Veterans retreat expands near Thompson Falls

On a peaceful mountain retreat in Thompson Falls, close to 100 people gathered recently to celebrate the acquisition of a new 60-acre facility for a veterans group called, Patrol Base Abbate Return to Base.

Located on Tanager Road, this off-grid mountain base above the Clark Fork River exists as a place for veterans from all branches to rest, reconnect with other fellow military personnel, and rediscover the meaning of service to themselves, families and communities. 

The unique name of the organization, Patrol Base Abbate, was used to honor the legacy of Sergeant Matt Abbate, a Navy Cross recipient posthumously awarded. He was a 26-year-old scout sniper and was fatally wounded on Dec 2, 2010 in the Sangin district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. 

The organization, founded by Marine Lt. Col. Tom Schueman, who is still active duty, was deployed to the Sangin district. 

“The reason I started this organization is we’re losing too many veterans to suicide,” Schueman said. “Although I had 19 casualties on my first combat deployment. I lost twice as many Marines at home. If we are willing to do protective things to keep our Marines and soldiers alive in combat, we’ve got to be willing to try to keep them alive right here on our home turf. That’s the genesis of Abbate. We are trying to reduce the amount of veterans that commit suicide.” 

In a quote on the Abbate website Schueman writes, “The military prepared us to fight on the battlefield, but recent events in Afghanistan have taught us that you can win the battles and still lose the war. There’s also a war on the home front that we’re losing. In 2020, the casualties of this war at home came in a wave. Three of my Marines died by suicide in rapid succession; I needed to find out why. Scouring through the annual VA Suicide Reports, I discovered the leading proximal causes of veteran suicide were feelings of disconnectedness and isolation. Tellingly, non-combat veterans are 80% more likely to die by suicide than combat veterans. With a deeper understanding of the problem, I shifted my focus and searched for organizations fostering connectedness among veterans.” 

Patrol Base Abbate has been operating in the Thompson Falls area since 2021 in the Eddy Flats area. They acquired the current location in 2023. The organization has increased significantly since its inception. Membership has increased to 4,500 in 2023 with 35 chapters around the country. The programs (RTB) offered are free to all attendees and include activities such as physical and mental wellness, service projects, and fireside discussions, as well as clubs based on activities of shared interest.  

Funding for Patrol Base Abbate Return to Base program is provided mostly from private individuals followed by grants and lastly by corporate sponsors according to Retired Major Kevin Fallon Chief Operations Office of Patrol Base Abbate (PBA) and Marine Corps Veteran. During the recent evening Thompson Falls Elks Lodge member Christine Munday presented a check for $1,000 to Schueman. The money came from the Elks National Foundation Community Investment Program.  

In support of the property acquisition, Thompson Falls Police Chief and Air Force veteran Christopher Nichols attended the event. 

Visit www.pbabbate.org to learn more, or click on “Join the Tribe” to become a member.  

Other types of services available to veterans are online at veteranscrisisline.net or text 838255. If on the verge of a crisis call 855-838-8255.

    Lt. Col. Tom Schueman is founder of the Patrol Base Abbate program in Thompson Falls. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Retired Marine Kevin Fallon discusses programs available at Patrol Base Abbate. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    A sandbag honor roll around the Return to Base firepit. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)