“The transformative effects of building resiliency are life changing.” — Bruce Duty
In our Fort Walton Beach community, military service is woven into the fabric of everyday life. From active-duty personnel at Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field to the thousands of veterans who call the Emerald Coast home, many have dedicated their lives to serving others. Yet, when military service ends, some find themselves searching for a renewed sense of purpose, identity and hope.
That need inspired the creation of CrossCountry3, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans rediscover purpose by empowering them to serve others in the fight against human trafficking.
At its heart, CrossCountry3 exists because many veterans possess unique skills, leadership abilities and a deep desire to continue making a difference. After years of serving their country, some veterans struggle to find a renewed sense of purpose once military service ends. The organization believes every veteran has tremendous value and untapped potential that can continue to positively impact society.
CrossCountry3 was created to help bridge that gap. Rather than focusing solely on the challenges veterans face, the organization emphasizes opportunities for transformational growth. By connecting veterans with meaningful missions that combat human trafficking, CrossCountry3 provides a pathway for them to use their strengths, experiences and commitment to service in ways that directly benefit vulnerable individuals and communities.A key part of CrossCountry3’s impact is the leadership and community engagement of its founder, Bruce Duty. Based locally, the organization serves a region with one of the nation’s largest concentrations of military personnel, veterans and military families, including those connected to Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field and the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
Through years of relationship-building within the military and veteran community, Duty has helped create a mission that reflects the values of service, sacrifice and freedom deeply rooted throughout the Florida Panhandle. By fostering partnerships and encouraging veterans to engage in the fight against human trafficking, CrossCountry3 offers veterans a pathway to continue making a meaningful difference while helping protect some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.
The organization’s approach is built upon three core values: faith, family and freedom. Whether through workshops, retreats or individual training, CrossCountry3 remains committed to helping veterans build resilience and discover renewed purpose.
Resilience training teaches veterans the importance of a positive self-identity, living with purpose and embracing a horizon of hope through serving the brokenhearted and vulnerable.
Faith serves as the foundation for hope and personal growth. CrossCountry3 encourages veterans to discover a deeper sense of purpose and meaning, helping them understand their lives and experiences continue to have significant value.
Family represents the importance of relationships, connection and community. Veterans often miss the camaraderie and brotherhood they experienced during military service. CrossCountry3 fosters a supportive environment where veterans can build meaningful connections, strengthen families and encourage one another.
Freedom is both a principle and a mission. Veterans have dedicated portions of their lives protecting freedom, and CrossCountry3 extends that commitment by fighting human trafficking, one of the greatest assaults on human freedom. By engaging veterans in efforts that help protect and advocate for victims, the organization creates opportunities for continued service that align with the values many veterans have upheld throughout their lives.
Ultimately, CrossCountry3 exists because veterans deserve more than gratitude for their service — they deserve opportunities to continue living lives of significance and impact. By providing identity, meaning and hope through a mission-centered approach, the organization helps veterans write a new chapter of service.
In doing so, CrossCountry3 demonstrates that purpose does not end when military service concludes. Instead, it can evolve into a powerful force for good — helping veterans, families and victims of human trafficking move toward a future defined by hope, freedom and human dignity.
At CrossCountry3, building resilience in the face of adversity and experiencing restoration physically, mentally and spiritually remain at the core of the mission.
For more information, visit crosscountry3.com.
Bruce Duty, Maj. (Ret.), U.S. Army, is the founder and president of CrossCountry3. A retired Army chaplain with more than 22 years of active-duty military service, Duty served with the 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Infantry Division and 10th Mountain Division, including two combat deployments to Iraq.
Prior to becoming an Army chaplain, Duty served nearly nine years as an enlisted soldier before earning both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity degree. He also served as a pastor in Missouri and Florida before answering the call to military chaplaincy during the Iraq War surge in 2007.
Throughout his military career, Duty received numerous honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Iraqi Campaign Medal and additional military awards and decorations. He is also certified in Master Resilience Training, Pathfinder Resilience Training, ASIST Suicide Intervention Training, Strong Bonds Family Training and several military medical and leadership programs.
Today, Duty uses both his military and civilian experience to help individuals and organizations build resilience, overcome adversity and pursue restoration physically, mentally and spiritually. He remains passionate about faith, family, freedom and helping others discover hope and purpose through service. Duty resides in Niceville.
