UPCOMING EVENTS
F/A-18 Simulator MCAS Beaufort
We will meet to enter MCAS Beaufort for a tour of the legendary F/A-18 Hornet simulator building and have an opportunity to get in the cockpit to fly linked simulators.
Hunting Island Hike
Meet at Hunting Island State Park on MLK Day starting at 0900 for a trail hike. Join for camaraderie and fresh air as we reconnect for Valor in the low country starting in 2025. Pack water and a lunch, invite a friend.
OPFOB Range / Broxton Bridge Civil War Reenactment
OPFOB range shooting start at 1030AM followed by Broxton Bridge Civil War reenactment which starts at 2PM. Locations and details provided on website links underlined. Looking forward to honing marksmanship and observing a 22 year reenactment tradition at the Broxton Bridge Plantation.
Mighty Eighth Air Force & Hoppers Paintball
Planning to tour Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum for about 2 hours, meet at 11AM followed by low impact paintball at 130PM at Hoppers in Savannah, GA.
Hunting Island Hike
Hiking at Hunting Island State Park from 0800-1200 on Saturday December 16th.
Island Campout
Fish Camp access near story creek hosted by Charlie Sprietsma. Planning for overnight campout with fishing and outdoor activities. Boat ferry pickup will be available PICKUP & DROPOFF from station creek landing to the Fish Camp.
Lowcountry Gigging
Gigging with the low country’s finest, Noah Marquardt. He will pass on lessons to youngsters from this age old pastime. Bring headlamp, water, and bug spray. We will meet at the Vivians Island Community dock. Event is contingent on environmental conditions, expect updates.
OPFOB Shooting Range
Hone your aim with OPFOB at 328 Lakeview Drive, Ridgeland SC. Shooting will commence after coffee and camaraderie which starts at 0900. Bring own weapons, ammunition, eye and hearing protection. If you have not attended previously, plan to fill out the digital waiver. Looking forward to reconnecting with veterans and each other as we lean into another school year. Emphasis on weapon handling, process for improvement, and building relationships with veterans.
https://opfob.org
VALOR Council
VALOR Council Pax Terra at Meyersdale, PA.
We are excited to connect, encourage, equip and get feedback on the VALOR Foundation venture on Juneteenth weekend.
If you are interested but have not committed, invitation will remain open until 1 week prior (9 June).
Please advise if coordination for shuttle pickup from PIT, IAD, BWI or other travel arrangement support is needed.
Packing list
Sleeping system/mat (Camping under stars, inclement weather plan of tents and rain fly will be available on-site)
Closed toed shoes/boots (hiking/equestrian/sporting events)
Gloves
Sunglasses
Long work-pants
Light jacket/sweatshirt
Water bottle
Hat
Swimwear
Flashlight
Hygiene kit
Tent
Optional
Knife/utility tool
.22 cal firearm / air rifle
Personal hearing protection and glasses (Foam ear plugs will be available)
All food and drinking water will be provided.
Campsite will be off grid w/ only occasional ability to access running water and electricity.
This venue is intended for boys and men as a mentoring, apprenticeship style event. Ages targeted for VALOR events are young men ages 10-22, however younger boys/sons can absolutely attend. The intent is that young men are comfortable and capable to participate in solo activities and are detached from father figures to allow relationships to mold with mentors.
Instructional Activities offered :
Survival - (min age 13yrs). off grid intended to instruct on foraging, trapping, fire starting, water filtration, land navigation, shelter prep, weather reading, and signaling.
Equestrian - Opportunity to build confidence around large animals instructing on grooming, tack setup, horse care, and riding.
Aquatics - swimming and small boat craft in fresh water. Building swimming stamina in deep water with instruction on strokes, breath control, and floating techniques.
Marksmanship - Instruction on firearm safety, weapon handling, small game hunting, and aiming techniques.
Orienteering - Land navigation, reading topographic maps, compass use, and plant/tree identification.
The emphasis on all activities is functional utility, the goal is to cultivate recognition of intrinsic value through simple challenges and an environment where margin to grow is given.
