As the phoenix lives again after fiery death, so can humans after devastating loss. My husband, artist Chris Cart, and I painted this fantastic and inspiring Phoenix Rising mural for the Travis Mills Foundation that depicts prosthetic steampunk phoenix wings, symbolizing a new beginning for our recalibrated veterans. We wanted to create an image that was heroic, beautiful, and spiritual.
Painted in the summer and fall of 2021, this 10 x 10 foot mural is a permanent addition to the grounds of the Travis Mills Foundation Retreat in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine.
The Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat is located on the former Elizabeth Arden Estate in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine. Travis and his wife Kelsey purchased the property in 2015 to create a retreat for our recalibrated veterans and their families. Today the facility offers a wide range of activities on the grounds, from hiking, canoeing and golfing, ice fishing and snowshoeing, cooking and massage therapy and even a ropes course.
Travis Mills Foundation Mission
The Travis Mills Foundation supports recalibrated veterans and their families through various programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation.
We support these veterans through our nationally recognized retreat located in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine. Families of veterans who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service to our nation receive an all-inclusive, all-expenses-paid, barrier-free experience in Maine where they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families, and enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation in Maine’s outdoors.
From the TMF website.
recalibrated veteran
re·cal·i·brate /ˌrēˈkalibrāt/
calibrate (something) again or differently.
vet·er·an /ˈvedərən,ˈvetrən/
a person who has served in the military.
SSG Travis Mills coined the term “recalibrated veteran” after he lost portions of all of his limbs in an IED explosion while serving our in Afghanistan. He was injured and healed; he didn’t want to be called a “wounded warrior” – his wounds had healed. Instead, he referred to himself as recalibrated. He adjusted to his new normal; he recalibrated.