GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The Fallen Outdoors (TFO), a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, continues its mission to support Veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star families through therapeutic outdoor adventures. With operations spanning 43 states, the organization has grown from a simple idea conceived on an Afghan mountaintop to a nationwide movement serving tens of thousands of veterans annually.

From Afghanistan to America: The Organization’s Origin Story

The Fallen Outdoors began in 2008 on a remote mountaintop outpost in Afghanistan, where three soldiers—Staff Sergeant John Bates, Specialist Eric Finnigan, and Specialist Eric Bakken—recognized the profound impact that spending time in nature had on their well-being. What started as informal hunting and fishing trips for fellow service members has transformed into a comprehensive support network.

After years of organic growth, TFO received its official 501(c)(3) status in October 2015. The organization was formally founded in 2009, with the mission expanding beyond simple outdoor recreation to address a critical national crisis.

Fighting the “22 a Day” Statistic

“Everything we do is to fight the 22 a day statistic of veteran suicide,” explains Prostaff Joe D. Cason, referencing the alarming rate of veteran suicides in America. “We understand someone sitting in a room by themselves dwelling on things that they saw, did, that they know about, and who they lost. That is not good for anyone’s mental health.”

The organization’s approach is deliberately inclusive. Cason stated, “The entire point of The Fallen Outdoors organization is to get men and women veterans of any class and Gold Star Family members outside,” Cason said. “We do not care if you served for a week or served for years, every veteran is welcome.”

Comprehensive Programming and Operations

TFO operates through a structured regional system with the East Coast region being one of several divisions nationwide. The organization maintains 50-55 staff members who organize and supervise trips at national, regional, and state levels. In North Carolina alone, 24 staff members coordinate activities for veterans throughout the state.

2024 Programming Results

• 71 total trips including hunting, fishing, baseball games, and hockey games
• 421 veterans participated across all activities
• Diverse programming beyond traditional outdoor activities

2025 Progress

As of mid-2025, the organization has already facilitated:

• 21 trips serving 131 veterans
• 6 shows and events for exposure and networking

No-Cost Commitment to Veterans

All TFO activities are provided at no cost to participants. “Everything you need, we are able to help out and take care of,” Cason explains. Veterans need only ensure they have proper state licensing for hunting and fishing activities.

The organization’s trip selection process operates through their Facebook page, where interested participants can sign up for announced trips. Board members conduct drawings to select primary participants and alternates, ensuring fair access to all opportunities.

Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising

TFO has developed significant partnerships to expand their reach. A notable 2025 sponsorship deal with Carteret Speedway includes billboard advertising and race tickets for veterans and their families. Recent events have taken veteran families to races, providing entertainment beyond traditional outdoor activities.

Major Fundraising Events

• Annual Banquet (August 23rd): The organization’s largest fundraiser featuring raffles, silent auctions, and live auctions
• Freedom Fest: Community exposure events with merchandise sales and raffles
• Coastal Fishing Events: Large-scale activities where 6-8 boat captains donate their vessels for veteran fishing trips, recently accommodating 45 veterans

Leadership and Vision

Founder Eric Bakken

Born and raised in Minnesota, Bakken served nearly eight years as an 11B infantry soldier, including multiple deployments for Operation Enduring Freedom. He left the Army in 2015 to focus on growing TFO. His daughter Finnley is named after his best friend Eric Finnigan, who was killed in Afghanistan during their first tour in 2009.

“One thing I wanted to strive for when I built TFO was that I wanted it to be open to all veterans of all branches and backgrounds,” Bakken states. “If you served honorably, you are my brother and sister. I do not care how long you served, what branch, what job, combat or garrison.”

Executive Leadership Team

The organization operates under a robust leadership structure including:

• Branden Trager, President: Active-duty Army with 21 years of service, stationed in the Pacific Northwest
• Mike Unruh, Vice President: Recently retired after 20 years as a Criminal Investigator, runs kayak fishing series
• Robert Casey, Staff Manager: Retired Marine Corps after 24 years, joined TFO after meeting Bakken in 2015
• Adam Lanier, Executive Director: Former Marine Corps and law enforcement, leads Team Kansas and serves as Midwest Director
• Ducky Lique, Treasurer: Army veteran, leads Team Virginia organizing therapeutic outdoor excursions
• Clayton Yantis, Secretary: Medically retired Army veteran who served 13 years

Mental Health Integration

TFO recognizes the importance of professional mental health support alongside outdoor therapy. The organization recommends certified veteran mental health services, with many staff members working for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Their Facebook page serves as a resource where veterans and service members can ask VA-related questions.

Community Impact and Future Growth

The organization’s growth from three soldiers’ informal trips to a national network demonstrates the critical need for veteran support services. By combining outdoor recreation with peer support and professional mental health resources, TFO addresses veteran wellness through a comprehensive, community-based approach.

“There is no better feeling than helping others heal by showing them the way of the Outdoors,” explains Vice President Mike Unruh. “Getting our families and our children involved is key as well, giving us a great opportunity to teach them about the conservation of our natural resources.”

Through partnerships, fundraising, and dedicated volunteer staff, The Fallen Outdoors continues expanding its reach, working to ensure no veteran faces their challenges alone.