LockLeed: A New Nonprofit!
By Renée R. Roth
LockLeed Outdoor Foundation is the newest addition to the LockLeed International family of companies and nonprofits dedicated to helping military personnel and veterans. Joel Peterson, a US Army veteran, leads our new division focused on building relationships and fostering camaraderie in our community. Joel’s background as an NCO and Ranger gives him the leadership skills and the operational expertise needed to bring this venture to life!
Joel said that the primary goals of the foundation are to:
- Form relationships with military service members and veterans across the state.
- Build recognition of the need for places where veterans can gather and share stories.
- Support other nonprofits providing services for military service members and veterans.
- Create a community of people who believe that serving others is important.
Joel’s military service journey began, like so many others in his generation, following the 9/11 attacks on our country. He was in college, making all “A”s but frustrated by a lack of purpose or direction in life. He joined the Army, hoping to be a helicopter pilot, and instead went into Infantry with an Airborne specialty. He has plenty of stories to tell, including learning to surf in Hawaii and his time in Ranger school.
In 2007, Joel was wounded in Iraq and spent months recovering and rebuilding his life. He retired in 2009 with a Purple Heart. Joel credits many organizations where he received the support and encouragement he needed to achieve stability. He said, “I’ve met so many great people over the last 15 years and each of them played a part in making my life better. I have three kids now and they’re the best thing that ever happened to me!”
Joel is working to set up this nonprofit, build a board and start fundraising. There are already people interested in joining his team and he has identified other service organizations to partner with and support. Some of the ideas Joel and his team will be working on include:
- Ice Fishing This Winter
- Hunting and Fishing Outings
- Gun Raffle
- Fundraising Opportunities
- An Inaugural Gala
The emphasis will be on getting to know each other, spending time thinking about life and refocusing as people reground themselves following their military experiences. Joel said, it’s time to create an environment that normalizes a soldier’s return to civilian life and embraces the unique challenges they face when they come home. Join us in congratulating Joel and welcoming him to the LockLeed family.
Joel currently runs a lawncare company, and has a Spotify Podcast episode with “Strength From Service” at https://open.spotify.com/episode/6rOXjjn5jFNgDdlCBKZGHW
Reach out to Joel today to hear more about how LockLeed Outdoor Foundation will serve those who served America. Email us at [email protected] or call 763-355-5789.
