Veterans' retreat expands near Thompson Falls

Nearly 100 people recently gathered at a peaceful mountain retreat in Thompson Falls to celebrate the acquisition of a new 60-acre facility for a veterans group called Patrol Base Abbate Return to Base.

Located on Tanager Road, this off-grid mountain base above the Clark Fork River exists as a place where veterans can rest, reconnect with their fellow service members and rediscover the meaning of service to themselves, their families and their communities.

The organization's unique name, Patrol Base Abbate, was used to honor the legacy of Marine Sergeant Matt Abbate, a Navy Cross recipient who received the award posthumously. Abbate, a 26-year-old scout sniper, was fatally wounded on December 2, 2010, in the Sangin district of Helmand province, Afghanistan.

The organization was founded by Marine Lt. Col. Tom Schueman, who is still on active duty.

“I started this organization because we lose too many veterans to suicide,” Schueman said. “I had 19 victims on my first combat deployment. I lost twice that many Marines at home. If we’re going to take protective measures to keep our Marines and soldiers alive in combat, we have to be willing to try to keep them alive right here on our own turf. That’s the genesis of Abbate. We’re trying to reduce the number of veterans who commit suicide.”

In a quote on Abbate’s website, Schueman writes: “The military prepared us to fight on the battlefield, but recent events in Afghanistan have taught us that you can win battles and still lose the war. There is also a war on the home front that we are losing. In 2020, the casualties of this war at home came in waves. Three of my Marines committed suicide in quick succession; I needed to find out why. In combing through the VA’s annual suicide reports, I discovered that the leading proximal causes of veteran suicide were feelings of disconnection and isolation. Tellingly, noncombat veterans are 80% more likely to commit suicide than combat veterans. With a deeper understanding of the problem, I shifted my focus and sought out organizations that fostered veteran connectivity.”

Abbate Patrol Base has been operating in the Thompson Falls area since 2021 in the Eddy Flats area. It acquired its current location in 2023. The organization has grown significantly since its inception. Membership has grown to 4,500 in 2023 with 35 chapters across the country. Programs offered are free to all participants and include activities such as physical and mental wellness, service projects and fireside chats as well as clubs based on common interest activities.

According to retired Maj. Kevin Fallon, who is chief of operations for Patrol Base Abbate and a Marine Corps veteran, funding for the return to Patrol Base Abbate program comes primarily from individuals, followed by grants and finally corporate sponsors. At the recent Thompson Falls event, Elks lodge member Christine Munday presented Schueman with a $1,000 check. The money comes from the National Elks Foundation’s Community Investment Program.

To support the acquisition of the property, Thompson Falls Police Chief and Air Force veteran Christopher Nichols attended the event.

Visit www.pbabbate.org to learn more or click “Join the Tribe” to become a member.

Other types of services available to veterans are available online at veteranscrisisline.net or by text to 838255. If you are on the verge of a crisis, call 855-838-8255.