CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – For retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Andrew James Kraszewski of Clarksville, mobility means more than getting from one place to another. It also means being beside his wife and children, building the memories they are still creating together.
Recently, Kraszewski, along with his wife and children, took part in a family retreat by the national nonprofit The Independence Fund. The retreat was held from June 7 to June 12, aboard a Disney Cruise, according to a news release sent from the nonprofit organization.
The Kraszewski’s weren’t alone, however, as the retreat brought together multiple wounded veteran families for accessible travel, peer connection, and meaningful time together away from the daily challenges of injury, caregiving, and transition.
Kraszewski served nearly 16 years in the U.S. Army, including service with Alpha Battery, Field Artillery Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Hood, TX. On Sept. 14, 2016, Kraszewski was injured in Afghanistan when his forward operating base was hit by indirect fire from a rocket.
“The blast caused a traumatic brain injury that ultimately led to a diagnosis of acquired cerebellar ataxia. Though Andrew continued to serve after his injury, the long-term effects contributed to his retirement in 2025,” the release said.
Today, Kraszewski manages ongoing mobility and health challenges while prioritizing family and meaningful moments. For the Kraszewski’s, the retreat was a reminder that when barriers are removed, families can focus on what matters most: connection, joy, healing and time together.
A chance to be with and enjoy one another, while gaining a community
Andrew’s wife and caregiver, Revée Kraszewski, told Clarksville Now experiences like this retreat mean more to veteran families than she thinks most people realize.
“For families like ours, life can often feel very heavy. There are medical appointments, invisible wounds, constant uncertainty, and a level of stress that not everyone understands,” she said. “Even when people love and support you, it can still feel isolating because unless you have lived it, it is hard to fully explain. That is what made this retreat so special.”
Revée said it gave the family space to breathe, laugh and make memories that weren’t centered around appointments, diagnoses, paperwork or the hard parts of the veteran life.
“It gave our family a chance to simply be together and enjoy each other. But just as importantly, it gave us community. We showed up not knowing any of the people there, and we left feeling like we had gained an entire family…a slightly chaotic, trauma-bonded family, but family, nonetheless.
“There is something powerful about being surrounded by people who ‘get it’ without needing every detail explained. The humor, the patience, the helping hands, the conversations, and even the unexpected ER adventures all became part of a shared experience we will never forget.”
Revée said organizations like The Independence Fund mean hope to families like theirs.
“They remind us that we are not forgotten. They see the whole family, not just the veteran, and that matters deeply. They create opportunities for connection, healing, rest, and joy. All things that are easy to lose sight of when you are living in survival mode. This retreat gave us memories, friendships, laughter, and a renewed sense that we are not walking this road alone. We are incredibly grateful for that.”
The Independence Fund previously awarded Andrew an all-terrain trackchair through its Mobility Program to support greater independence and access to the outdoors.
About The Independence Fund
Established in 2007, The Independence Fund is a national Veterans Service Organization dedicated to meeting the unmet needs of catastrophically wounded Veterans, Caregivers, and their families. Through various programs, the organization provides innovative mobility, adaptive technologies, suicide prevention, and advocacy, fostering the physical, mental, and emotional independence of our nation’s heroes.
| NEWS TIPS: Do you have a local news tip? Email news@clarksvillenow.com or call us at 931-648-7720.