Strikeouts help 200 ND veterans find connection

What began as a strikeout on the mound is now bringing veterans together around campfires, fishing lines and hunting trips across North Dakota.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation has concluded its fourth season of Strike Out the Stigma, partnering with the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation to support veteran mental health programs. Throughout July, the Caring Foundation made a donation for every strikeout recorded during home games by the Badlands Big Sticks, Bismarck Larks, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Grand Forks Spitfires, Minot Hot Tots and Minot Honeybees. Together, more than 600 strikeouts generated a $25,000 donation for the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation.

After learning how the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation helped BCBSND employee John Dalziel navigate life after military service, the Caring Foundation increased its commitment, doubling its investment to a total of $50,000.

Dalziel, director of physical security and protection services and a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, shared his mental health struggles after surviving the devastating Beirut bombings, one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. military personnel. Through the support of his wife and family, as well as connections with fellow veterans through Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation programs, he found a community that understood his experiences and helped him build a strong support system.

The funding will allow more than 200 veterans to attend different adventure retreats through the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation at no cost. While the retreats offer opportunities to fish, hunt and enjoy North Dakota’s outdoors, their greatest impact comes from the conversations that happen along the way. In nature, veterans find a space where they can connect with others who understand the realities of military service firsthand. Those conversations often lead to more than friendship. Veterans share coping strategies, encourage one another and build support systems that continue long after the retreat ends. What starts as a weekend outdoors can become a lasting reminder that they are not alone.

“As Brady’s sister, I know firsthand how important it is to continue breaking the stigma surrounding mental health," said Tracy Dunham, founder and executive director of the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation. "We are honored and grateful to partner with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. This partnership not only raised funds for our mission but also helps spark important conversation about mental health. Together, we’re reminding veterans that asking for help is a sign of strength and that there is always hope.”

Brady Oberg was a combat veteran whose life was cut short by the invisible wounds of war. In his memory, his family established the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation to help veterans find the understanding, connection and support that Oberg believed were critical to healing.

“One of the most meaningful parts of this partnership has been hearing directly from veterans whose lives have been touched by the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation,” said Amber Blomberg, executive director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation. “When one of our own employees shared how important this organization was for him as well as other veterans seeking connection, it reinforced why this work matters. That’s why we chose to double our investment this year. Every veteran deserves to know they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.”

Through its annual Strike Out the Stigma and Shut Out the Stigma initiatives, the BCBSND Caring Foundation has supported various statewide behavioral health organizations including The Village Family Service Center, Sources of Strength, Nexus PATH Family Healing, FirstLink, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – North Dakota chapter, BIO Girls and the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation.