Helping Veterans
Veteran Initiatives
Veteran Initiatives
VETERAN FISHING RETREATS
Each day, 22 veterans tragically take their own lives. Contributing factors such as loneliness, isolation, hopelessness, and depression often precede these suicides. The risk escalates significantly when a veteran remains isolated for more than 90 days. The most effective strategy to combat this is to engage veterans in social gatherings with their peers. In response to this need, Queenslake proudly hosts multi-day fishing retreats specifically for veterans.
Our retreats invite veterans to enjoy camaraderie while fishing in our 40-acre, prize-filled lake, situated in the heart of our 140-acre working horse farm. This experience is not just about fishing; it’s a critical intervention. These retreats are made possible thanks to the generous support of Kentucky Wounded Heroes, who provide meals, lodging, and essential transportation to and from local hotels.
Participating in these retreats helps to ‘reset’ the critical 90-day isolation period, effectively giving the veterans a 90-day reprieve from the increased risk of suicidal thoughts. It’s a simple yet profoundly impactful way of fostering connections and hope among those who have served our nation.
VETERANS LODGE
While our multi-day fishing trips offer a vital respite for veterans, the costs associated with transportation and lodging currently limit how often we can host these events. To address this and increase the frequency of veteran visits, we are excited to announce the construction of a dedicated Veterans Fishing Lodge at Queenslake Horse Farm. This facility will allow veterans to visit anytime, engage in social activities, and even stay overnight at our bed and breakfast.
To make this vision a reality, we are actively seeking the support of donors, sponsors, and volunteers who can contribute materials, expertise, and labor for the construction of the lodge. Your assistance will greatly enhance our ability to provide this essential service to veterans more frequently and effectively.
MOGADISHU MILE
“Every soldier dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and later, the last time their name is spoken.”
This poignant reflection sets the tone for the Mogadishu Mile Military Fitness Competition at Queenslake Horse Farm, a tribute to the bravery shown during Operation “Gothic Serpent” in Mogadishu, Somalia. On October 3, 1993, elite forces from the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force), and the 160th Aviation Regiment (Nightstalkers) embarked on a mission to capture key figures from Mohammed Farrah Aidid’s regime. The operation faced a severe setback with the downing of two aircraft, leading to the intense “Blackhawk Down” situation. Despite overwhelming odds, the soldiers demonstrated remarkable bravery, particularly during the evacuation known as “The Mogadishu Mile.”
The annual competition at Queenslake Horse Farm involves teams navigating a rigorous obstacle course, finishing with a one-mile run carrying 35 lb rucksacks. Each of the 19 stations on the course is dedicated to one of the 19 soldiers who lost their lives in the battle, ensuring their names and sacrifices are not forgotten. As participants echo the names of these fallen heroes, the event transcends physical endurance, becoming a living memorial. It serves to indefinitely postpone the ‘second death’ of these soldiers, keeping their memories alive with each iteration of the race.
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