Meet the FOYA Team: Dedicated Veterans Supporting Veterans
At FOYA (Focus on Your Abilities), our team is more than just a group of dedicated individuals—we’re family, both literally and figuratively. Our mission is driven by our shared experiences, deep bonds, and unwavering commitment to supporting veterans.
Our Founders: Morris Earnest Jr. and Adam Griffin, brothers-in-law and Marine Corps veterans, are the heart and soul behind FOYA. Morris, a retired Master Sergeant with over 20 years of service, and Adam, who served as a Staff Sergeant for 12 years, bring their military expertise and personal experiences to the forefront of our organization. Their bond as family members who both served in the military is unique and strong, providing a solid foundation for FOYA. However, we recognize that not all veterans have a family member who understands their experiences firsthand. This understanding fuels our passion to create a supportive community where every veteran feels connected, valued, and understood.
Our History
The FOYA Story: From a Truck Ride to a Mission
It all began on a long drive back from Mississippi. The truck was filled with the quiet hum of the road and the shared reflections of a recent hunting trip. In that truck, with miles of open highway ahead, the seeds of FOYA (Focus on Your Abilities) were planted.
As Marine Corps veterans, we had spent years in the service, moving our families from place to place, and facing the challenges of military life head-on. But this trip was different. It wasn’t just about hunting—it was about reconnecting with something deeper. It was about the camaraderie, the shared stories, and the realization that the outdoors offered a sense of healing and purpose that many veterans needed but often struggled to find.
We talked about the challenges veterans face after leaving the military—the loss of structure, the difficulty in finding purpose, and the mental health struggles that too many of our brothers and sisters experience. We knew that something had to be done, and that’s when the idea for FOYA was born.
The concept was simple yet powerful: use the outdoors as a tool to help veterans reconnect, find healing, and rediscover their sense of purpose. We envisioned a place where veterans could come together, engage in outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, and support one another in their journey towards post-military life.
From that conversation in the truck, FOYA has grown into a mission-driven organization run by veterans, for veterans. We’ve taken our passion for the outdoors and combined it with a commitment to supporting our fellow service members. Whether it’s through organizing hunting trips, providing opportunities for outdoor adventures, or simply being a supportive community, FOYA is about making a difference in the lives of those who have served.
Our journey started with a simple idea during a quiet truck ride, but it has evolved into a mission that has touched the lives of many. We are proud of where we’ve come from and excited about where we’re headed. And as we continue to grow, our focus remains on empowering veterans, one outdoor adventure at a time.
Our Mission
FOYA’s Mission: Building Community, Purpose, and Healing for Veterans
FOYA (Focus on Your Abilities) was conceived with a clear and powerful mission: to empower veterans by reconnecting them with the outdoors and each other. Our mission is rooted in the understanding that nature and camaraderie offer unique forms of healing that many veterans need after their service.
We strive to create opportunities for veterans to rediscover their sense of purpose, resilience, and well-being through outdoor adventures like hunting and fishing. These experiences foster a sense of community that many veterans miss after leaving the military.
At FOYA, we believe in the transformative power of nature and shared experiences. Our programs are designed to support veterans on their journey to a fulfilling post-military life, by providing them with the tools and opportunities to focus on their abilities and embrace the next chapter with confidence and strength.
This mission is not just our purpose; it’s our passion and our promise to those who have served. Through FOYA, we are committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of veterans, one outdoor adventure at a time.
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A recent Pentagon report reveals alarming trends in suicide rates among enlisted military personnel. You can take action now, or leave them in the hands of the VA. We believe our heroes deserve more.