The Sanctuary on the Hill

10/28/2026

On , we recognize those who dedicate themselves to keeping our communities safe and strong. 🇺🇸

Our communities are stronger, safer, and more resilient because of the men and women who show up when we need them most. From police officers and firefighters to EMTs and paramedics, first responders are the backbone of our communities, providing courage, compassion, and support in our most critical moments.

Today, we honor their service and sacrifice and recognize the important role they play in protecting our neighbors, supporting our families, and keeping our communities strong. Thank you for always answering the call. ❤️🤍💙

10/27/2026

🇺🇸 Stories Behind the Tile: Dan Oates

Nearly two centuries separate these two stories of service, but one name connects them: Swamp Fox.

During the Revolutionary War, Dan Oates’s ancestor, MAJ Jesse Oates, served alongside General Francis Marion, famously known as the “Swamp Fox,” in South Carolina.

Fast forward 195 years, and Dan found himself serving in Vietnam with the 199th Aviation Company, an O-1 Bird Dog reconnaissance unit whose call sign was also “Swamp Fox.” For one year, Dan served as Swamp Fox 26, logging an incredible 1,400 flight hours.

Today, Dan is honoring his ancestor and this remarkable family connection with a commemorative tile on The Sanctuary on the Hill Freedom Walk. His story is a powerful reminder that the legacy of service can span generations, and that every name has a story worth preserving.
Thank you, Dan Oates, for sharing your family’s story and helping us honor the generations who have served. 🇺🇸

You can help preserve a legacy, honor a veteran, or recognize someone who has made a difference by securing your own commemorative tile.

👉 Secure your tile here: https://www.thesanctuaryonthehill.org/memorial-bricks

10/27/2026

👏🏼 We’ve reached 2.8k followers! Can we hit 3k by Veterans Day??

Help us spread the word! Share this post with your friends and family so more people can learn about our mission and the work we’re doing to support our veterans.

Every share helps us reach more people and make a greater impact. ❤️🇺🇸

Let’s reach 3,000 by November 11th!

Learn more:

Mission First is a veterans nonprofit building The Sanctuary on the Hill: 90+ wooded acres in Warrick County, in the Evansville Tri-State, where veterans and their families can rest, reconnect, and heal.

10/26/2026

On National Day of the Deployed, we honor the brave service members deployed around the world, recognize the sacrifices they make, and remember the families who carry the weight of their absence while they serve. 🇺🇸

At Sanctuary on the Hill, we recognize that the challenges of military service don’t always end when deployment does. Our mission is to provide veterans with a place to reconnect, find support, and navigate the transition back to civilian life, including the challenges of PTSD and the invisible wounds of war.

We believe every veteran deserves the opportunity to heal, rebuild connections, and rediscover a sense of purpose. Today, we honor those who serve and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them long after they return home.

10/23/2026

Have questions about our Commemorative Granite Tile Campaign? We’re here to help! 👏🏻

Whether you’re honoring a veteran, remembering a loved one, recognizing a business, or simply showing your support for our nation’s heroes, there’s a place for you in this campaign.

You don’t have to be a veteran or know someone who served to make a difference. Your tile can share a personal tribute or a message of support for the mission of Sanctuary on the Hill.

Every tile helps support our mission to create a place where veterans and their families can find rest, healing, and renewed strength.

Ready to leave your mark? Explore tile options and reserve yours today.
🔗 https://www.thesanctuaryonthehill.org/memorial-bricks

10/23/2026

10/22/2026
Our speaker today was Dan Oates, who informed us about the Sanctuary on the Hill campaign.
The Sanctuary on the Hill is a Mission First, Inc. project led by a board of veterans and community leaders in and around Warrick County, Indiana.
https://www.thesanctuaryonthehill.org/

10/21/2026

🇺🇸 ONE MONTH AWAY: 2026 Mogadishu Mile & Canned Food Drive! 🇺🇸

Joe Todd, U.S. Army veteran, Mission First board member, and our new Programming Director at Sanctuary on the Hill, is leading and coordinating his 3rd Mogadishu Mile!

Joe’s recent workout lasted 22 minutes, a powerful reminder of the 22 veterans we lose to su***de each day. We run to honor those we’ve lost, raise awareness for those who are struggling, and remind our veterans that they are never alone.

📍 Location: Sanctuary on the Hill, Elderfeld, Indiana
📅 Date: November 21, 2026
🎟️ FREE event — everyone is welcome!
🥫 Bring canned food to support our food drive and help give back to our community.

Whether you run, walk, or come out to show your support, we invite you to be part of something bigger than yourself. Join us on the trails at Sanctuary on the Hill as we honor our fallen, support our veterans, and stand together for those who need us.

One mile. One mission. Never forgotten. 🇺🇸

🏃Visit the event page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JR5CniSx3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/20/2026

From peaceful mornings to beautiful sunsets, our lake is already being enjoyed by our veteran board members! 🌅

We can’t wait for the day we officially open Sanctuary on the Hill and welcome veterans and their families to experience these moments of peace, connection, and healing.

📸Photo creds:
Joe Todd - Board Member • US Army Veteran
Dustin Reingardt - Board Member • US Marine Corps Veteran

10/19/2026

A name. A legacy. A lasting tribute to those who have served. 🇺🇸

As Erin Lewis, Mission First board member and US Marine Corps veteran, shares, commemorative tiles are a meaningful way to honor the veterans, loved ones, and military units that have made a lasting impact on our lives. Each tribute represents a story, a sacrifice, and a legacy worth remembering.

By purchasing a commemorative granite tile, you can help honor someone who has served while supporting the mission of Sanctuary on the Hill: providing meaningful programs and experiences for veterans and their families.
Imagine walking these grounds and seeing thousands of names, each representing someone who made a difference. Help us bring that vision to life.

Honor someone who matters to you. Leave a lasting legacy. Make a difference for the veterans who will benefit from this mission.

Explore the commemorative tile campaign and secure your tile today:
https://www.thesanctuaryonthehill.org/memorial-bricks

Please note: This video was filmed during the transition from commemorative bricks to granite tiles. Erin refers to them as “bricks” throughout the video, but the current campaign offers commemorative granite tiles and benches.

10/16/2026

Honor a veteran, remember a loved one, or leave a lasting tribute at Sanctuary on the Hill with a commemorative granite tile or bench. 🇺🇸

In this video, we walk you through how to secure your commemorative tile or bench and create a personalized tribute. Each purchase helps us build a meaningful place of remembrance along our Welcome Walk while supporting our mission to serve veterans.

Ready to get started? This process takes just minutes. Visit the link below to explore the options and secure your tribute.
🔗 https://www.thesanctuaryonthehill.org/memorial-bricks