Sanford, ME – For the month of June, Stephen Sessler, Senior Vice President & Senior Retail Banker at Partners Bank, selected the Travis Mills Foundation to receive $1,000 from Partners Bank’s Employee Donation of the Month program.

The Travis Mills Foundation provides a retreat for post-9/11 veterans who have been injured in active duty or because of their service to our nation. The retreat is an all-inclusive, all-expenses-paid, and barrier-free experience in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine.

The Foundation’s programs help these veterans overcome their physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation.

The Foundation was founded by Travis Mills, United States Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.) of the 82nd Airborne. During a routine patrol on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, an improvised explosive device blew off portions of all four of his limbs. After attending and being inspired by an adaptive sports camp in Colorado after his recovery, Mills and his family created a retreat where veterans and their families could relax, reconnect, and find their strength. The Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat was founded in September 2013.

The retreat offers Family Programs for veterans, spouses, children, or guests to enjoy adapted sports and activities that include fishing, pottery, kayaking, massage therapy, and more.

A notable program is Warrior PATHH. Warrior PATHH harnesses post-traumatic growth, which is the idea that a person can experience positive psychological change after a life crisis or traumatic event. It is the process of diving into one’s struggle and using those experiences to grow. Veterans in the program are supported by other veterans and PATHH guides, not clinicians.

Other programs include a Caregiver Program, Offsite Program, Virtual Program, and more.

As of the writing of this press release, the Travis Mills Foundation has aided 2,278 veteran families from 47 states.

When asked why he chose the Travis Mills Foundation to receive the donation, Sessler passionately shared, “I have a soft spot for our veterans and their families as I don’t think we can ever do enough to repay them for their courage and service, especially anyone that was wounded attempting to protect our rights as a country. They are special people that deserve our time, money, attention, and gratitude.”

This donation from Partners Bank will help the Foundation keep their programs free of charge to veterans and their families.

Another way Partners Bank shows their appreciation for veterans and their sacrifices for our nation is by offering the Heroes Bundle. The Heroes Bundle is a bundle of banking products and services created especially for Veterans, Active Military, First Responders. It features relationship rates on deposit accounts, VA mortgage loans for veterans only, and more. For more information, go to partners.bank.