SO, WHAT IS THE CATCH?
There is no catch. As long as you qualify, as listed below, Operation Black Hills Cabin wants YOU! Because you have sacrificed so much to insure freedom for the rest of us, OBHC as well as the town of Custer and the surrounding Black Hills area, would like to say "thank you for your service". We know your life has been forever changed due to your injuries. We also know that the lives of your family members has also been affected. It is our mission to provide you and your family with a one-week respite in our cabin located in Custer, South Dakota, for you to reconnect with your family away from your daily routine. We hope you will find the peace and tranquility to help in your healing process. All you need to do is GET HERE! Due to the generosity of our donors, grants awarded to us and fundraisers, we have been able to provide partial transportation reimbursement to each family upon arrival. Please check our the PHOTO GALLERY under the ABOUT US tab to get a glimpse of what you might see and do during your week with us.
HOW DO I QUALIFY AND APPLY?
The veteran has to be a minimum of 30% Combat Injured from any post 9/11 military operation; OR they have to be a Medal of Honor recipient; OR they have to be in a Soldier Recovery Unit or Warrior Transition Unit. Submit your application online from the home page or print and mail it. After submitting your application, you must provide us with the required documentation as listed on the application form. No action will be taken on your application until all supporting documentation is received. Your application will be reviewed, references will be called and you will then be contacted by us. Please alert your references to expect a telephone call from us.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CABIN?
Our cabin was constructed in 2013 with 1,200 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. It is totally furnished with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and is handicap accessible. The master bathroom has a roll-in shower. The cabin can sleep a family of 8. Pictures can be viewed on the website. There is no TV or internet at the cabin. Upon arrival, each family is greeted by an OBHC representative and given a packet of information and coupons to area attractions and restaurants. These can be used at various times during their week.
HOW MANY FAMILIES HAVE BEEN HOSTED SO FAR?
A total of 166 families from 38 states have been guests of OBHC. They have come from North Dakota, Kentucky, Vermont, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan, Arkansas, Virginia, Kansas, Louisiana, Ohio, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Utah, South Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Iowa, West Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Missouri, Alabama, New Jersey, Connecticut and California.
WHAT WILL THIS RESPITE COST?
The lodging is at no cost. Several local restaurants offer free or reduced meals and many area attractions offer free or reduced admission. Other expenses, such as transportation to and from OBHC, souvenirs, etc. are the family's responsibility. However, partial travel reimbursement is given upon arrival.
HOW DID THIS PROJECT START?
In 2011, Tom Brokaw did an interview on the Oprah Show ("Bravest Families in America"). After watching it, we felt that, coupled with the fact there are now over 60,000 returning combat-injured veterans who are trying to adjust and transition to civilian life as well as reconnect with families, plus the fact that we live in a vacation destination, what better place to provide a chance for those families to reconnect with each other and enjoy our area and all it has to offer.
WHAT WEEKS ARE AVAILABLE?
We operate from May through September of each year. Your week-long respite will run from Noon on Sunday until 9 am on the following Saturday. Weeks are scheduled on a first-come basis. Get your application in as soon as possible.
WHAT ABOUT PETS AND SMOKING?
We have a strict "no pet policy". If the injured veteran has a Certified Service Animal, it will be welcome. The cabin is 100% non smoking.
WHAT OTHER HOUSING IS AVAILABLE IN THE AREA FOR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WHO MIGHT WANT TO VISIT?
This opportunity is for you and your immediate family to reconnect. Immediate family is defined by those included on your award letter or VA certified caregivers. Custer has many hotels/motels/cabins available. Visit www.custersd.com.
IS THERE AN AIRPORT IN CUSTER?
Rapid City Regional Airport is the closest commercial airport with daily flights serviced by most major airlines. It is an hour drive.
ARE THERE MEDICAL FACILITIES IN CUSTER?
Custer Regional Medical Center including an Emergency Room is one block from the cabin.
Rapid City Regional Medical Center is 40 miles north of Custer.
Hot Springs VA Hospital is 32 miles south of Custer.
Ft. Mead VA Hospital is 70 miles north of Custer.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Operation Black Hills Cabin is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We are 100% volunteer based and volunteers are needed in many areas. If you are interested, there is a place for you! See the Get Involved tab on this website for more information.
HOW CAN I DONATE?
See the Donate tab on this website for more information regarding donations. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible.
HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?
By mail - Operation Black Hills Cabin, PO Box 855, Custer, SD 57730.
By telephone - 605-517-1830.
Email - operationblackhillscabin @gmail.com.
Website - www.operationblackhillscabin.org.
Facebook - www.facebook.com/operationblackhillscabin.
