STORY BY KATE DOBBIE

PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Forterra, a leader in mission autonomy systems for defense, on Wednesday announced a formal partnership with Higher Ground, the nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of veterans, first responders and individuals with disabilities through therapeutic recreation and education. 

 Forterra and Higher Ground are united by a shared mission: to serve those who have served. Both organizations are deeply committed to empowering veterans; Forterra through technology that protects and extends warfighter capability, and Higher Ground through therapeutic recreation that builds resilience and community.

This partnership bridges those worlds, bringing veterans new opportunities to reconnect, recover, and re-engage with purpose. 

“Forterra’s technology is built with a singular mission to reduce the impact of combat on humans,” said Josh Araujo, CEO of Forterra. “By partnering with Higher Ground, we’re extending that mission beyond the battlefield. We're honored to support their life-changing work and look forward to introducing veterans to the future of autonomous systems and national security innovation.” 

 “We are thrilled to have Forterra as a partner in our mission,” said Cole Petrie, CEO of Higher Ground. “Their support enables us to expand our impact through our programs enhancing the lives of veterans and first responders. Together, we’re building bridges from trauma to recovery, from service to purpose.” 

A few of the sponsorship highlights include Forterra’s title sponsorship of the Fall 2025 Fly Fishing program in Sun Valley and a D.C. reception to advance discussions on veteran well-being and transitions into fields like autonomy and defense tech. Future efforts will include mentorship, tech exposure events and co-branded service initiatives.