A homegrown nonprofit working to help ease the stresses of active military members, veterans, first responders, and their families is on the cusp of getting its first forward operating base.
The Delafield Town Plan Commission recently granted Wisconsin Heroes Outdoors the initial permission it needs to use the town’s former Fire Station #2, W329-S890 Kettle Moraine Drive, as its headquarters, and the town and the nonprofit are currently working out the details of a three-year-lease for the property. Founded around 2017 by veterans Eric Falkner and Jason Bartol, the Town of Delafield nonprofit uses the camaraderie of outdoor activities to address both the physical and mental health challenges brought on by the stresses of being either a veteran, active duty soldier, firefighter or police officer. The ultimate goal is to help reduce the staggering rates of suicide among vets and first responders.