HEALING THE ENTIRE
VETERAN FAMILY
The Special Liberty Project serves the entire Veteran family:
Healing Veterans, Gold Star Spouses, and Gold Star Kids. This
includes family survivors of active-duty and Veteran suicides,
who are welcomed and embraced just like all traditional Gold
Star Families.
Our programs are nature-centric and therapeutic. They are
designed to give the Veteran family camaraderie and support
from peers with similar struggles. At the same time, we give back
to the spouses and parents of our fallen heroes with special
retreats and outdoor experiences. In addition, we foster positive
relationships between Gold Star Kids and Veteran mentors, who
lead the children through fun and educational outdoor activities.
Working together to complete tasks and achieve goals, the pair
creates a bond that is truly impactful.
Our Mission
The Special Liberty Project fosters and maintains a supportive
community focused on nurturing our nation's Gold Star Families
and healing Veterans by connecting with nature. We provide
outdoor, educational experiences, spark true camaraderie and
encourage strength, both emotionally and physically.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of service, sacrifice and
solidarity.
Our Team
Cory and Jessica
The Special Liberty Project fosters and maintains a supportive community focused on
nurturing our nation's Gold Star Families and healing Veterans by connecting with nature. We
provide outdoor, educational experiences, spark true camaraderie and encourage strength,
both emotionally and physically.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of service, sacrifice and solidarity.
Elsa McCowan
Program Director
Elsa McCowan is the Program Director for The Special Liberty Project's North Carolina Chapter where she focuses on the equine programs. She joined The Special Liberty Project as a military spouse attending the SERVS retreats in September of 2021. Elsa has a Bachelor's of Social Work Degree from Western Carolina University, and has experience working in child and family social work. She has owned horses for 18 years, and has used her education in Equine General Studies at William Woods University to manage barns of various sizes and programs.
Kaleb Weakly
Program Coordinator
Kaleb Weakley is the program coordinator, hunting guide, and a Gold Star mentor for Special
Liberty Project. Kaleb owns and operates a firearms training company ensuring responsible
firearm ownership and safe firearm deployment. Kaleb is married with one daughter and another
child on the way. Kaleb joined the Marine Corps at 17, and medically retired at age 24. He
completed numerous combat tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other countries.
Kaleb has held multiple leadership roles in construction, tech companies, and hospital
rehabilitation for injured Veterans. In 2015, Kaleb's daughter was born and shortly thereafter
Kaleb attended a hunt with the Special Liberty Project. He appreciated the SLP experience so
much he became a volunteer and is now permanent staff to the organization.
He holds an Associate's Degree in firearms technology and child development.
Our Advisors
Flossie Hall
Flossie is an active duty Navy spouse and accomplished serial entrepreneur who has generated multiple 7-figure businesses and is using this experience to dial-up others' success. She has built and scaled many successful entrepreneurial education programs, accelerators, and military programs, including her most recent venture as the COO and co-founder of AMSE-The Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs. Since 2019, AMSE has helped more than 2,000 military spouses globally to start, scale and sustain their own businesses. An advocate, leader, and mentor to many, Flossie's greatest passion and strength is being a strategic consultant that helps businesses, people and communities grow, which brings tremendous value to any organization or company she supports.
Allison Blake
Allison Blake joined WorthPointe in 2007 and she immediately made a positive impact on the business. A decade later, she continues to be key to WorthPointe's daily and long-term operations. With over two decades of broad-based experience in finance and business, Allison was the perfect person to help WorthPointe grow into the company that it is now. Part of her love for working here is the strong spirit of collaboration, trust, and independence that unites all of the WorthPointe offices. Allison maintains regular communication with the staff and partners to address and anticipate needs. She also oversees various HR issues as they arise, including resource planning, recruiting, hiring, employee relations, compensation, and benefits.
Martin Merrit
Marty Merritt has a 25-year career in the wine industry and has served as the National Sales Manager for a Sonoma winery. Part of his responsibilities over his career was calling on Military Bases across CA and has done dozens of events and tastings and was always eager to have the opportunity to do so. He has always enjoyed teaching, not only about wine but was also a football coach and High School referee for 13 years. Marty has now given up the work travel to be home more with his wife, Heidi and is working with Shugarman's Bath in San Diego designing bath and shower remodels. He has two grown children that keep him balanced and refreshed and is a founding board member of the “Special Liberty Project” and is honored to be part of the mission.
Leigh Tabor
"Leigh Tabor is a Veteran Service Officer and the Director of Macon County Veteran Services. Her focus is assisting veterans and their families navigate the difficult VA system and providing information regarding what VA benefits they are eligible for. Leigh is also the Coordinator for Western North Carolina Veterans Purpose, a veteran driven group committed to providing awareness and advocating for prevention of Veteran Suicide. Leigh is also lead chair for the Blue Ridge Veterans Community Partnership, a group of VA Stakeholders from the 32 counties in Western North Carolina served by the Charles George VAMC who address veteran issues and needs. She was recently elected Vice President of the North Carolina Assocation of County Veteran Service Officers, where she will assist in training, leadership, and lobbying for veteran benefits in NC. Leigh is married with one daughter, who is an Elementary School teacher. In her down time, she loves camping and spending time with her family and their four Australian Cattle Dogs. "
Our Supporters
