A Fly Fishing Identity

Veterans often face challenges when transitioning back to civilian life. These challenges can range from finding a sense of purpose to dealing with mental health issues like PTSD. For some, traditional therapy might not be the answer. That was certainly the case for me. That's where Wild Faith Outdoors steps in, offering a unique approach to help veterans reconnect with themselves and others through the healing power of nature.

Based in Virginia, Wild Faith Outdoors focuses on providing opportunities for transitioning service members, veterans, first responders, young adults, and children to explore nature and participate in outlets they would not have access to otherwise. Through this organization, transitioning service members can find a healthy outlet for their emotions and experiences. By immersing themselves in the beauty of the natural world, veterans can discover a sense of peace and purpose that may have been missing in their lives. First responders can find an outlet that they can regularly turn to for help to process traumatic events. Teens and children can open a door otherwise closed to them that can birth a lifelong passion.

One of the key activities offered by Wild Faith Outdoors is Fly Fishing. Many people do not realize the depth of therapeutic benefit they can attain from a day of fly fishing. It probably isn't something the average Joe thinks about, but trout do not live in ugly places... A day spent in even the lowest quality trout waters is a day spent in a quiet, peaceful, beautiful setting. You are immersing yourself in cool, clean waters, and allowing an activity to take over your brain. Your thoughts become centered on a task, and the activity level of that task keeps your mind busy, while the setting and the pace of the line calms your nerves. To a lot of veterans, that alone is priceless.

Fly fishing is an identity. Most veterans that have troubles when they transition, have them because they go from a place of complete confidence in their identity, to a world that doesn't seem right, and in turn, makes them feel like the something that is off... is them. The reality is that we aren't broken and we haven't lost who we are. We simply need a direction and activity to get us there. We need a community that can fill the void we have now that we are no longer in service. We need a new identity.

In addition to fly fishing, Wild Faith Outdoors also offers recreational therapy activities like hunting, camping, backpacking, or day hikes. These activities can help veterans build confidence, improve their physical fitness, and develop new skills. By engaging in these activities, veterans can build a sense of accomplishment and self-worth that can have a positive impact on their mental health.

We connect veterans to a network of resources in the area through churches, organizations like the VFW, some of the local universities, etc. Our program would not be here if not for my relationship with Christ. Not everyone walks the Christian faith, and that is totally ok. I cannot explain to someone who asks me, how I got to where I am, without speaking of how my relationship with Christ saved my life. That said, we aren't here to preach at you. The door is always open to learn more, but it is your choice.

By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the organization ensures that veterans have the support they need to navigate the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. Through their programs and services, Wild Faith Outdoors Inc aims to help veterans heal from the invisible wounds of war and find a sense of purpose and belonging in the natural world. By combining the healing power of nature with the support of a community, the organization offers a holistic approach to helping veterans thrive in their post-military lives. Whether you are a veteran looking for a new way to connect with others or a supporter of our nation's heroes, consider getting involved with Wild Faith Outdoors.

Your support can make a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.