On February 5, 2026, a dedicated team from The Veterans Trust brought our innovative Race Camp program to the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee for a full day of advocacy and engagement with state legislators. Leading the effort were, The Veterans Trust Founder Lee Hediger, Chief of Staff Alli Morgan, Program Director Stephen Kantarze and Dr. Tom Kennedy, head of academics at the College of Psychology at Nova Southeastern University and the lead psychologist on the Race Camp Team.

Race Camp is an innovative performance and mental resilience program that leverages the high-stakes environment of motorsports and racing simulators to help veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders build self-regulation skills and train their nervous systems under real, controlled stress. By combining race instruction with evidence-based psychological techniques—including biofeedback and resiliency training—the program offers an alternative therapeutic approach that empowers participants to confront challenges at their own pace and on their own terms. Developed through collaboration with experts like Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Edmonds, whose expertise in military psychology, biofeedback, and intervention therapies has been instrumental, Race Camp has evolved from an inspired idea into a nationally recognized initiative, including certification as psychological resiliency training and being published in the Military Journal of Psychology for peer review.

The day's lobbying focused on highlighting the program's impact and seeking legislative support, potentially through appropriations or broader recognition, to expand its reach across Florida. The team met with multiple legislators, sharing firsthand accounts of how motorsports-based training fosters mental toughness, emotional regulation, and long-term wellness for those who have served or protect our communities.

In a moment of reflection shared publicly, Kantarze recounted a powerful interaction: someone pulled him aside to ask, “Have you taken a step back and really looked at what you’ve built… and what you’re building?” That question resonated deeply. What began as a vision to provide something better for the veteran community has grown into a structured, impactful program. Every legislator they met expressed genuine enthusiasm, with many affirming their willingness to support Race Camp moving forward.

This bipartisan positive reception marks a significant milestone. The team's efforts underscore the value of innovative, non-traditional therapies in addressing the unique needs of veterans and first responders. Gratitude extends to The Veterans Trust entire team, the supporters who believed in the program concept early on, and the academic partners like Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Edmonds and Nova Southeastern University who have helped ground the program in rigorous psychological principles.

As Race Camp continues to gain momentum, days like this in Tallahassee demonstrate the power of advocacy in turning innovative ideas into sustainable support for those who have given so much. The future looks promising for expanding this unique blend of adrenaline, resilience training, and healing through motorsports.