VANCEBURG, Ky. — A nonprofit organization based in neighboring Lewis County is working to reconnect combat veterans with the men and women who once served beside them.
Warrior Ridge, located near Vanceburg, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free, all-expenses-paid reconnection retreats for combat veterans and their former teammates. The organization says its goal is to rebuild the camaraderie, trust and support systems that can be difficult to maintain after veterans return to civilian life.
The organization was founded by Landon Bentley and grew from gatherings he called “Bonfires with Bentley.” That idea eventually developed into Warrior Ridge and its mission of bringing former military teams back together in a relaxed environment where veterans can spend time with people who shared many of the same experiences.
Retreats are held at Warrior Ridge's camp in Lewis County and come at no cost to participating veterans. Travel, lodging and meals are provided, along with activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking and horsemanship. According to Warrior Ridge, once a team is selected, its members are eligible to return for future retreats.
The organization reports that it has so far served 88 veterans through 13 reconnection retreats, all provided free of charge. Warrior Ridge says the program is intended not only to reunite old friends but also to combat the isolation that some veterans experience after leaving military service.
Warrior Ridge also accepts nominations for veteran teams and offers volunteer opportunities ranging from work at the Lewis County retreat site to administrative, outreach and marketing positions.
For Eastern Kentucky residents who may never have heard of the organization, an effort aimed at veterans from across the country is taking place right here in our region.
More information about Warrior Ridge, including veteran nominations, volunteering and ways to support its programs, is available through the organization's official website: