I have made a lot of mistakes in my life — I think we all probably have.
Small things, like missing your freeway exit because you’re locked into a podcast, or forgetting to bring the bins to the end of the driveway on garbage day (sorry honey!), are pretty common. I’ve also made bigger mistakes: switching careers multiple times when I was younger (to the detriment of my bank account), or befriending people who took advantage of my kindness.
With mistakes comes the realization that we don’t always have the answers. Mistakes also create opportunity — the chance to learn, grow, and recalibrate.
I have an industrial-strength “look back” module in my brain where I critique past decisions and experiences. Judging by the endless memes about your brain waking you up at 2 a.m. to replay “dumb things I did in the 4th grade” or conversations I’d handle differently 30 years later, I know I’m not alone.
One benefit of reflecting on mistakes or less-than-optimal decisions is learning how not to repeat them. One mistake I made repeatedly over the years was allowing outside influences to darken my mood and outlook.
Finding Purpose Through Volunteering
Over the past decade, I’ve made a conscious effort to grow — to do things that matter and to make a difference.
Since the 1990s, I’ve volunteered with multiple organizations, including my church, civic groups, and community-based nonprofits. This isn’t about self-promotion — it’s a call to action. I’ve discovered that helping others gives me purpose.
Sometimes it’s the small things. Something as simple as brushing snow off neighboring windshields after a fresh snowfall in the church parking lot can lift my mood. Purpose-driven volunteering has a way of pushing you into a more positive mental state.
Discovering Hometown Hero Outdoors
Every once in a while, you find something that lights a fire — something that energizes you and fills a need you didn’t even realize was there.
For me, that happened through volunteering with Hometown Hero Outdoors.
Over a decade ago, a close friend shared his vision of starting an organization that would help veterans and law enforcement officers reconnect with the outdoors for mental clarity and healing. I told him I’d help with media or voice-over work if it ever got off the ground.
Fast forward to 2017, and Hometown Hero Outdoors became a reality. I initially helped on the fringes as the organization grew. Then, starting in 2022, I had the opportunity to become a voice of HHO through social media, YouTube videos, and in-person representation at outdoor shows and events.
Outdoor Therapy for Veterans, First Responders, and Law Enforcement
The mission of Hometown Hero Outdoors is simple but powerful: to reconnect those who serve with purpose, community, and healing through peer-led outdoor experiences and real stories.
HHO provides outdoor therapy opportunities for veterans, first responders, law enforcement officers, and firefighters — creating space for healing to begin through camaraderie and shared experience.
As a former law enforcement officer, I understand the stressors that come with these careers. I’ve seen firsthand how connection, community, and outdoor experiences can have a profound impact on mental health.
And you know what else helps? Volunteering to make those connections happen.
I volunteer with Hometown Hero Outdoors because I believe in the mission — and because helping others has lifted my own mood more times than I can count.
How You Can Get Involved with Hometown Hero Outdoors
Here’s the pitch:
1. Join HHO — It’s Free
Are you a veteran, current service member, law enforcement officer, first responder, or firefighter?
You can join Hometown Hero Outdoors for free.
👉 Sign up here:
https://hometownherooutdoors.org/membership/
HHO currently has chapters in 28 states and growing, and we’d love to have you.
2. Volunteer
Hometown Hero Outdoors is a 100% volunteer-run organization, from the President down through the ranks.
There are countless ways to serve and support those who serve our communities every day. Reach out, and our volunteer coordinator will connect with you.
👉 Volunteer here
3. Donate
It costs approximately $100 per day per person to bring heroes into the outdoors for stress relief and mental reset.
Our administrative costs are only 10% of the budget — covering essentials like our attorney, CPA, and website. That means 90% of donated funds go directly to outdoor experiences.
👉 Donate here:
https://hometownherooutdoors.org/donate/
Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Give Back
Don’t make the mistake of missing an opportunity to give back.
Join me in helping Hometown Hero Outdoors continue providing outdoor therapy and connection to the people who give so much of themselves in service to others.
Phil
About the Author
Phil Ewert is the Content Development Coordinator for Hometown Hero Outdoors. He is the podcast producer and provides voiceover and media production for the organization.
