House In The Woods
www.houseinthewoods.org
House In The Woods: Honoring those who serve. Healing those who sacrifice.
The House in the Woods was founded by Paul and Deanna House, Gold Star parents of Sgt Joel A. House, after losing Joel to honorable service to our country. Having connected with the organization early in 2021, I have had the honor of speaking at their annual fundraiser, House In The Woods Heroes Golf Tournament and attending “Week Two” of the 2021 Maine Bear Retreat. This blog is dedicated to the tragic loss of their son, his selfless sacrifice and the endearing strength of the House family as they continue their son’s journey in service to our Nation.
House in the Woods flag memorial
Turning down the gravel entrance to the House In The Woods, the first view you are introduced to is the flag memorial standing proud at the field edge. Old Glory reverently serves as a reminder to all who visit the lodge why they are there, who they are supporting and the tragic loss at it’s foundation.
Winter view of the House In The Woods. Lee, Maine.
From the outside, the House In The Woods shares the appearance of other outdoor retreats. Large, barn-style construction set in a timbered environment. However, when you enter the front doors of the lodge you are embraced by the welcoming interior of the house. The first time I entered the House In The Woods it was late in the evening. I was hosted by Paul and his Development and Social Media Coordinator, Angie Gade. The interior was dimly lit and I could hear the sleeping sigh of the comforting structure. At that time, I was unaware of the powerful healing energy I would experience in the coming months, yet I could feel in my soul the resting energy of the surrounding walls.
"Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache, carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit."
- Napolean Hill
Joel House, born and raised in Lee, Maine, enlisted in the Army in January of 2003. He completed Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and was Stationed at Fort Hood, Texas; proudly trained as a Abrahms A-1 Tanker. While conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sgt Joel A. House was killed in action June 23rd, 2007 by a roadside bomb, also known as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The morning after the memorial service at Fort Hood, Paul House (Joel’s father) responded to a message he received in prayer, “Build a lodge. Celebrate your son’s service and sacrifice. Heal yourself by healing others”. Upon returning to their home in Lee, Paul moved forward with his calling and began building the House In The Woods.
Sgt Joel A. House, Taji, Iraq.
The mission of the House In The Woods is simple, as stated on the website,
“...to create a therapeutic, recreational, and educational retreat for our nation's U.S. armed forces and their families, using outdoor wilderness activities in Maine and natural habitats to help participants share common challenges related to their service and sacrifice in protecting our nation's freedom and democratic ideals.”
The House In The Woods project officially broke ground in 2013. Paul and Deanna donated 4 acres of family land and were donated 3 acres by a bordering landowner to make way for the new building. In total, they cleared 7 acres for the 14,000 square foot facility, which now serves the very active non-profit outdoor retreat for active duty, veterans and Gold Star families. After clearing the property in 2013, it took three years to build the existing structure. During such time, Paul’s higher purpose began taking shape with the execution of guided hunting and fishing retreats.
Clearing the land for the House in the Woods.
The first year’s retreat schedule was limited to three fishing trips and one bear hunt, hosting a total of 15 veterans. Without the lodge, Paul and Deanna collaborated with other locals in the town of Lee who were compelled to provide room and board in support of the fledgling non-profit. That challenging first year paved the path for the success of 2021 with over 70 participants enjoying outdoor adventures including turkey, bear and moose hunts, and numerous fishing trips.
Gold Star mother of Sgt Joel A. House, Deanna House.
During my week of bear hunting at the lodge I had the pleasure of speaking with Deanna. Her initial reservation with the project was shared in candid communication. Paul was an Arborist and Maine hunting guide. They did not have knowledge or experience in running a small business or non-profit, yet she was committed to Paul’s calling, founded in the faith of their beliefs. She now reflects back with cheerful gratitude. Over the past 8 years, the House family has hosted over 1700 veterans, active-duty and gold-star family members.
Gold Star father of Sgt Joel A. House and founder of the House In The Woods, Paul House.
As readers you may ask, “What difference is there between a local bear hunt compared to a bear hunt with House in the Woods?” I can answer that question from experience. The environment cultivated by House in the Woods is unreplicable by military or government organizations. As a retired combat-disabled veteran, I have participated in several military command-level and Department of Defense sponsored mental-health programs. My willingness to truly open up to the medical and health professionals was always stifled by a lack of trust. For years, I was consistently fearful of being judged, losing my “operational-status” or being medically retired prior to serving and retiring on my own accolades and time in service. This reluctance and stigma is common throughout the joint services, significantly impacting the healing process of service members suffering from mental and physical injuries.
2021 Week Two Bear Hunt. We had veterans from the Vietnam era to current Iraq/Afghanistan campaigns.
The non-profit Paul and Deanna have created provides an immense healing experience where service members may connect in a non-threatening environment. The house itself provides a judgment-free atmosphere, allowing our nation’s finest men and women the ability to connect, communicate and collaborate their memories, experiences and injuries. Both successes and failures, emotionally and in the field, are celebrated as a family. All of this is accomplished in a period of days.
After participating in two amazing events with House in the Woods in 2021, I knew I wanted to give back in some way, shape or form. This blog is my first step in returning the generosity and friendship they have so humbly extended to me. If you are a veteran in need of support, healing or outdoor connection, or a person interested in giving to those who serve or have sacrificed, please follow the link to House in the Woods and find your place in their organization.
Be LIMBITLESS. Get OUTDOORS.
