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Supporting the Shepherd’s Men program inspired Travis Ellis to create a fundraiser.
Murphy – Travis Ellis’ passion for Shepherd’s Men is evident in his voice as he excitedly talks about the organization as well as the second annual Murphy Music & Brews coming up Saturday, April 13.
In detailing his attachment as co-founder of the organization, he recalls how he had befriended a group of Marines in Smyrna, Ga., and how they started working out and every morning.
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“It was 2014, and we did all these crazy events. A gentleman named Troy Campbell mentioned he wanted to do a run from their unit in Georgia to the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Va. All I could think was, what kind of sadistic person would want to do that? What a noble undertaking, but why do it just for the sake of doing it?
“I was thinking we could do some good, for his brothers in arms. And so we came up with what we like to call our diabolical plan.”
That plan formed Shepherd’s Men. Their run to the Marine Corps War Memorial raised $135,000 that year over the course of 684 miles.
Both had been introduced to the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center in Atlanta just prior to the run, and they decided to raise funds for the program.
Shepherd Center’s legacy
For more than five decades, the Shepherd Center has provided world-renowned care in the areas of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, along with ground-breaking care for patients with multiple sclerosis.
Created in 2007, the SHARE Military Initiative stands in the gap of conventional care for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries along with post-traumatic stress disorder.
At the time, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was reeling from the Walter Reed Hospital scandal, which highlighted alleged neglect among bureaucratic nightmares, along with deteriorated facilities and patient care at the medical center.
Provided at no cost to veterans, Shepherd Center’s SHARE program consists of collaborative and long-term care. The program works to reintegrate veterans to civilian society and also with other organizations, such as Project Healing Waters to provide fly fishing experiences that help generate skills and return purpose into everyday life.
SHARE has assisted more than 500 veterans in those 15 years at no cost to any service member. That’s where Shepherd’s Men come in to raise monies for participants.
Ellis said they’ve raised around $9 million to “improve the condition of human suffering in the veteran community. I had a friend go through the program, and he credits it with saving his life.”
Music & Brews born
Ellis describes his partnership with Buck Bald Brewing as having a very organic beginning.
“I walked into Buck Bald in Copperhill (Tenn.) because I have a house nearby,” he said. “I was wearing my Shepherd’s Men shirt, Patrick asked what the organization was about and our relationship was born.”
Patrick Keegan, owner of Buck Bald, comes from a veteran family and was interested in helping the organization. The two came up with a plan for a small fundraiser at the flagship brewery, which was a success and quickly outgrew the space in Tennessee.
When Buck Bald opened their Murphy brewery, the idea to branch out into a larger fundraiser quickly formed. Murphy Music & Brews launched in 2023.
“We’re still hosting events in Copperhill with the silent auction, and last year we raised about $150,000, so we’re hoping to raise even more this year with both events and the concert in Murphy,” Ellis said.
That money allows five men and women to receive care at Shepherd Center for the 16-week program at absolutely no cost, he added.
“The unique thing about the program is that it receives virtually no reimbursement from the federal government so even those on TriCare [the military’s benefit provider] are unable to afford or be eligible,” Ellis said. “Everything that we do is donor funded. We’ve tried to step up and make sure there’s never a veteran who leaves with a bill for even a penny. One hundred percent of every dollar raised goes straight to funding veteran treatment. ”
Another point about Shepherd’s Men is no one takes a salary – everyone volunteers their time. That means there’s no overhead or fiduciary hierarchy, unlike many other organizations.
It’s OK to love America
Ellis is anticipating this year’s Murphy Music & Brews, since the bill is larger with four bands and there’s still room to grow.
“We’ve had such great support from Kevin Kinney and the War Hippies, Donnie and Scott, and this year we’ve added Chuck Mead and Cracker, so we’re excited to see the event grow each year,” Ellis said.
“We stand for supporting our veterans who’ve fought for our freedoms, who’ve given so much, and sometimes we twist the fact that it’s OK to love America. It’s OK to love those who serve America. Small towns maybe retain that feeling more than larger urban areas, and that’s why Music & Brews is such a good fit for the Murphy area.
“That spirit is the embodiment of the western North Carolina community, and we’re proud to be part of that. We look forward to hosting a great event to raise awareness about our program and to reach one person will be worth it.”
Ellis’ commitment to both serving those who served and advocating for veteran’s care is evident in that he is a self-described “civilian patriot.” One of his benchmark accomplishments was recognized by the recipients of the Medal of Honor with the Citizen Honors Award, the highest award that can be given to a civilian.
Ellis declined to brag about his own participation in the organization’s various events, such as runs and other fundraisers, instead focusing on the mission of Shepherd’s Men so no veteran is left behind.
“What we want folks to take away in the veteran community who may be struggling with hidden injuries, is that first of all, it’s OK not to be OK. So if there’s someone who reads this or who attends the concert and they need help we want them to know we’re here. We’re here for them,” he said.
“There’s a vast team out there who would drop anything at any moment to help you. Please don’t think you have to suffer alone. We’re here.”
The 22
The Shepherd’s Men logo incorporates the No. 22, which is symbolic of the average number of veteran suicides a day.
While that average may be slightly higher, the use of the number is to emphasize that help is available. Ellis said Shepherd’s Men will gladly connect anyone seeking help with a clinician at Shepherd Center. If anyone is concerned about a friend or family member, reach out to them at the event or through social media.
“We’ll have a tent at Music & Brews, and someone will be there to answer questions and facilitate any needs,” Ellis said. “We want everyone to come out and have a great time at the event, enjoy some great music, drink some good beer, eat some good food and know that every bit of your cost goes to fund treatment for these veteran heroes. So it requires little sweat equity on your part to help save the lives of someone who would be willing to give theirs for you.”
Details: Visit shepherdsmen.com and murphymusicandbrews.com.