OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Giving back, great music and community spirit combine on Saturday, Feb. 3, when concerts return to Silver Springs State Park for the first time since 2017. The Never Give Up on Country concert benefits the Travis Mills Foundation and celebrates courage and resilience.

The show features country stars Parmalee, as well as duo Johnny & Heidi, and Chris McNeil.

The man behind this concert is Travis Mills, a self-described “recalibrated veteran,” not a “wounded warrior.” It’s a term he coined because he says his wounds healed, and he adjusted to his new normal; he recalibrated.

Travis Mills was served in the 82nd Airborne. He was injured by an IED in 2012 while on his third tour in Afghanistan. Courtesy: Travis Mills Foundation

Serving the Country
“I’m from a small town in Michigan. I played sports growing up and joined the military because turns out I wasn’t as good sports as I thought it was,” Travis said. “When I was in college, I just wanted something bigger and better and thought the Army sounded fun, and I joined the military. I met my wife through one of my buddies in the military. We have two amazing children and we’re married going on 16 years.”

Travis’ story took a life-changing turn in 2012.

“While I was in the military, I was fortunate to serve the 82nd Airborne Division. I used to jump out airplanes, kick those guys in the face, do all that cool stuff. Well, I mean, only the ones that deserved a kick in the face,” he continued. “Unfortunately, on my third deployment to Afghanistan, I happened to set my backpack down on a roadside bomb, an IED. When the bomb went off, it tore off portions of my arms and legs. So, I’m one of five surviving quadriplegic parties.”

He spent more than 19 months recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. “I was able to regain my independence with having a prosthetic arm and then being able to walk again on prosthetic legs and drive again eventually,” said Travis.

Travis shared that there were dark days where he would tell his wife, Kelsey, that she should take the kids and leave him.

Travis and his wife Kelsey host veterans and their families at their fully adapted facility in Belgrade Lakes, Maine several times a year.
Courtesy: Travis Mills Foundation

Finding a Way Forward
He tried to focus on moving forward and finding another way to serve his country. He does that now turning adversity into hope for countless post-911 veterans and their families through a variety of programs his foundation offers.

One of the signature programs is barrier-free, life-enhancing retreats for veterans and their families.

The retreat is in Maine’s Belgrade Lakes, and is more than a getaway. Travis says it’s a safe space where veterans who have physical injuries can bond over shared experiences, enjoy a multitude of adaptive activities, and most importantly, learn that they’re not alone. This commitment to serving those who’ve served their country is the driving force behind the never-give-up spirit Travis embodies.

How You Can Help

Just grab a ticket to the “Never Give Up on Country” concert coming up next month. There are two price points for tickets. A general admission ticket is $45. For $65, you also get a box dinner provided by Mission BBQ. Buy tickets here.

You can also support Travis’ mission through the Travis Mills Foundation’ Amazon Wishlist. It’s an opportunity to directly contribute items the foundation needs to keep the programs running and to keep giving veterans another chance to thrive.

The Travis Mills Foundation will host its third “Never Give Up on Country” concert on February 3 at Silver Springs State Park. It’ll be the first concert at Twin Oaks Mansion since 2017. Courtesy: Travis Mills Foundation