ST. GEORGE — Southern Utah veterans looking for camaraderie, support and adrenaline-fueled adventures are in luck.
Project Enduro for Vets, a nonprofit organization, was created by local veterans to assist disabled veterans, honorably discharged veterans and their immediate families to prevent and overcome physical and mental challenges related to their time in the military or since leaving the military.
In a press release issued by the nonprofit, Jeff Rockett, board president and founder, said the nonprofit offers a range of therapeutic activities.
“Project Enduro for Vets’ mission is to improve the physical and mental well-being of military veterans and their families through the use of therapeutic sports, group events, education, community involvement, and charitable work,” Rockett said.
Before starting the nonprofit, Rockett spent 30 years in the Navy as a Navy Nurse Corps Officer. He now hopes to help other veterans and their families overcome challenges that he knows personally.
“I have seen how physical and mental illness and injury breaks down veterans and their families,” he said. “Research has shown physical activity, competitive sports, group events and community service improve physical and mental well-being. Riding dirt bikes, competing, and socializing with individuals who have similar interests has helped me overcome some of my own physical disabilities, and deal with mental stress.”
Rocket said their target group is disabled veterans and veterans interested in off-road motorcycle-related activities, specifically trail and enduro riding.
“We chose this target group because we found a lack of veteran support organizations providing support for these activities,” he said.
Retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bren Denney, nonprofit vice president and an avid dirt bike rider was once one of these veterans who couldn’t find support. After losing both legs below the knees while on active duty, he searched for an organization to help him get back into dirt bike riding. Now serving as the vice president of the nonprofit, Denney said his goal is to help other disabled veterans get back into the sport.
Project Enduro for Vets helps military veterans and their families via three main services:
- Skills courses and educational classes help veterans improve health, coordination, strength and endurance and teach adaptive techniques. (These events are free for disabled veterans and veteran members).
- Group activities and community events help veterans build social networks in their related sport and to support community involvement.
- Competitive event support for veterans without the financial means or resources. (Members can apply for a grant to cover the entry cost of an event. The nonprofit also works to secure free entries at some events.)
Disabled veterans and veteran members can also apply for one-time grants for protective gear such as motorcycle helmets, pads, boots and more.
Since the beginning of January, Project Enduro for Vets has gained 37 new members with 24 of these members being disabled veterans, according to the news release. As of this year, they have held or participated in six different events in four different states with 49 members participating. These events included a January Group Ride, King of the Motos, February Off-Road Skills Class, Grinding Stone Hard Enduro, Moab Hard Enduro, and a SoCal Group Ride.
“We have partnered with organizations, companies and individuals in the sport who support our veterans and are interested in our cause,” Rockett added. “These include USHE (U.S. Hard Enduro Series), Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, SXS, R&Duro, SKDA, Bulletproof Designs, Mefo USA, Max Gerston, and Rich Larsen.”
Those who would like to get involved are asked to email Project Enduro for Vets at [email protected]
Project Enduro for Vets is a 501(c)(3) Veterans Support Organization. Donations can be made through PayPal at this link. Donations are tax-deductible.
Ed. note: When making charitable contributions it is advisable to consult with professionals for tax advice and investment risks.