What Veterans say about their experience.

Everyone was Phenomenal! The food was great! The amount of detail that went into not only the VOT portion but the stay at the ranch, was amazing. I felt so taken care of and spoiled. The instructions were thorough and made for a safe experience. Dinners with Kelly, Forest, Maru and Dina truly felt like we were one big family and felt really special…I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. I was so impressed that Maru and Dina not only served us food, but were guides and helped with all the horse stuff and made sure we had everything we needed. This event means a ton to me. I've been really stressed back at home and burning at both ends, and to just get away and disconnect a bit from reality and be able to be truly present in nature, somewhere beautiful & with good people gave my soul life again! The camaraderie is always something you miss when you leave the service so its nice to be around people who have gone through similar things as you. I got to do something I love, but also challenge myself and experience something I never have before. I'm so grateful to Kelly & Forest for opening up our home to us along with sharing their home and stories.

Thank you Connie for allowing me to stay back on the second ride to relax! Thank you Amanda for doing the interviews, all the photos and helping with the horses! I have learned so much about the horses, history of the area, each other and myself. This will be always in my heart! You are Bad Asses!! Crystal, I loved the flex schedule, sleep in time and relaxed yet planned days. It was just enough without being too much in either direction. Thank you for the gift bags and the time you put into this to bring us all together. You made us feel so welcomed, at home and like part of the family. Thank you for your kindness, your patience, and for creating an experience that reminded us of the healing power of community, nature and horses. We leave with full hearts and deep gratitude!

This being my first turkey hunt I had so many questions about turkey hunting that I thought I would annoy my guide. He answered every question I had and that meant a lot to me. The highs of getting my first turkey to watching 10 plus turkeys just out of range was amazing. Forest was so excited for me when I shot my bird it made me more excited. With the things that have gone on in my life, this turkey hunt is so good for my soul, like a reset. As this event comes to an end I feel so refreshed and so happy that I was invited. Overall experience was amazing with even more awesome people. So, thank you very much.

Cooking was phenomenal! Food was delicious, well planned and plentiful. The amount of game we were able to locate was more than expected. The staff were professional, knowledgeable and very respectful! The coordination between hunters/guides allowed us to remain well informed and had a very good idea of what the plan for each day was. As a combat wounded veteran that has recently retired; this hunt was an incredible opportunity to get into the outdoors with fellow vets and share stories and feel as though you are still part of something. Hunting is my biggest passion. It is more that just a hobby. It is a way of life; most of all – it is my therapy! I would come back to do this hunt every year if given the opportunity!

I really enjoyed the accommodation. The diversity of guide styles and switching people around with them was nice too. Friendly, down-to-earth people and environment. Practicing safety & checking our shot groups and verifying that hunter equipment capabilities met the demands prior to going out was nice. I enjoyed everything overall. The activity was true to the name "Veteran's Outdoor Therapy" I hadn't been out with other individuals of a similar background and doing what I love in a long time. It truly has been therapeutic and I am greatly appreciative!

Everything from the initial contact to departure was wonderful! The agenda was detailed and well thought out. The food, people, events, sleeping area and all were amazing! This event meant the world to me! It gave me hope again in America and our country. It made me realize that I am not alone and there are other members who have been through what I have. The community involved in this event was the best. They lifted my spirits so much! This whole event let me know America still has pockets of folks who believe in what I did and fully support my efforts. I truly needed to know America had my back. It was an emotional event for me, but it was very much needed. Thank you all for setting this up and volunteering your time, money, energy, and love for this event and showing us that America still cares.

Getting out on the water with Veterans Outdoor Therapy was an incredible experience. There's a unique and powerful sense of connection that comes from being with fellow veterans. We didn't need to explain our pasts; we just understood. We spent the weekend sharing stories, laughing, and enjoying the simple pleasure of fishing. It was more than a trip; it was a reminder of the brotherhood that stays with us long after we take off the uniform. I am incredibly grateful to this organization for creating these opportunities.

I had the opportunity to participate in Veterans Outdoor Therapy's annual paddlefish snagging trip in March 2025, and it was an experience I won't forget. Being able to get outdoors and connect with other combat veterans who have faced similar challenges was incredibly meaningful. There's something different about being around people who truly understand what you've been through without having to explain it. The camaraderie, support, and shared experiences made a lasting impact on me. The entire trip was well organized, and the environment they created allowed everyone to relax, open up, and just enjoy the moment. It was more than just a fishing trip; it was a chance to reset, reconnect, and be part of a community again. Because of how much this experience meant to me, I've volunteered to help with the 2026 snagging trip. I want to be part of giving other veterans the same opportunity that meant so much to me. I highly recommend Veterans Outdoor Therapy to any veteran looking for connection, support, and a chance to get back outdoors with people who understand.