When military members leave the service, life feels, understandably, different for many.

They miss the friendships and teamwork they had with their fellow service members.

Civilian life often feels lonely and disconnected, especially after being part of such a close group.

Veterans, first responders, and even those still on duty often feel they don’t belong anymore.

That’s why Project Refit, a group based in South Jersey, is working to bring them together.

Daniel Lombard, a U.S. Army veteran, and James Corbett, a Columbia University graduate, started Project Refit.

Lombard understands what it’s like to feel alone after serving in the military.

While in Afghanistan, he went through a lot, including surviving explosions and intense firefights.

After leaving the Army, the emotional weight of what he’d experienced hit him hard.

Consequently, he couldn’t sleep well, was often irritated, and eventually realized he had PTSD.

Therapy from Army specialists helped, but his biggest struggle began when he came home.

He felt completely cut off from everyone, as if the strong bonds he had during his service were gone.

Corbett, on the other hand, noticed that many veteran programs weren’t really helping.

He felt that these programs focused too much on labeling veterans as “broken” or as people who couldn’t move forward.

But Corbett, commendably, wanted to change that view.

Instead of treating veterans like they were helpless, he wanted to empower them.

And that’s how Project Refit was created.

Lombard and Corbett collaborated on an idea to help veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders feel connected again.

The goal of Project Refit is simple: fight isolation and rebuild the sense of community that service members miss after leaving the military.

Project Refit offers different ways to connect and support people.

One of their programs is Buddy Checks.

Essentially, these are online chats held every Monday and Friday at 9 PM EST.

Veterans, first responders, and their families can join these chats to talk, share experiences, and find support.

The sessions are live-streamed on Mondays, so more people can participate and feel part of the community.

Another feature is its Mobile Base.

The Mobile Base is set up with comfy seats and a TV, and it travels to where people are.

It goes to military units, veterans’ homes, and community events.

The idea is to meet people where they feel comfortable instead of waiting for them to come to a specific location.

Project Refit also organizes healing retreats.

The retreats give veterans and first responders a chance to unwind and enjoy activities like fly fishing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and shooting at the range.

But the most special part of these retreats happens at night.

Around a bonfire, participants have what they call fireside chats, which are deep, personal conversations about life, challenges, and feelings.

For many veterans, it feels like being back in the military, sitting around a burn pit, and talking with their team.

It’s moments like these that help people open up and start healing, and that’s really beautiful.

The group doesn’t try to replace therapy, but they offer something just as important—a sense of belonging.

Lombard says Project Refit gave him a new purpose and made him feel important again.

It’s a place where veterans and first responders can connect with others who understand what they’ve been through.

The name “Project Refit” comes from a military term.

To “refit” means to regroup, restock, and get ready for the next mission.

That’s exactly what this group helps veterans and first responders do—rebuild and move forward.

Project Refit shows up where it’s needed—at events, in local communities, and even at veterans’ homes.

They create spaces where people can be themselves without feeling judged.

In a nutshell, it’s about rebuilding trust, finding strength, and helping each other succeed.

If you want to learn more or get involved, you can visit their website at https://www.projectrefit.us

And if you meet someone who has served, take a moment to thank them.

A simple “thank you” can mean so much.