Operation Yellowbird is all about the well being of our fellow Veterans. We wholeheartedly seek to promote a healthy, positive lifestyle for Vets. OPYB creates and hosts "Veteran ONLY" events like backpacking, camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and mountain bike riding. We also host "Family Days" when Veterans can bring their entire family out to meet the rest of the crew in a safe, kid friendly environment. We even do community service projects to foster a renewed sense of purpose.

Initially, this started as a one-man operation. I used to hike, backpack and camp alone when I left the Marine Corps. It was my way of adjusting to a new, not military life. I had heard that an instructor of mine had committed suicide, and it blew my mind. He was the absolute LAST person I thought would do that. They guy just projected strength.

After several years backpacking alone, I thought it might be better and more fun to bring other Vets along for the adventure and fresh air. That was in 2015. For a while it didn't have a name. It was 2 guys, then 3, then a few more, and one day boom, 30 something people. That was 2017 when things began to take off. I knew I had to give it an identity. The name was inspired by a favorite cadence that involves a "little yellow birdie with a little yellow bill" who sits upon a window sill.

It doesn't end well for the bird, but we view some of the issues that Veterans and First Responders deal with AS that bird. If you know the cadence, you now know what we are trying to do.