Operation Black Hills Cabin

05/29/2026

Two of our Board members spent some time with Bob & Tam, travelling You Tube adventurers and fantastic supporters of veterans. They can be found at Bob & Tam's Excellent Adventures https://www.youtube.com/

This video is a close look at the Operation Black Hills Cabin program and the cabin located in Custer, SD. We hope this encourages more qualifying Vets to apply.

Big thanks to Bob & Tam for such an "excellent" interview of who we are, what we do and what we offer to the Veteran community.

Please share and pass along.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWXwq-J9qdE

We found a secret that could help a lot of Veterans and their families. We get you all the information for Operation Black Hills Cabin. WE head out to Custer...

04/26/2026

John Joseph Fejfar
MAY 14, 1954 – APRIL 11, 2026

It is with the deepest of sorrow that we say good-bye to one of the finest men we have known. John Fejfar was not only a pillar of the Custer community, but he was with OBHC from the very beginning. He was deeply involved in the creation of the organization, and remained an integral part of every aspect of the cabin project. John was an amazing person and left a remarkable legacy.

John Fejfar, 71, of Show Low, Arizona, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026. Born on May 14, 1954, in Yankton, South Dakota, John lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and humility. John was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Ione. Together they built a life centered on love and shared values. He was a proud father to his sons Justin (Sunny) and Jeremy (Kelly) Fejfar and a cherished grandfather to Brock, Bryce, Lauren, and Trevor Fejfar. His memory will be cherished by his surviving sister, Anne (Daryl) Mello and brothers, Adolph (Erica), Don (Irene), Bill (Laura), Joe (Jan), Ed (Karen), Chuck (Virjean), and a devoted host of nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his parents (William and Helen Fejfar), sister Florence, sisters in-law, Rita (Don) and Jan (Joe), and grandson Ryker (Justin and Sunny Fejfar).

John attended Catholic grade school in Tabor, South Dakota, and remained steadfast in his devotion to his faith throughout his life. This commitment became a guiding principle for his family, shaping the values and traditions they cherished together.
John truly embodied the virtues of compassion and humility. He was known for his gentle soul, calm demeanor, and steady voice of reason. Always available to those who needed him, John offered guidance with both honesty and kindness—providing correction when necessary and praise when it was deserved. His quiet humor brought joy to the lives of many, and his unwavering support served as a source of comfort during life's challenges.

John found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved all sports and had a passion for hunting and spending time outdoors. You could also find him playing pinochle. Watching his grandchildren play sports brought him immense pride and happiness. John was a man of remarkable capability, skilled in the various aspects of construction; including carpentry, plumbing, and wiring. This talent made him the family’s trusted, indispensable #1 fix-it man.
To those who knew him best, John was the epitome of unconditional love, a role model whose actions spoke louder than words. His family admired him deeply for the perfect balance of strength and tenderness he displayed throughout his life. In their most difficult moments, they stood united by his bedside as he took his final breaths, ensuring he was surrounded by love as he began his journey into heaven.
John’s memory will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire those he leaves behind. May your memories of John bring you comfort.

The family asks that you simply keep John in your thoughts. For those who would like to do something in his memory, you’re welcome to consider Operation Black Hills Cabin, a place he cared deeply about and was very involved with.
Donations can be made if desired:
By Mail: Operation Black Hills Cabin, PO Box 855, Custer, SD 57730
Online: www.operationblackhillscabin.org⁠.

03/27/2026

Recently, Operation Black Hills Cabin was honored to receive a $500 donation from the Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon (BHVMM) which is a non-profit that raises funds to support veteran causes in the Black Hills. The organization was created by the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association in 2002, and every year since 2004 it has held an annual event on the Mickelson Trail. In fact, the event, which is a unique way to honor the sacrifices of our nation's servicemembers, is actually three events: participants have the choice of marching either 16 or 26 miles on a Saturday in September, or they can tackle a 4-day challenge and walk the entire 109 miles of the Mickelson Trail.
OBHC is thrilled to be supported by the Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon. In the photo with the big check, from left to right, are: Quenten Johnson (BHVMM), Mary Burns, Deborah Hanagan, Dale Christensen (all OBHC Board members), and Jeremy Eccleston (BHVMM).

03/17/2026

In celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday, two years ago the Harney Peak Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) donated the two books in this photo as gifts to the cabin and the families who stay at the cabin during the 2024, 2025, and 2026 seasons. Recently, members of the Harney Peak Chapter of the DAR and the South Dakota Society of the DAR very generously donated a total of $500 to OBHC. This enduring support ensures that OBHC can carry on its mission for years to come.

03/10/2026

Flashback from families hosted in 2025
The family from Tennessee said, “To the team at Operation Black Hills Cabin, and the wonderful people and businesses of Custer, I want to express my deepest gratitude. From the moment we arrived, we felt a sense of peace. It was time of healing and much needed reconnection with my loved ones.”

02/24/2026

Flashback from families hosted in 2025
The family from Moorhead, Minn: “Everywhere we went, we were met with open, friendly faces and genuine appreciation for veterans. It was clear that the community truly supports those who have served, and we were incredibly touched by all the businesses and organizations that supported our stay.”

02/17/2026

Flashback from families hosted in 2025
The family from West Fargo, ND: “To the people involved with Operation Black Hills Cabin, you are all so amazing to do this for our country’s veterans, week-in and week-out. There was truly nothing overlooked and so much time and effort put into making this week absolutely perfect. We cannot thank you enough for this unbelievable experience.”

01/23/2026

From our friends up in North Dakota -
https://www.thefmextra.com/from-combat-boots-to-hiking-boots-how-veterans-are-healing-at-operation-black-hills-cabin/
Please also check out: heroescompass.com

“Before this week, my husband and I were not really talking,” one spouse shared. “Being out here…has brought our family closer together.” This raw testimonial cuts to the heart of what Operation Black Hills Cabin (OBHC) provides: not just an opportunity for respite, but a vital space for r...

01/18/2026

Winter has arrived in the Black Hills and it's bitterly cold, but Operation Black Hills Cabin is preparing for our 2026 season. We're looking forward to hosting qualified post-9/11 combat-wounded veterans and their families this summer. We have openings/weeks available from June through September and we are accepting applications. Information about OBHC and the application are available at the website: https://www.operationblackhillscabin.org

12/07/2025

OBHC is so very fortunate to have BHFCU of Custer as a year over year gracious supporter of our mission of providing a week respite for combat wounded military “A Way to Say THANK YOU”