is community connection, family connection, work, faith connection – any kind of connection.”

“At Downrange Warriors, we believe strong families are the foundation of thriving communities,” Foster is quoted as saying in pre-event publicity. “Our mission is to equip individuals with the mindset, tools and support necessary to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. We are not a counseling service, nor do we seek to replace it. We are trauma-informed coaches dedicated to helping families and individuals build a solid foundation for the future.

“True strength isn’t just about overcoming adversity; it’s about fostering healthy relationships, developing leadership skills and creating a network of support that empowers individuals and families to flourish.”

Mentor Agility shares this commitment by training veterans for the Veterans Talking to Veterans program as trauma-informed coaches to support their peers, cultivating a strong sense of community, connection and leadership among veterans and their families, the publicity continues. “This event will focus on the importance of resilience and community connection, offering practical tools to help families and individuals build a support system that lasts.”

Added Downrange Warriors founder and CEO Todd Bray: “At Downrange Warriors, we stand beside veterans, families and individuals, helping them develop the strength and resilience they need to thrive. This event is about connection, leadership and building a support system that lasts.”

The event

Family Strong will take place next Wednesday, April 23, from 3 to 8 p.m. and Thursday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at the community center.

“If you’ve ever felt like no one understands what you’ve been through -- like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders -- you are not alone. Downrange Warriors and Veterans Talking to Veterans are teaming up for a two-day community event, and we want you to be there,” an event Facebook post reads. “We know that true strength isn’t just about pushing through hard times. It’s about having a solid team, supportive family members and friends, strong relationships and a community that’s got your back. That’s what this event is all about.”

Attendees can expect:

• Real conversations with people who understand

• Tools and mindset shifts to help you navigate life’s challenges

• A no-judgment environment where you can be yourself

• A strong community working together to build something meaningful.

Day One is billed as the Community Story Quest Walk and Mural Experience, and attendees are invited to “come any time during the event window (3-8 p.m.).

“Wednesday will be a story quest walk with multiple stations and activities for the whole family (all ages). You will work together as a family, friends and community in small groups to complete the story quest walk. Come with family, friends or new acquaintances and navigate each station together, building connection, empathy and insight along the way. At the heart of the experience participants will contribute to a collaborative community mural, an inspiring visual representation of strength, unity and shared stories.

Highlights include:
• Fun and meaningful activities for the whole family
• No set start time; join at your convenience
• Allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the walk
• Food truck on-site.

Day Two: Community Collaboration and Action Planning.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m. to explore previous night’s ideas.

“On Thursday morning, community members and leaders will come together in focused small groups to reflect on themes and insights gathered from the Story Quest Walk,” the organization continues on Facebook. “Together, we will identify real social needs within our community and begin developing action plans to address them.”

“This event is about more than just conversation,” Bray said. “It’s about action, empowerment and finding the strength to move forward together.”

Added Foster, “Our goal is to provide the community and families with the skills and support they need to build stronger relationships, create community connection and become leaders in their communities, to move forward with confidence.”