By Capt. Jennifer K. Cotten, 95th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs
MADISON, Wis. – Sgt. First Class Christopher A. Lanners, 4th Brigade, 95th Training Division (IET) organized the Pantera Tribute Show on August 18 to raise funds for Outward Bound, a program that helps returning veterans readjust to civilian life through wilderness expeditions.
The show that was held at the Regent Street Retreat in Madison took four months to plan. Admission was $5 and featured five bands, each playing at least one cover song from the band Pantera in tribute to its guitar player, “Dimebag Darrell” Abbott, who was murdered in 2004 by a former marine suffering from mental issues.
Lanners said, “All in all, we had a great turn out and raised over $1,000 for Outward Bound’s veteran program."
He chose this particular charity because Lanners, who was deployed to Kuwait in 2003, has been on three trips with Outward Bound. Lanners said, “There is no better place to clear your mind than being out in a natural environment. I was able to come back to my family clear-headed and refreshed.”
His first trip was hiking in the Mahoosuc Mountains in Maine. He said some of the highlights included views from the tops of mountains as the leaves changed colors, trailblazing a new loop on the Grafton loop trail as a service project, and climbing a 75' cliff face.
Lanners said, “I recommend these courses to returning veterans because they are one way to come back and see the beautiful places in the country that we work so hard to defend. It reminds us of what we are fighting for.“
According to Outward Bound’s website, “Veterans expeditions require participants to dig deep and discover strength in a non-military setting. After course, participants report higher levels of self-confidence and experience healthier and more balanced lives.”
To learn more about Outward Bound visit their website at www.outwardbound.org.