As a marine and firefighter spanning over the last two decades, Guardian Grounds CEO Jason Corthell has had his own set of struggles with anxiety, addiction, and PTSD. “I kind of got tired of just talking about helping vets and first responders and I wanted to actually do something about it,” Jason recalls. “I feel most people know the struggle of veterans, but the general public is rarely aware that first responders often go through the same trials.”
Every day, our first responders and military members are faced with scenes and situations that leave lasting marks on their lives. These unsung heroes who face the unimaginable to protect and serve the rest of us often carry silent burdens that go unnoticed.
“Our ultimate goal is not only to have the ability to take our veterans, first responders, and their families on outings and outdoor adventures but to build a full-service wellness facility to address behavioral health deficits and offer addiction treatment,” Jason says. “There are none in the state of Texas that are exclusively for both populations of veterans and first responders.”
The mission at Guardian Grounds is simple yet profound; to provide a sanctuary where healing begins and resilience is built. They’re striving to heal our everyday heroes through the power of nature and relationships. It’s a haven for the first responders and their families that is more than just a place to unwind. They’ve created a comprehensive sanctuary tailored to the unique needs of first responders and military personnel.
Guardian Grounds Ranch covers 12 acres with a 4,000-square-foot log cabin that houses up to 30 people. Located in Lindale, northwest of Tyler, the cabin has six rooms, approximately 20’ x 20’, with a bath, shower/tub, toilet, and linen closet accommodating four to five people. “Our goal is to have participants stay free of charge, and we encourage them to use the cabin before it is needed,” says Jason. “We want people to use it for breaks and leisure. Often, only one family is using the cabin at a time.”
Guardian Grounds seeks to help heal veterans and first responders so they don’t become a part of the staggering statistics of more than 6,500 veterans and first responders who take their own lives every year.
“We are thankful to the many organizations who have been instrumental in our launching. Most of them have given us services and continue to do so free of charge,” Jason says. “To name a few, Beefy Marketing allows us to use their marketing platform and podcast studio. Sam Cannon allows us to rent our office space free of charge, and we are so thankful to Camp Comrade, who is our partnering agency specializing in veteran needs and care. We are also thankful to Shield Bearer and Carrera Counseling who have been 100% on board with us from day one and have contributed to the building of our nonprofit and its successes as well.”
Husband and father of three, Jason shares; “My wife Patty is the Vice President for Guardian Grounds, but she is the leader of the pack. She sacrifices so much to allow me to invest time into this cause. She has immediate family members who have served in the military and as first responders, so she knows all too well the difficulties both populations can face at times,” Jason says.
With many ways to give regularly via their website–including monthly and corporate sponsorships, and plenty of merch like coffee and t-shirts, there is a way for everyone who wants to give. Jason also seeks out-of-the-box donations and ideas to meet the needs of the first responders and veterans as well. “We are looking for anyone willing to donate land. We would love to set up some local camping and RV sites,” Jason says.
Giving time, money, and donation of goods or services–all are more than welcome and are needed. “We don't turn down any help, as a newer non-profit we need all the help we can get.”
There are many ways to give back and support Guardian Grounds as they actively help the ones who help everyone else.
Every day, our first responders and military members are faced with scenes and situations that leave lasting marks on their lives. These unsung heroes who face the unimaginable to protect and serve the rest of us often carry silent burdens that go unnoticed.
Guardian Grounds seeks to help heal veterans and first responders so they don’t become a part of the staggering statistics of more than 6,500 veterans and first responders who take their own lives every year.