PUTTING WITH A PURPOSE

It might seem surprising, but Army veteran Daren Staley’s newfound love of golf is a sign that veteran support group Eagle OPS is succeeding in their mission.

Staley joined the Army in 2007 and served in Baghdad and around the Middle East. When he returned home in 2010, he struggled to transition back into civilian life.

“I tried school, different jobs, and eventually went into law enforcement,” Staley said. “I loved it, but it felt like another phase in life, not something permanent.”

Things began to change when he got involved in Eagle OPS events. There he found friendship, purpose, and a reason to get out of the house: free, veteran-led events across Oklahoma. And while he never cared for golf, the camaraderie of the group led him to try this sport just to explore another way to stay connected. Now he’s hooked.

Golf nights are a big draw,” Staley said. “I didn’t golf at all before Eagle OPS, and now I own a full set of clubs. I even reconnected with people in my everyday life who also golf.”

That reconnection with your community, Staley says, is what Eagle OPS is all about.

EAGLE OPS VETERAN SUPPORT

Founded in 2016 by Johnathan and Jessica Shepherd as a small running group, Eagle OPS became an official nonprofit in 2019. Its mission: “create meaningful relationships that not only enrich lives but also provide essential support for a healthy transition home.”

The group organizes a wide variety of social outings—Wake Surf Wednesdays, Freedom Shoots, United Skates, Life’s a Pitch—all designed to create low-pressure opportunities for veterans to show up, meet others, and break down the walls of isolation.

“Forming that camaraderie in those groups helps you with socialization, and it extends into everyday life,” Staley explained. “Guys who are stuck emotionally, not sure how to get out, can reengage by getting involved in golf, hiking, pickleball, or whatever it is.”

Staley believes that one of Eagle OPS’ biggest strengths is how it frames participation not as asking for help, but as giving help.

“I think that’s the unspoken secret,” he said. “One of the best ways to heal one arm is to put the other arm around someone else. Sometimes, the best way to find healing is through helping others.”

The model works. He recalls one veteran who showed up for six months without saying much—just standing in the back. Eventually, that veteran began opening up, attending multiple events each week, and today helps coordinate the monthly Freedom Shoots.

“It’s not perfect,” Staley said. “But it works—and until there’s a better solution, we’ll keep at it.”

STALEY’S HIKING PARTNER: BLACK EAGLE® ATHLETIC BOOTS

Today, Staley is an Eagle OPS Mission Coordinator, responsible for organizing weekly hikes. He describes them as “simple, recurring events” that veterans and their families can count on to decompress and connect.

For recent hikes, his gear of choice has been his HAIX® Black Eagle Athletic boots.

“My HAIX boots came in handy for those hikes,” Staley said. “I’ve worn them to a couple of events, and they’ve worked great for everyday use and shorter hikes. They’re comfortable, durable, and a solid all-around boot.”

THE DIFFICULTIES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Staley doesn’t shy away from the heavy realities. He’s lost several brothers from his Army unit to suicide—making the work deeply personal. He cautions that outreach is rewarding, but it comes at a cost.

“Not everyone should do veterans outreach,” he cautioned. “Some people walk away with more secondary trauma than they started with. Veterans are often the ones providing solutions for each other in crisis, but that takes a toll.”

“Be mindful of your own mental health if you want to help,” he said. “The weight is real.”

Still, his advice to veterans is simple:

“Don’t wait until there’s a problem to find your solution. You may be fine now, but by showing up, you might be the solution for someone else. And in the process, you might find answers for challenges you haven’t faced yet.”

THE FUTURE OF EAGLE OPS

Looking forward, Staley wants Eagle Ops to grow into a national model—a network of veteran-led events across the country.

“Like morning formation in the service,” he explained. “Rain or shine there should always be a place for veterans to reconnect. If we can empower veterans everywhere to host these Rally Points, then they will always have access to the camaraderie, connection, and support they deserve.”