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Now, Carol and Chris — both assistant professors at Pittsburg State University — are channeling their experiences into a mission to help others heal: They launched the Outside The Wire Veterans Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans through nature-based retreats, holistic wellness programs, peer connection, and disability claims assistance.
Meza, who teaches in the School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences with a focus on social work, served in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Action Badge, and the Purple Heart for her service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
A 2014 Pitt State graduate who went on to earn a PhD, she previously worked for the Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office at Fort Snelling, where she assisted veterans and their families.
Bakke is also a Pitt State alumnus who served two deployments: one peacekeeping mission to Kosovo in 2007–2008 and a combat deployment to Iraq in 2011–2012. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom.
He, too, went on to earn his PhD, and teaches in the School of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences, with a focus on criminal justice.
The idea for Outside The Wire was born out of loss and determination.
“Suicide among my unit members after deployment was the primary reason I started Outside The Wire,” said Meza. “It was driven by the lack of accessible mental health and A disabilities claims assistance for veterans in Southeast Kansas, the need for nature-based healing opportunities, and my own experiences as a combat veteran and survivor who understands the barriers veterans face.”
Established in July 2024, OTW was created to bring veterans out of isolation and provide transformative retreat experiences for them and their families. The organization also helps veterans navigate the often-complicated process of securing VA disability benefits — something Meza understands deeply as one of only six independent VA Accredited Claims Agents in Kansas.
OTW already has served approximately 80 to 100 veterans through hiking and outdoor activities, art-based therapeutic exercises, unit reunification events, community programs, and disability claims assistance.
“Veterans consistently report feeling understood, supported, and at ease in a rural environment designed specifically for their needs,” said Meza. “Many express gratitude for a space that centers their mental health, connection, and sense of belonging.
The most touching moments, she said, have come from helping veterans with their VA claims, especially those who have been fighting the VA for years without progress.
“Within just a few months, we’ve been able to secure the benefits they earned and deserve,” Meza said. “Many are living with significant health issues, and seeing their faces and their tears of relief and happiness has shown me just how much of a difference this support can make in their lives.”
Because of the strong response to its first retreat, OTW expanded its second annual event from one day to three days and plans to partner with community businesses for the next one.
Looking ahead, the founders plan to establish a permanent office and develop a dedicated therapeutic space near a body of water for veterans and their families. They also intend to pursue grants to fund therapists who specialize in veteran care.
They also are involving Pitt State students, including one who is a veteran, in the project.
“It has been deeply fulfilling and has brought a sense of happiness and gratitude into my life,” Meza said. “Seeing veterans open up, connect, and heal in nature reinforces the purpose behind the foundation and strengthens my commitment to building a permanent facility in the near future.”
The founders plan to establish a permanent office where veterans can receive claims assistance and traditional therapy for those who prefer that modality; acquire land near a body of water to develop a permanent therapeutic space for veterans and their families; and pursue grants that would fund therapists who also are veterans.
“It’s important to note that those of us who currently run OTW are combat veterans ourselves, so we understand firsthand what these men and women have been through,” Meza said.
