Veteran reconditioning program to wrap up in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A local organization is wrapping up a program that’s strengthening the body and mind of veterans.

23rd Veteran is a non-profit that provides trauma recovery for veterans and first responders.

This week the organization is wrapping up its 14-week Reconditioning Program, which helps participants through fitness and connecting with fellow vets.

The program combines physical exercise with positive psychology discussions. It kicked off with a week long outdoor wellness adventure in Alaska before heading back to Duluth for 13 weeks of training.

“I have to say, it’s a huge time commitment, but it’s one I’m going to miss a little bit as well. This, like, this camaraderie, this like team, this effort we’ve built together. And this experience that we’ve all done together, growing together, healing together, it’s going to be pretty hard to not, to not see all these people three times a week,” Sarah Herrick-Smisek, 23rd Veterans Director of Operations said.

23rd Veteran will be hosting its annual Winter Gala on December 5 at the Greysolon Ballroom, the gala is crucial for fundraising to support the program’s free participation for veterans and first responders.