First Lady Ann LePage to speak at Travis Mills Project National Veterans’ Family Center
Maine’s First Lady will welcome Travis Mills and three other disabled veterans from Walter Reed to Maine
AUGUSTA – First Lady Ann M. LePage, also known as “First Lady of Camp,” will speak at the Travis Mills Project National Veterans’ Family Center on Wednesday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. and welcome the first group of veterans from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center during the camp’s “Founder’s Week.”
The center, located at Camp Kennebec on the shores of Salmon Lake in Belgrade, is the first fully accessible family camp for disable veterans. It offers disabled veterans and their families an opportunity to enjoy all of the traditional sports and activities offered at summer camps, such as water skiing, golf, tennis and volleyball.
On April 10, 2012, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was on patrol during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan when he fell victim to an IED explosion. He is only the fifth quadruple amputee from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries. The center is his dream, which is to provide disabled veterans a summer camp where they can relax and enjoy the brotherhood of fellow veterans and their families.
Mrs. LePage will be joined by Governor Paul R. LePage to offer thanks to Bread of Life Ministries, Camp Kennebec owners Joel and Crista Lavenson, and Travis Mills for helping to make the National Veterans’ Family Center a reality in Maine. She will also welcome three other veterans and their families: Drew Mullee, U.S. Army, from Ohio; Taylor Morris, U.S. Navy, from Iowa; and Eric Burkett, U.S. Marine Corps, from Pennsylvania.
“It has been a truly amazing experience to be a part of this project,” Mrs. LePage said. “Travis is a truly inspiring person who motivates me to want to do more each and every day. Thanks to Travis and Bread of Life Ministries, this camp is truly Maine’s gift to the Nation.”
To learn more about Travis Mills and the National Veterans’ Family Center, please visit www.veteransfamilycamp.com.