Disabled Veterans Discover Revolutionary War Secrets at Camden Battlefield
A team of disabled veterans, under the guidance of the American Veterans Archaeological Recovery (AVAR), have uncovered secrets from the Revolutionary War at the historic site of the Camden Battlefield in South Carolina. The exploration has unearthed artifacts and relics that could potentially offer new insights into the pivotal battle fought in August 1780.
The founder and CEO of AVAR, Stephen Humphreys, recently sat down with Fox News Digital to talk about the team’s exciting discoveries and how the project is providing a new sense of purpose for the veterans involved. The excavation is part of AVAR’s ongoing mission to promote veteran’s well-being through engaging them in archaeological programs.
Unearthing Revolutionary War Secrets
The veteran-led team at Camden Battlefield has made several significant discoveries, including military buttons, musket balls, and fragments of uniforms. “These finds are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle,” Humphreys explained. “They help us to better understand the lives of those who fought in the Revolutionary War, their experiences on the battlefield, and the strategies they employed.” 
One of the team’s most significant discoveries is a buried line of earthworks – defensive structures hastily built by soldiers. The location and design of these earthworks suggest new theories about the troop movements and battle strategies during the historic encounter, a confrontation that saw the Continental Army suffer one of its most significant defeats.
Empowering Veterans Through Archaeology
Apart from the historical significance, the excavation project has also provided a therapeutic experience for the veterans involved. Many of the participants are disabled veterans dealing with physical and psychological challenges from their service. The meticulous work of archaeological excavation has proven to be a fruitful form of therapy.
“It’s about giving our veterans a mission again, helping them to feel like they’re part of a team, and providing them with a sense of accomplishment,” Humphreys said. “We’ve seen firsthand how this work can help veterans deal with issues like PTSD and physical disabilities.”
The archaeological work also promotes collaboration and camaraderie among the veterans, who together brave the elements and the painstaking process of sifting through the soil for clues about our nation’s past. The sense of purpose and camaraderie they experience is invaluable and often contributes to their overall well-being.
Continuing the Excavation and Recovery Mission
The AVAR’s work at Camden Battlefield is set to continue, with the hope of unearthing more Revolutionary War secrets. The organization is also planning several similar projects across the country, aiming to engage more veterans in archaeological recovery work.
“We want to continue this mission and expand our reach,” Humphreys stated. “There are so many historical sites across the country that can provide a therapeutic and meaningful experience for our veterans while helping to recover important aspects of our nation’s history.”
As each artifact is meticulously unearthed, cleaned, and cataloged, the veterans involved in the AVAR project at Camden Battlefield are not only helping to fill gaps in our understanding of the Revolutionary War, but they are also finding a new sense of purpose and camaraderie on the archaeology site. Their efforts are a testament to the resilience of our nation’s veterans and their ongoing contributions to society, even after their service has ended.