There is no catch. As long as you qualify, as listed below, Operation Black Hills Cabin wants YOU! Because you have sacrificed so much to insure freedom for the rest of us, OBHC as well as the town of Custer and the surrounding Black Hills area, would like to say "thank you for your service". We know your life has been forever changed due to your injuries. We also know that the lives of your family members has also been affected. It is our mission to provide you and your family with a one-week respite in our cabin located in Custer, South Dakota, for you to reconnect with your family away from your daily routine. We hope you will find the peace and tranquility to help in your healing process. All you need to do is GET HERE! Due to the generosity of our donors, grants awarded to us and fundraisers, we have been able to provide partial transportation reimbursement to each family upon arrival. Please check our the PHOTO GALLERY under the ABOUT US tab to get a glimpse of what you might see and do during your week with us.
HOW DO I QUALIFY AND APPLY?
The veteran has to be a minimum of 30% Combat Injured from any post 9/11 military operation; OR they have to be a Medal of Honor recipient; OR they have to be in a Soldier Recovery Unit or Warrior Transition Unit. Submit your application online from the home page or print and mail it. After submitting your application, you must provide us with the required documentation as listed on the application form. No action will be taken on your application until all supporting documentation is received. Your application will be reviewed, references will be called and you will then be contacted by us. Please alert your references to expect a telephone call from us.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CABIN?
Our cabin was constructed in 2013 with 1,200 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. It is totally furnished with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and is handicap accessible. The master bathroom has a roll-in shower. The cabin can sleep a family of 8. Pictures can be viewed on the website. There is no TV or internet at the cabin. Upon arrival, each family is greeted by an OBHC representative and given a packet of information and coupons to area attractions and restaurants. These can be used at various times during their week.
HOW MANY FAMILIES HAVE BEEN HOSTED SO FAR?
A total of 166 families from 38 states have been guests of OBHC. They have come from North Dakota, Kentucky, Vermont, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan, Arkansas, Virginia, Kansas, Louisiana, Ohio, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Utah, South Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Iowa, West Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Missouri, Alabama, New Jersey, Connecticut and California.
WHAT WILL THIS RESPITE COST?
The lodging is at no cost. Several local restaurants offer free or reduced meals and many area attractions offer free or reduced admission. Other expenses, such as transportation to and from OBHC, souvenirs, etc. are the family's responsibility. However, partial travel reimbursement is given upon arrival.
HOW DID THIS PROJECT START?
In 2011, Tom Brokaw did an interview on the Oprah Show ("Bravest Families in America"). After watching it, we felt that, coupled with the fact there are now over 60,000 returning combat-injured veterans who are trying to adjust and transition to civilian life as well as reconnect with families, plus the fact that we live in a vacation destination, what better place to provide a chance for those families to reconnect with each other and enjoy our area and all it has to offer.
WHAT WEEKS ARE AVAILABLE?
We operate from May through September of each year. Your week-long respite will run from Noon on Sunday until 9 am on the following Saturday. Weeks are scheduled on a first-come basis. Get your application in as soon as possible.
WHAT ABOUT PETS AND SMOKING?
We have a strict "no pet policy". If the injured veteran has a Certified Service Animal, it will be welcome. The cabin is 100% non smoking.
WHAT OTHER HOUSING IS AVAILABLE IN THE AREA FOR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WHO MIGHT WANT TO VISIT?
This opportunity is for you and your immediate family to reconnect. Immediate family is defined by those included on your award letter or VA certified caregivers. Custer has many hotels/motels/cabins available. Visit www.custersd.com.
IS THERE AN AIRPORT IN CUSTER?
Rapid City Regional Airport is the closest commercial airport with daily flights serviced by most major airlines. It is an hour drive.
ARE THERE MEDICAL FACILITIES IN CUSTER?
Custer Regional Medical Center including an Emergency Room is one block from the cabin.
Rapid City Regional Medical Center is 40 miles north of Custer.
Hot Springs VA Hospital is 32 miles south of Custer.
Ft. Mead VA Hospital is 70 miles north of Custer.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Operation Black Hills Cabin is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We are 100% volunteer based and volunteers are needed in many areas. If you are interested, there is a place for you! See the Get Involved tab on this website for more information.
HOW CAN I DONATE?
See the Donate tab on this website for more information regarding donations. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible.
HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?
By mail - Operation Black Hills Cabin, PO Box 855, Custer, SD 57730.
By telephone - 605-517-1830.
Email - operationblackhillscabin @gmail.com.
Website - www.operationblackhillscabin.org.
Facebook - www.facebook.com/operationblackhillscabin.