All:

I started this email on a plane headed back from 10 days in Texas. Yes, SSO is now in Texas too!

This is a major milestone for us! Until recently we've talked about expanding nationally but have worked mostly in California.

As most of you know, the idea of outdoor adventure ministry with active duty military formed while I was serving in the Marines. As a ministry, serving active duty truly sets SSO apart! With nearly 50,000 veteran focused nonprofits in existence, there remains a huge need in the active duty community.

From what I witnessed in nearly 30 years in the Marine Corps, chapel attendance was largely in decline and service members with a faith foundation were growing smaller in number. This stems from the myriad of negative issues plaguing our society and the military. Stress, anxiety, and suicide continue to be on the rise in the military. Something needs to be done!

With your support, SSO has been able to reach thousands of active duty service members at more than 100 events since 2015. We’ve hosted rock-climbing, skydiving, sailing, fly-fishing, wakeboarding and jet skiing, mountain biking, skeet and trap shooting, and partnered with other organizations and churches to host on-base concerts with Kutless and Switchfoot.

Though 2020 started out strong, like many of you we changed gears in mid-March due to the coronavirus. During April and May, SSO assisted military chaplains in delivering spiritual fitness discussions, catered lunches, and provided resources from one of our longstanding ministry partners, Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs, to active duty military in Southern California. With the coronavirus closing much of California, this caused us to look elsewhere and step up our timetable of expanding SSO to other states.

In May, we traveled to Texas and Colorado to meet military leaders and discuss the possibility of SSO chapters in these locations. Meetings at Fort Hood were especially fruitful as it was clear our ministry was called to be there. With so much darkness in and around Fort Hood we felt compelled to help. With this in mind, we set out on a path to host events with Fort Hood soldiers this fall. SSO was met with incredible enthusiasm as we shared Christ with active duty soldiers. Their leaders were looking for creative ways to engage soldiers in a discussion of faith and SSO answered this prayer.

We hosted 55 active duty soldiers at Brazos Bluffs Ranch in Waco, Texas on September 10, 11, and 17. With horseback riding, shared meals, and a message from a fellow military service member who had "been there, done that," Christ did the rest to cement the foundation of truth with these soldiers. The feedback from these events was tremendous so I wanted to share few comments from soldiers with you:

"This event was tremendously impactful and allowed my soldiers and myself to share and communicate outside of the typical work environment. Great event with a lot to offer and will push hard to get everyone possible to take advantage of this faith-based approach to nourishment and sustainment."

"I personally believe that this experience has changed me for the better. My faith in life and humanity is restored. Thank you Chaplain Karen Moore & SSO!"

"I strongly recommend this program! I believe this can truly impact our new junior/senior soldiers; prevent stress levels and/or suicide."
"SSO is the only organization I have heard of in 12 years (in the army) that only helps active duty."

"I enjoyed it all! People are great! I immediately felt I was part of something."

To say 2020 has been busy is an understatement! People are hungry for truth and looking for answers to life's big questions. They're desperate! There's none better suited to provide answers to their questions than Christians focused on sharing the gospel with some of the most deserving members of our country—people sworn to "defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic." Some will die defending our country. Others will suffer physical, mental, and spiritual wounds. Many will succumb to suicide.

Through our free events and with the help of our Lord, SSO is bringing life and the gospel to active duty military. This work is essential, and only possible when individuals, churches, and foundations commit financial resources to this cause. Typical SSO events run between $2,500 and $6,000 per day depending on the venue and total number of participants. In Texas we need to raise support to fund events and pay our newest team member, Tony Smit, MSgt USMC retired. Tony is spearheading this effort, and it's a full-time job.

I know you are like me and are passionate about serving active duty military through Christ-centered outdoor adventure. If you are already supporting SSO, thank you! If you have been sitting on the fence, I hope you'll prayerfully consider joining our financial support team. With Jesus, SSO brings young people to faith at every single event we host—and we can't do this without you!

Joining our support team is easy. Monthly partners are key. Simply go to www.soulsurvivoroutdoor.org/donate. If you prefer, checks can be mailed to Soul Survivor Outdoor, 3437 Ravine Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92010. Other giving options are available through investment transfer and can be accomplished by contacting Darcy Wolfe, the SSO financial advisor at 760-727-1008 or Darcy.Wolfe@edwardjones.com. You can even donate an unwanted vehicle at https://careasy.org/nonprofit/soul-survivor-outdoor.

If you have questions or just want to find out more, I would love to talk to you. My personal cell phone number is 619-840-2054.

Thanks again and God bless!
Semper Fi,

Rick Wolf
LtCol USMCR (Retired)