Purpose: This outlines Rally Point at the Summit’s Program Philosophy.
Background: Every day, an average of 22 veterans dies by suicide. Alabama ranks higher than most states. Rally Point at the Summit has developed several programs to combat veteran suicide.
Our Founding Principle
Veterans form their deepest bonds through shared intense experiences. These moments forge unbreakable brotherhood. When they leave the military, they lose access to those bonding experiences, leaving them isolated in a civilian world that cannot replicate that connection. Rally Point at the Summit exists to provide veterans new opportunities to face real challenges together and rebuild the brotherhood that kept them strong.
How High-Impact Experiences Combat Veteran Suicide and Isolation
Skydiving: The Ultimate Reset
Skydiving forces veterans into the present moment. Standing at the airplane door at 14,000 feet requires full attention, breaking cycles of rumination, PTSD flashbacks, and suicidal ideation. Taking the leap proves personal courage and capability. The shared fear and courage create instant bonds among participants, and the parachute landing becomes a metaphor for trust and support — demonstrating that you can take risks and land safely with people who care. The adrenaline and endorphin flood from the jump also provides a neurochemical reset, temporarily lifting depression and showing the brain it can still experience joy.
NASCAR Racing: Controlled Intensity at 168 MPH
Racing at Talladega speeds provides hyperfocus that shuts out intrusive thoughts, giving veterans a rare mental quiet. Controlled risk in a professional environment teaches that extreme situations can be managed safely. Trusting the driver, the safety equipment, and the pit crew rebuilds faith in systems and teams. Completing the race demonstrates personal capability and resilience, while the shared adrenaline experience forges immediate camaraderie. Group debriefs afterward help veterans process the lessons and connect them to daily life challenges.
Caving: Confronting Darkness and Finding Light
Navigating caves becomes a metaphor for moving through mental darkness. Veterans confront confined spaces and overcome feelings of being trapped, proving they can handle uncomfortable situations. Team reliance underground rebuilds the battle buddy mentality and demonstrates mutual dependability. Constant problem-solving under pressure enhances confidence, and emerging into daylight together represents hope, renewal, and shared accomplishment. Facing unpredictability in caves strengthens tolerance for uncertainty while relying on support from the team.
Summit Series: Two Summits, One Day Mission
Two teams of veterans tackle separate mountain summits simultaneously, creating a shared mission even when separated by distance. This proves both individual and collective capability while fostering accountability and motivation. The coordinated effort builds brotherhood across teams and strengthens organizational unity. Communication and check-ins provide encouragement and support throughout the day. Celebrating collective victory highlights achievement beyond personal accomplishment, and planning these simultaneous missions develops organizational and logistical skills. Standing on summit peaks alongside other teams creates profound perspective shifts and demonstrates Rally Point’s leadership and ability to support veterans effectively.
Spartan Race: Obstacle by Obstacle Victory
Spartan races teach veterans to break down overwhelming challenges into manageable steps. The culture of helping others and accepting help reinforces interdependence and community support. Experiencing failure and trying again teaches resilience, while completing the race demonstrates physical and mental toughness. The finisher medal and experience reconnect veterans to their warrior identity, and shared struggle through mud and obstacles strengthens peer bonds. Pushing past mental quit signals in the race builds confidence to overcome similar signals in life.
Rappelling: Controlled Descent and Trust Building
Rappelling teaches veterans to let go with control, showing that trusting systems does not mean losing control. Gradually confronting height and fear builds confidence incrementally. The rope descent acts as a metaphor for life’s challenges, while reliance on harnesses, ropes, and belay partners rebuilds faith in safety and support networks. Completing the rappel while peers observe reinforces social connection and accomplishment.
Hiking: Rhythm, Progress, and Endurance
The repetitive rhythm of hiking induces a meditative state that reduces anxiety and racing thoughts. Every step provides tangible evidence of forward progress and capability. Natural surroundings ground veterans in the present, while hiking together fosters peer support and rebuilds battle buddy mentality. Completing challenging hikes strengthens both physical and mental endurance, and the side-by-side nature of walking creates a safe environment for sharing struggles and opening communication naturally.
Fishing: Patience, Presence, and Peaceful Connection
Fishing teaches patience and mindfulness, helping regulate the nervous system. Low-stimulation social environments allow veterans to connect without pressure, through conversation or comfortable silence. Catching fish restores purpose and competence, and the experience of providing for others reinforces a sense of usefulness. Proximity to water promotes calm and reduces stress, while mentorship opportunities foster learning and support. The peaceful environment allows veterans to process thoughts naturally and reflect quietly.
Why These Experiences Work When Traditional Approaches Fall Short
All these experiences combat isolation by providing inherently social, shared activities. Many veterans resist traditional therapy, but few refuse adventure or time with peers. The experiences create positive memories and evidence of resilience that veterans can draw upon during dark periods. They instantly build peer support networks and integrate both physical and mental growth, opening possibilities for connection, capability, and hope that may have seemed impossible beforehand.
IN CRISIS? CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR IMMEDIATE HELP. VETERAN PRESS 1.