Warriors & Quiet Waters

Last week, we hosted a community dinner centered around a discussion on leadership. Brian shared with the group the lessons that he has learned as a leader and shared different resources and philosophies that have guided him. We are proud to have leadership that is able to share a wealth of knowledge with the community. If you are interested in having a speaker from WQW speak with your organization, you can reach out to us here: https://hubs.la/Q02VcVJP0

The Billings Gazette recently featured an article about how Warriors & Quiet Waters is using archery hunting to help post-9/11 veterans connect with nature and heal. It also recognized the incredible support we’ve received from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Their backing really speaks to the difference our program is making, and we're grateful for their commitment to helping us continue this important work. https://hubs.ly/Q02V7cMP0

Each year on Veterans Day, Monarch Heating and Cooling donates and installs a brand-new furnace for a veteran in need. Their "Gift of Heat" program ensures that the selected veteran will have a safe and comfortable winter for years to come. If you would like to nominate someone, follow the link below. The nominee must live within 25 miles of Belgrade, MT. https://hubs.ly/Q02TQS120

Why serve couples? Because relationships matter—more than anything else. On this World Mental Health Day, it’s important to recognize that the strongest predictor of well-being and healthy aging isn’t genetics or diet—it’s the quality of our relationships. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest study on human well-being, has tracked this for over 84 years. “If we had to take all eighty-four years of the Harvard Study and boil it down to a single principle for living, one life investment that is supported by similar findings across a wide variety of other studies, it would be this: Good relationships keep us healthier and happier. Period.” - Robert Waldinger, Director of The Harvard Study of Adult Development Want to learn more about what makes a good life? https://hubs.la/Q02S-7PT0

"The return to civilian existence may be some veterans’ first adult experience without a built-in team of cohorts, sense of duty, or even basic needs like food and shelter provided. Wounded vets struggle with not just their physical wounds—they may also suffer from anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, suicidal thoughts, and post-traumatic stress (PTS)." Katie Thomas did an incredible job on this thoughtful piece around the needs of our post 9-11 combat veterans, and the "why" behind launching our Built for More program. Tap the link to discover the story of our beginning from WQW founder, Colonel Eric Hastings, the evolution into the Built for More program from Brian Gilman, and how our dedicated brand partners make it all possible: MTNTOUGH Fitness, Simms Fishing Products, MYSTERY RANCH, SITKA Gear and FHF Gear, to name a few.

"The return to civilian existence may be some veterans’ first adult experience without a built-in team of cohorts, sense of duty, or even basic needs like food and shelter provided. Wounded vets struggle with not just their physical wounds—they may also suffer from anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, suicidal thoughts, and post-traumatic stress (PTS)." Katie Thomas did an incredible job on this thoughtful piece around the needs of our post 9-11 combat veterans, and the "why" behind launching our Built for More program. Tap the link to discover the story of our beginning from WQW founder, Colonel Eric Hastings, the evolution into the Built for More program from Brian Gilman, and how our dedicated brand partners make it all possible: MTNTOUGH Fitness, Simms Fishing Products, MYSTERY RANCH, SITKA Gear and FHF Gear, to name a few.

This morning, we sent home our FX24 cohort to kick off the virtual Discovery Phase of the Built for More program. This group of Warriors had a beautiful week in Montana to learn how to fly fish on some pristine waterways and with the guidance of some of the best in the business. The connection built this week will only strengthen as this incredible group of men continue their Built for More journey. We can't wait to see how far they will come!

The final two cohorts of our Built for More Program Hunting Track began on Friday with bow tune-ups and range practice for our Warriors. This program would not be possible without Partnerships like we have with Straight 6 Archery here in Bozeman. The Straight 6 team equips our Warriors with the equipment and confidence they need for a successful hunt, and we could not be more grateful for everything they do for our Hunting Track. Discover all the ways your company can support us through Brand Partnerships here: https://hubs.la/Q02RwBZ20

Corporate sponsorship to support WQW and our Built for More Program can come in many forms, and this is one of our favorite to date. MONTANA DOG FOOD CO is providing 12 of our Warriors' pups with their incredible freeze-dried dog food, every month for 1 year! We know how important the companionship of pets can be for our Warriors, so providing them with top-quality food so they can feel their best and be the companion their Warriors need really makes a difference. To learn more about how Montana Dog Food is giving back to those who serve, check out their website: https://lnkd.in/gDfa2r43 We are so appreciative of our corporate sponsors and everything they do for our WQW Warriors and their families 🇺🇸 If you or your organization would like to get involved in WQW, please reach out today info@wqwf.org.

This fall, our Built for More Hunting Track concludes with three hunts. These photos capture the first group in action, pursuing deer and antelope on their archery hunt. We're thrilled to send off our final group this week as they head into the backcountry to pursue elk. We look forward to sharing the meaningful experiences they’ll have!