Rocco and Lauren Besednjak are lifelong public servants. Lauren is currently a Registered Nurse, and has been living her dream of working with children for over 15 years. Rocco spent over 4 years in the US Navy, before he was medically retired due to becoming disabled. Not wanting to stop serving, Rocco served as a police officer, for over seven years, before he was forced to retire, due to spinal injuries after being intentionally dragged and ran over by a wanted felon. However, Rocco’s drive to continue serving, allowed him to convince Lauren to acquire a beautiful piece of property in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. Appropriately named Camp Hero, Rocco wanted to be able to provide retreats, hunting trips, camping trips, and outdoor experiences for other wounded veterans and first responders. During his early stages of being treated for service-connected PTSD, Depression and Anxiety (that were tied to his physical injuries) Rocco was able to find the organization, Kentucky Wounded Heroes (KWH), which also provides outdoor experiences for wounded veterans and first responders. Through experiences with KWH, Rocco was able to fully understand the therapeutic benefits of being outdoors, in nature, and being around like minded people. Rocco wanted the non-profit to be able to continue on this idea, and provide a location to be able to help other wounded heroes heal, and grow our heroes of the future.
Camp Hero provides 3-4 day getaways for wounded veterans and first responders, to allow them to be able to enjoy the tranquility of the Appalachian Mountain outdoors, while being able to talk and fellowship with other wounded heroes. All lodging and food is provided from the non-profit, through donations. The uniqueness of Camp Hero allows heroes to hike, explore caves, wade creeks, ride ATVs, enjoy watching the abundance of wildlife, sit around a campfire, or even do some hunting (season permitting). Camp Hero also has events for children, teaching outdoor skills, and mentoring them, so they can become the heroes of the future.
If you, or someone that you know, is a wounded veteran, or wounded first responder, please contact us, so we can heal together. Not all wounds are visible, and the physical wounds most times have non-visible ones that go with them. Healing on the inside is just as important as healing on the outside. Our Non-profit will help our wounded veterans and first responders, while enjoying God’s outdoors.
A disabled combat veteran gives his testimony, on how Camp Hero has helped him.
Just a small glimpse of Camp Hero, and what we have to offer.
Your support and contributions will enable us to help wounded heroes fellowship and heal, and also help us support and mentor upcoming heroes. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