UPDATED Sequence of Events
Friday, June 16th
*AM- Rock wall project (Early arrivals)
1030AM - Orienteering pace count
6PM - Arrival / Pizza
830PM - VALOR Welcome
Saturday, June 17th
645AM - Reveille
7AM - Physical Training
8AM - Breakfast
9AM - Farm activity
* Survivalists depart
1PM - Lunch
2PM - Instructional Activities (Orienteering & Marksmanship)
6PM - Dinner
7PM - Message - Judges 6-7
9PM - Bonfire
Sunday, June 18th
530AM - Reveille
545AM - Sunrise Walk
7AM - Worship Service and Messages
10AM - Brunch
11PM - Instructional Activities (Equestrian & Aquatics)
3PM - Survivalists return for Message
4PM - Aquatics Race
5PM - Veteran Reception
6PM - Dinner
7PM - Veteran Appreciation
8PM - Relocate camp to the back pond
9PM - Bonfire
Monday, June 19th
8AM - Breakfast to go / Breakdown camp
9AM - Camaraderie competition
11AM - Framework of VALOR/Closeout/Challenge
12PM - Departure
*Late departures have access to farm/outdoors
We are planning to campout, bring gear if you are able, temperature lows at night may dip into 50’s. Cots, tents, bedding can be provided, please advise early if needed.
F-35B Demo hosted by VMFAT-501
Opportunity to gain access to VMFAT-501 Warlords F-35B training squadron at MCAS Beaufort and watch an F-35B demonstration practice. Observe first hand the people and equipment that make up a Marine Fighter/Attack squadron.
Plan to meet by 1PM at VMFAT-501 squadron entry at bottom of parking garage. https://goo.gl/maps/Z6JKArgjx6io7eHZ7
If interested in attending this Friday March 24th a behind the scenes F-35B demonstration please respond with names and ages by tomorrow afternoon so I can provide the air station a roster of participants. If you do not have a MIL ID, base access, or ability to carpool with someone that does, fill the attached form and plan to arrive early.
The planned takeoff time for the demonstration is 1:15PM. MAJ Josh "Gilt" McMinn is planning to meet the group at 1PM at the fence entry point near the parking garage pinned above.
If you have questions please text or call Josh at 936-546-3695 OR the Squadron Duty at 843-228-9701.
Bring sunglasses and hearing protection if you have it. Hearing PRO will also be available.
Looking forward to watching MAJ Nate "Bobbitt" Keegan demonstrate the high performance of a superior fighter aircraft and seeing the Marines and professionals that enable it.
Amphibious Campout
Planning for an overnight campout in the Beaufort Lowcountry via boat. Objective is to consider tidal and weather patterns and gaining access to a remote area that is unique to this region.
Shooting Range at OPFOB
Range shooting opportunity at Operation Patriots FOB, @ Legacy Oaks Preserve 328 Lakeview Drive Ridgeland, SC 29936. Firearms instruction and shooting on Saturday followed by campfire and overnight camping on-site.
Serving Opportunity
Family moving home goods from storage and apartment to home. Meet 0800 at 481 Paris Island Gateway OR 1000 at Harbor One Apartments.
Campout at Hunting Island
Who: VALOR Foundation, Young Men / Old Men
What: Tent Campout with campfire message by Josh Woods “Understanding God’s sovereignty and taking action knowing that this is His Plan.”
When: 15-16 Oct. Check-in opens at 2PM on Saturday 15 Oct, and checkout ends at Noon on 16 Oct. VALOR event will be from Saturday at 4PM - 10AM Sunday.
Where: Primitive Area P-1, expect vehicle passes and parking location details provided at the campground entry point. Capacity limited to 30 people.
Why: We seek to raise up young men to have the grit, character, and faith that the next generations need to serve and lead our country into the future.
Sequence of Events (SOE):
15OCT
4-6PM Tent setup, beach ultimate frisbee
6-7PM Chow, fire pit, picnic table on-site
7PM Words from Josh Woods
16OCT
715AM Sunrise sand run and swim
830AM Breakfast
10AM Checkout
Coordinating Instructions:
Gear:
-Water shoes, old tennis shoes.
-Flashlight
-Water bottle
-Tent, hammock, sleeping bag/pad
-Towel, toiletries
If you need gear, please send me a note.
Chow plan is to bring your own
Fires required to be in confined designated areas
No concealable weapons
No running water or electricity
After hours gate code for site entry is :5913
I look forward to sharing VALOR Beaufort first campout.
REQUEST - If you have a particular outdoor skill set that this venue would provide opportunity to instruct on, please let me know and I will work it into the SOE.
Campground details:
https://reserve.southcarolinaparks.com/hunting-island/camping
R/,
Thayer Paxton
C:443-994-0013