Our Name

“Tohidu” is a Cherokee word meaning peace of mind, body, and spirit.

The Global War on Terror has produced more than a half million American veterans with service-related injuries. This is in addition to the pre-9/11 era veteran population, many of whom are still struggling with service-related trauma. Thousands of these men and women are coping with invisible wounds, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and moral injury, or are processing the human impacts of their military service. These warriors struggle to recover not only their health, but also their civilian or military lives: maintaining employment or duty status, finding jobs, rebuilding or maintaining family relationships, and figuring out their place in our communities. Their path is far from easy and many need our support.

Operation Tohidu® focuses on confidence-building, outdoor activities, and group discussion in a relaxed, positive environment using proven techniques for the self-management of symptoms, stressors, and responses. Our highly trained staff of certified recreational support professionals facilitate activities that highlight individual ability and teamwork, promote positive engagement, drive transformative discussions and reframe traumatic experience.

Programming is designed to facilitate post-traumatic growth and drive or initiate progress on a participant’s post-trauma journey. Operation Tohidu^® assists participants in changing their mindset, reconnecting with their spiritual selves, adapting their approach to trauma, and regaining a sense of wellbeing and purpose. Melwood Veterans Services’ adventure-based programming and positive psychology approach combine to encourage participants to overcome obstacles to their recovery and achieve the Operation Tohidu® mission of Peace with the Past, through Power in the Present.