22Mohawks Airborne Operations Course and Retreat

More than 22 veterans die by suicide everyday. Since the start of the Global War on terror in 2001 there have been over 7,100 combat related deaths. In that same period there have been over 125,000 Veteran Suicides. This is unacceptable.

22Mohawks mission is dedicated to reducing that number by helping veterans and first responders lead themselves to find purpose. One of the ways they do this is with the 22Mohawks Airborne Course and Retreat that runs operations two times a year. 

In September and March each year they run a one of a kind retreat that is limited to 20 veterans and first responders that are chosen by lottery. This week-long Airborne Course and Retreat is held at X-35 Airborne School in Dunnellon, FL. Attendees will report to the school and go through rigorous airborne training, mental fitness sessions - both group and one on one, participate in suicide prevention classes and studies while experiencing something only few veterans will ever get too. Jumping out of the C-47 “Tico Belle'' that dropped paratroopers into Normandy on D-Day or other historical C-47's. 

This life changing event brings veterans and first responders from across the country back into the warrior mindset while giving them the opportunity to connect with others who have experienced similar situations. This unique retreat requires a dedication and desire to be challenged both mentally and physically.

The experienced X-35 Airborne School Cadre bring these veterans and first responders back into formation to receive training while creating a deep camaraderie and let them know they are now part of something greater than themselves, which is the Airborne Veteran Community and the 22Mohawks Family.

Join 22Mohawks in being part of the solution to end veteran and first responder suicide by making a donation in support of 22Mohawks Airborne Course and Retreat.

22Mohawks is a 501C3 Veterans Charitable Organization. They rely on donors like you to continue on this crucial mission to end veteran and first responder suicide. EIN# 863181833 

Thank you for joining us in being part of the solution.

“It is a jump to honor and truly an honor to jump.”

Please visit www.22Mohawks.com for information on us and our other programs. 

Contacts:

Stacey Ann, Chief Executive Officer at 22Mohawks

774-273-3296 : stacey@22Mohawks.com

Dave Campisano, Founder and Executive Director at 22Mohawks

617-680-9852 : dave@22Mohawks.com 

Words from some of our most recent veterans that attend 22Mohawks Airborne Retreat "Operation Heart of Stone" in Feb 2023.

“I can say that after 15 years of struggling with being alone and depressed I was able to finally live. I felt alive and happy and there is no better feeling than that. If you have ever been down and out you'll know what I'm talking about, I didn't care about anything and was losing grasp on the things which really mattered to me. Being amongst other Vets who were hurting knowing I wasn't alone made me feel that I wasn't alone and that I could trust others again. I felt a connection once again and life doesn't feel so hard anymore. I found a new activity I absolutely love and a community I never want to leave.” -Derek 

"Mental health. Wearing the uniform again. Camaraderie. Personally it has been 37 years since I last jumped.  I never thought I would jump again.  I've had recurring nightly uncomfortable dreams of burning in for approximately 30 of those years...they are now gone!" - 22Mohawks Family Member

“I forgot what it was like to be proud of myself. And thanks to 22MOHAWKS and X-35,  I'm actually proud of myself again. It's an amazing feeling. For me, the socialization and camaraderie is what I truly needed. Having an intense task to focus on helped as well.” - Stephen 

“I feel that for me attending the X35 Airborne School gave me a wake up call that I haven’t felt since being home from the war. I was surrounded by fellow combat veterans that have some of the same issues and feelings I have. I made some good friends during my training that I would like to see again at other events. I also want to be an advocate for other Veterans that need help and provide direction, especially when they have no other course of action to fall back on!” - Peter

“I found it very helpful, I’ve never spoken to a counselor before and doing that made me get the help I needed back home. I was able to schedule appointments and not have any shame in it.” - 22Mohawks Family Member