Every Thursday, SailAhead and the CI Bird Sanctuary partner in Oyster Bay’s National Wildlife Refuge for birding expeditions, but these outings offer more than just a chance to observe nature. They provide a space for veterans to reconnect, find purpose, and contribute to conservation efforts. Last week, veterans from the Samaritan Daytop Village and the Northport VA joined the team to help count and report bird populations to the national ebird database. One veteran, Matt, a former US Army Ranger, reflected on the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, sharing how experiences like these offer a sense of community and purpose: "It’s really hard, but building community helps—especially when we’re doing things like this."
Every Thursday, SailAhead and the CI Bird Sanctuary team up for a birding expedition in the tranquil waters of Oyster Bay's National Wildlife Refuge. These outings aren’t just about birdwatching, though—they're a chance to connect with nature, contribute to conservation, and, most importantly, provide veterans with a sense of community and purpose.
Last week’s expedition was especially meaningful, as we were joined by six veterans from the Samaritan Daytop Village and the Northport VA. Their participation helped not only in counting bird populations but also in reporting our findings to the national database, ebird, managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Aboard our boat, Tartan, we scanned the skies and shores for wildlife, but it wasn’t just the birds that captured our attention. It was the stories and reflections shared by the veterans that truly resonated. Matt, a former US Army Ranger, opened up about his challenging transition from military to civilian life.
"That was the biggest loss of my life... leaving the army," he said, looking out across the water. His words held the weight of someone who had found his identity in service. "When I put on the uniform I said I was made for this."
His reflection on life after the army was equally powerful. "It's really, really hard... The army is a completely different life, where I learned a unique set of skills that serve no purpose in the civilian world," he explained. But Matt also emphasized the importance of building community and finding purpose in life after service. "Especially when we're doing things like this," he added, nodding toward the ongoing bird count.
This weekly ritual, while focused on environmental conservation, becomes a healing space for those who have served. It offers not just an activity but a reminder that there’s value in collective purpose, in being part of something greater than oneself—even after leaving the military.
As we counted the birds soaring through the skies of Oyster Bay, we also bore witness to another kind of soaring—the veterans finding new wings, new connections, and a renewed sense of purpose through nature and community.
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