guardian revival Blog

Information & resources about our programs, outdoor adventures, dogs, music, peer support, mental health, and wellness.

Guardian Revival is a non-profit with free programs for guardians (active & retired):
Active Military, Veterans, Reserves, National Guard, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue,
Emergency Medical Services, Dispatchers, Corrections, and Federal Agents.

Homefront Kevin Davis Homefront Kevin Davis

Self-Care Ideas for Guardian Spouses During Long Shifts or Deployments

As the spouse or partner of a first responder or military member, life often comes with a set of unique experiences that differ from those of a civilian family — moments of pride for your loved ones’ service and moments of worry when they’re away or on duty.

Whether you’re juggling family responsibilities or trying to work and hold down the fort at the same time, one thing is true for all of us — we all need a little me time.

Homefront is here with you, and we’ve prepared this list of great practices to help keep you centered, whether your spouse is working long hours across the street or on a mission across the globe.

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Homefront Kevin Davis Homefront Kevin Davis

Closing the Distance: Creative Care Package Ideas for Your Deployed Spouse or Parent

Whether your spouse is serving on foreign shores or your parent is aboard a ship halfway around the world, the key to a great care package is thoughtful, personal, and practical items that will brighten their day and keep you both feeling connected, no matter how far away you are.

At Homefront, we know that bridging the distance can be tough — that’s why we’ve created this guide to help you put together a creative care package that will let your loved one know how much you mean to them, which can make even the toughest days just a little bit brighter.

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Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide Prevention Month isn’t just a date on a calendar — it’s a global movement. Every September, organizations, advocates, and communities come together to raise awareness and promote healing.

This month is more than just individual awareness — it’s a time to build connections, show unyielding compassion, and become a force for positive change.

It calls on us to educate ourselves and others about the risk factors, warning signs, and myths surrounding suicide. It encourages us to open our hearts and have stigma-free conversations about mental health. It empowers those who are struggling to seek help and reminds them that they’re not alone.

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Homefront Kevin Davis Homefront Kevin Davis

Journaling Prompts For Spouses & Families

Journaling is more than just putting words on paper — it’s a way to truly listen to yourself. Research has shown that writing about your experiences can reduce stress, boost your mood, and help you make sense of complicated emotions.

For loved ones who serve, it can also be a bridge between the past and present, between what’s said aloud and what’s experienced internally.

Whether you write every day or only when the mood strikes, your words matter, your perspective matters, and your story is worth telling.

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Walking Together For Those Who Serve: The One Mile Challenge Presented By GOVX

Guardian Revival’s One Mile Challenge is a 30-day virtual event held every September during Suicide Awareness Month.

Participants commit to walking, running, or rolling one mile each day—30 miles in 30 days—to raise awareness and critical funds that support veteran and first responder suicide prevention programs.

This nationwide challenge is open to anyone, anywhere, and helps fuel Guardian Revival’s free programs that build community, provide mental health support, and ensure no guardian walks alone. Sign up today and take the first step toward making a difference.

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Homefront Kevin Davis Homefront Kevin Davis

Mindfulness Activities for Kids

Mindfulness offers a gentle, effective way to manage those big feelings, reduce anxiety, and build a sense of inner steadiness—even when the world around them feels unpredictable.

These small, accessible moments can help kids of all ages tune into their bodies, notice their thoughts and emotions, and feel more in control.

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Join the 2025 One Mile Challenge

We invite (and encourage!) you to join our upcoming annual One Mile Challenge: a movement to support the mental health and well-being of our military, veterans, and first responders, and their families. OMC participants commit to walking, running, or rolling just one mile a day, every day of September. Learn more about the challenge, how to join, and how to help spread the word!

The challenge is simple, flexible, and powerful for you — and every mile helps raise awareness & funds for our free programs for guardians and their families.

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Homefront Kevin Davis Homefront Kevin Davis

Resources for Mental Health & Well-Being

Mental wellness isn’t always about finding ways to feel great — it’s about finding strength, staying grounded, and knowing where to turn when things get heavy.

To help you along the way with your wellness journey, Homefront has curated this list of impactful resources to support you as you move forward.

Whether you’re looking to create healthier habits, better understand trauma, or reconnect with yourself and your community, these recommendations offer insight, encouragement, and practical steps forward on the path to wellness.

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The Research Is Clear: Guardians Need Support. We are Here to Help.

The RAND Corporation and Benjamin Center (SUNY New Paltz) surveyed thousands of guardians across New York State. Their studies confirm what many already know — guardians face serious mental health challenges and aren’t getting the care they need. At Guardian Revival, we offer the kind of trusted, barrier-free support these reports recommend for military, veterans, first responders — and their families.

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Boots & Paws Kevin Davis Boots & Paws Kevin Davis

The Putnam County Guardian Dog Park

We’re honored to announce the dedication of the Putnam County Guardian Dog Park — a collaborative project between Guardian Revival, Putnam County, and the PFC Dwyer Vet2Vet Program — designed with compassion, connection, and community in mind.

Located in the Upper Park of Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, this 50,000 square foot facility was created to provide a space where veterans, first responders, and their dogs can train, play, and connect. The park includes a public dog run for recreation, and a future training course is planned for K9 handlers, Boots & Paws recipients, and local agencies.

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Guardian Revival Kevin Davis Guardian Revival Kevin Davis

Military Appreciation Month

Our military service members (and their families) invest their time and physical, mental, and emotional health into their roles.

At Guardian Revival, our mission is to serve guardians & families, helping to improve their mental health & well-being.

During Military Appreciation Month, we recognize the significance of their service, both for our country & communities and for the individuals who serve. We invite you to learn more about this month and how we can honor our military service members & veterans.

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Homefront Kevin Davis Homefront Kevin Davis

Resources for Military, Law Enforcement, & First Responder Children

Growing up in a military, law enforcement, or first responder family comes with a unique set of challenges and experiences.

As a parent, it can be tough to know where to begin when it comes to helping your child understand and navigate this unique lifestyle.

Guardian Homefront has created this list of great resources to help you teach your kids about strength and adaptability while instilling a sense of pride in their family’s service.

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Guardian Revival, Encore Kevin Davis Guardian Revival, Encore Kevin Davis

Vietnam Veterans Day: Remembering Their Service & Sacrifice

Every year on March 29th, the United States observes Vietnam Veterans Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring those who served during the Vietnam War. Over 2.7 million American service members were deployed, and more than 58,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. The war deeply affected not only those who fought but also the nation as a whole.

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Guardian Revival, Encore Kevin Davis Guardian Revival, Encore Kevin Davis

With No Name on the Marquee: A Window Into the Experiences of a Vietnam Veteran

When the curtains rise on “With No Name on the Marquee, they’ll reveal a man stepping back into his past, and that of many of his fellow Vietnam Veterans, and the ways in which he grapples with the experiences in the war and the return to civilian life after his tour.

A cathartic experience for Veterans, active military, and civilians alike, this one-man, one-act play will transport audiences into the world of Veteran Vietnam as he shares his experiences and shines a light on what it means to have served in and returned from the Vietnam War.

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Champions Katherine Conaway Champions Katherine Conaway

Miami Marathon 2025 Recap

On February 2, 2025, the vibrant streets of Miami were filled with over 18,000 runners participating in the 23rd annual Life Time Miami Marathon & Half. Among the dedicated athletes were our very own Guardian Revival Champions, who not only showcased remarkable athleticism on Miami’s course but also embodied our mission.

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Another Summit Katherine Conaway Another Summit Katherine Conaway

The 5 Best Fire Starters for Hiking & Camping

Being able to quickly start a fire can be a literal life saver in a survival situation. While the forest provides many efficient tinder sources, wet conditions or an unfamiliar environment may slow your ability to find them — which is why many hikers & campers choose to carry their own. Learn how to make your own fire starters, including wax matches and fire cups!

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2024 Annual Report

We’re excited to share our 2024 Annual Report with you. Reflecting on another successful year across our core programs (Another Summit, Boots & Paws, and Encore), family program (Homefront), Peer Services division, newest location (Hawaii), and athletic fundraisers (Champions), we’re proud to report healthy finances & robust relationships as we wrap up our 5th year as an organization.

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Guardian Revival, Champions, Boots & Paws Kevin Davis Guardian Revival, Champions, Boots & Paws Kevin Davis

How to Run the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon With Guardian Champions

This year, Guardian Champions is providing you with the unique opportunity to run the San Diego Marathon for a great cause, by raising funds and awareness to prevent suicide among veterans and first responders with Guardian Revival.

If you’re ready to take on the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon with Guardian Champions, but you’re unsure of what to expect or how to get ready, this handy how-to guide will give you all the information you need to help you prepare, stay motivated, and make it across the finish line in style.

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Champions Katherine Conaway Champions Katherine Conaway

Honolulu Marathon Weekend 2024 Recap

Seven Guardian Champions joined a record-breaking 36,000 runners at the Honolulu Marathon 2024, making their mark in one of the largest and most scenic races in the world. From the early morning fireworks at the start line through iconic Waikiki up Diamond Head to the final strides into Kapiolani Park, our Champions pushed through heat, humidity, and miles of incredible scenery.

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Another Summit, Guardian Revival, Boots & Paws, Encore Katherine Conaway Another Summit, Guardian Revival, Boots & Paws, Encore Katherine Conaway

Revive & Thrive 2024: A Celebration of Connection, Community, and Purpose

On December 5th, 2024, Guardian Revival hosted our inaugural Revive & Thrive — a night dedicated to celebrating resilience, connection, and the incredible work being done to support our guardians. The night’s highlights included the premiere of two impactful short documentaries: the Boots & Paws Short Film and the Another Summit Mini Documentary.

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