3 groups helping veterans heal & connect outdoors

For many men and women serving in the military, the transition to civilian life can be difficult. The loss of structure, separation from familiar faces and friends, and countless other struggles that can rarely be seen on the surface. Whether it’s casting a fly to rising trout, summiting a peak with friends, or simply sharing stories around a campfire, nature offers more than a momentary escape — it offers a path forward.

ExpertVoice reached out to 3 member experts to learn how their partner organizations are tapping into the power of wild places to help military service members, veterans and first responders recover, rebuild and reconnect with what matters most.

Why the outdoors?

For many, time spent in nature reduces stress, lowers anxiety and can help to improve overall well-being. But for those who have served, it goes even deeper.

Outdoor activities tap into values that are familiar to many veterans — like teamwork, resilience, challenge and mission.

1. Hometown Hero Outdoors 

Hometown Hero Outdoors (HHO) provides active-duty military, veterans and law enforcement officers with unforgettable hunting and fishing experiences. Founded in 2017 by service members and first responders, HHO understands the therapeutic power of time spent in nature — and the importance of camaraderie while you’re there.

Moving forward — one step at a time 

As Hometown Hero Outdoors began organizing more trips for veterans, Chris Tetrault and his team noticed a recurring theme. Many participants shared two key insights: first, that finding the motivation to face adversity and take that first step was incredibly difficult; and second, that spending time outdoors with the HHO community led to a significant boost in their mental health. 

“When you’re having mental health issues or complications, isolation’s a killer. Putting yourself on an island is detrimental to your mental health. A lot of people have a hard time taking that first step. So, we try to normalize that you’re not the only one who has difficulty taking that step,” said Chris, president and co-founder of the nonprofit.” 

“We started taking people into the outdoors and we started to build bonds and relationships and establishing comradery. And just because that trip is over doesn’t mean that that relationship moves on. People continue to communicate with each other, build relationships and do things outside of the organization.”

From combat boots to wading boots 

While Hometown Hero Outdoors offers a range of events and activities, most of its trips center around hunting and fishing. From walleye fishing in central Minnesota to chasing tarpon off the coast in South Carolina, HHO covers water big and small across the country.  

With such a variety of activities, it’s important to get staff and members the gear they need to have a successful trip. Brands like 13 Fishing, which includes Rapala and StrikeMaster, as well as Vortex Optics and Burris Optics, have been huge supporters of Hometown Hero Outdoors, said Chris. 

Are you affiliated with Hometown Hero Outdoors? Join their team on ExpertVoice >

2. Project Healing Waters 

Project Healing Waters helps wounded and recovering veterans heal through the art and rhythm of fly fishing. From tying their first fly to reeling in a trophy trout, participants gain more than just a new hobby — they gain confidence, peace of mind and a community that understands. 

With programs running nationwide in partnership with VA hospitals and military bases, PHW brings serenity and skill-building to thousands of veterans each year. 

Are you a part of Project Healing Waters? Join the team on ExpertVoice >

3. The Roaming Vet 

​ In 2021, Air Force veteran Brianna Walston launched The Roaming Vet with the goal of fostering passion and healing beyond service. Her group hosts community-focused, outdoor-centric travel opportunities, local events and bucket-list trips, paired with exclusive discounts through veteran partnerships. Today, The Roaming Vet has built a diverse community of more than 60,000 veterans, service members and dependents. 

Events range from local brunches to international retreats in places like Thailand, Alaska, and Costa Rica, helping you connect with others at your own pace. 

Like many other vets post-service, Brianna felt that something was missing. She felt a lack of passion, purpose and connection. She missed the shared experiences she had with other service members. 

I posted about this twice and those posts reached an overwhelming amount of people who felt the same way and I realized I wasn’t the only one lacking that community connection. I received hundreds of messages, and the common message that stuck with me from multiple people was, ‘I thought I was the only one who felt this lost after leaving the military. I finally feel seen.’  That’s when I knew it wasn’t just me.”

Building community through adventure 

Brianna realized that being active outdoors was beneficial to both physical and mental well-being, and that there were thousands of others that felt the same way. The outdoors is a place of “healing,” she said. 

“There is also an element of those who are currently serving and struggling with their mental health who could benefit from connections outside of going out to bars and drinking, (not that it’s not allowed at our events,) but these social environments are cultivated to nurture connection in a way that feels supportive, growth-oriented, and to have opportunities to learn about things like ice climbing, fishing, hunting, outdoor climbing, and more to be able to find hobbies that feel fruitful.”

Want to learn more? Explore The Roaming Vet > 

Share the outdoors with groups focused on service 

Veterans, service members and first responders know there’s strength in numbers, especially when it comes to supporting one another and building community. Whether you’re looking to connect with fellow service members, try something new or volunteer with one of these organizations, these three groups are a great place to get started.