A new organization founded by veterans is hosting it’s first annual Eaglepalooza on Saturday to help local veterans build community.
Chapter Captain Anna Hummel, a veteran, said Team RWB was founded to help veterans regain their sense of belonging and community that may have been lost while transitioning back to civilian life. Hummel said Eaglepalooza is a barbecue meant to bring veterans and community members together.
“I think the military just gives you a sense of belonging and a sense of safety with that family that you build,” Hummel said. “And when you get out, you just don’t really know what to do and how to do it. And I feel like we just don’t know where to stand and where we belong anymore.”
Hummel said she recognized the need for community with other veterans after she and her husband moved to Tennessee from Colorado, where there is a much larger veterans population. Hummel said many veterans suffer from mental health challenges in addition to feeling isolated.
“I’ve seen a lot of PTSD surface, especially once they lose their identity because they’re not going so much anymore,” Hummel said. “And then they stop and they have to just blend into the real world. It’s not easy. PTSD takes over their lives.”
Hummel said community among veterans is important, but relationships between veterans and people without a military background can also be important.
“Sometimes, we get so caught up in only having those strong bonds with other veterans,” Hummel said. “But we are in the real world now, and I think it’s important to have those friendships and have those bonds.”
Eaglepalooza will be held Saturday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hidden Hollow Park in Cookeville. Hummel said the event is free to attend.
