Patriot Point

A Safe & Tranquil Outdoor Retreat for Soldiers on the Chesapeake

By Valerie Connelly, VP Government Affairs and Public Relations

As we continue our Veterans Day recognition of Choptank members and employees who have served in the military, we also want to highlight the very worthy organization, Patriot Point, a veteran’s haven on the Chesapeake Bay served by Choptank Electric Cooperative.

Since 2016, the 294-acre hunting retreat has been hosting wounded active-duty service members, veterans and their families, many of whom are working to cope with stress related to their time spent serving our nation.   
“We partner with veteran service organizations across the country to give soldiers a safe place to relax, hunt, get counseling and sometimes do yoga,” explains Stephanie Moon, a manager at the facility and a certified trauma-sensitive yoga instructor. 

Stephanie and her husband Will Moon, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, recently moved to Dorchester County to become the “caretakers” of Patriot Point, situated on Taylors Island Road on the banks of Slaughter Creek. Their kids are now enrolled in local schools and the couple is working to bring awareness and build support for the mission of Patriot Point.  
“The original owner of the property used to drive to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., to bring recovering soldiers out to hunt and fish,” said Moon. “Then, when the Military Bowl organization purchased the property, a partnership with veteran support organizations was formed to increase our capacity and outreach.”   

The retreat typically hosts small groups of about 10 people. The sponsoring VSO brings licensed clinicians or counselors depending on the group needs. A recent weekend with a warrior reunion foundation brought together an elite SEAL team that had served together years ago. And as the hunting season gets underway, the Gold Star Teens foundation will teach safety-first for a group ready to take on the local sika deer.  

The Patriot Point website lists 16 different Veteran Service Organizations that have hosted events at the facility over the last two years. Soldiers, veterans, their families and caregivers can work through local VSOs to set up visits to Patriot Point. Members of the Choptank community who want to help with the mission can read more about it and donate online at > patriotpoint.org