2024 Year-End Note from Our CEO
Another Year of Resilience, Connection, and Hope
As we look back on another year of Guardian Revival — our fifth! — we’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve military, veterans, first responders, and their families.
It’s an incredible honor to work with this community, especially as many of us on the team are guardians ourselves. We understand the unique challenges because we’ve lived them too. And we’ve seen firsthand how powerful our programs can be in fostering healing, growth, resilience, and connection.
We’ll share more of the data and metrics in our 2024 Annual Report; but, today, we’re reflecting on the heart of why Guardian Revival exists. While our programs are designed to be practical, accessible, and action-oriented, the foundation of our offerings lies in addressing a crucial need: the mental health challenges and stigmas that weigh heavily on the guardian community.
The truth is, to struggle is to be human. It’s a universal experience — one that transcends age, background, and circumstance. Whether it’s mental, physical, emotional, or social, life inevitably brings challenges.
And while we can’t always choose our struggles, we can choose how we face them. When we confront those challenges head-on, with the right tools and a supportive community, we pave the way to healing and growth.
The Human Experience: Struggle, Connection, and Revival
At Guardian Revival, this truth fuels everything we do. We don’t just help guardians and their families overcome hardships; we empower them to heal and rediscover their strength. Through outdoor adventures, music, peer support, and the companionship of dogs, we provide not just tools for resilience but also a community that understands and uplifts.
If you’re reading this and facing your own challenges, here’s what we want you to know: you are not alone.
Struggle is part of the human experience, but it doesn’t have to define you. Healing starts with a single step — reaching out, connecting, and believing in the strength within yourself to move forward.
This year, we’ve witnessed countless stories of resilience & peace: guardians finding solace on trails, bonding with their companion dogs, recording their original music, finding true relaxation through meditation, and connecting with each other.
Every step forward is a testament to the power of community and connection. These moments remind us why we do what we do and inspire us to continue.
Looking Ahead: A Path of Hope and Growth
As we step into a new year, we’re filled with hope. Together, we’ll continue building a path that empowers guardians and their families to navigate their journeys with resilience and strength.
Whether you’re a guardian seeking support, a family member looking for resources, or someone who believes in this mission, there’s a place for you here.
Let’s make 2025 a year of healing, connection, and revival — together.
Alex Othmer
CEO & Co-Founder, Guardian Revival
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental health & well-being of military, veterans, and first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them.
Our Programs
Another Summit | Outdoor adventures — walking, hiking, backpacking, paddling, and fly fishing
Boots & Paws | Providing dogs for the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship
Encore | Opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music
Peer Services | Individual & group peer support for guardians by guardians
Homefront | Support & resources for military & first responder families
Upcoming Events
All of our events are free for guardians (active & retired): Active Military ᐧ Veterans ᐧ Reserves ᐧ National Guard ᐧ Law Enforcement ᐧ Fire & Rescue ᐧ Emergency Medical Services ᐧ Dispatchers ᐧ Corrections ᐧ Federal Agents
From gatherings and hikes to music and mindfulness, there’s a place for everyone in our community — in-person, online, and outdoors. We hope you’ll join us soon:
Get Out, Give Back ‘24
Want to help us continue to make a difference? Make a donation to Guardian Revival and support our mental health and wellness programs for military, veterans, first responders, and their families through peer connection, outdoors, music, dogs, and more.
BONUS GIFTS
As a thank-you and a chance to get fresh GR merch to rep:
$50 donors receive an exclusive, limited-edition GR t-shirt
$150 donors will get a t-shirt AND a GR NorthFace beanie!