Q: What is your role at Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW), and how long have you been involved?

 E: As the Marketing Director, my primary responsibility is engaging new supporters and advocates for our mission and ensuring more people understand our vital work for veterans. I've been in this role for over five months, and it has been quite an enlightening journey. I'm still learning the nuances of the organization and the community, but every day presents new opportunities for growth and connection.

 

Q: How long have you lived in Bozeman, and what do you enjoy most about the area?

 E: I relocated to Bozeman in August 2024 to take on my role at WQW. It's a beautiful area, and what I love most is the unparalleled access to the outdoors. Here, it's just a short drive—30 minutes in any direction—and you can find stunning landscapes, whether hiking trails, rivers for fishing, or mountains for skiing. This access fuels my adventurous spirit and aligns perfectly with our mission to connect veterans with nature. The vibrant, welcoming, supportive community makes living here even more enjoyable.

 

Q: Can you provide an overview of WQW and its mission?

 E: WQW is a dedicated veteran service organization and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission is to empower post-911 combat veterans to thrive. WQW is driven by the vital need to help our nation's veterans navigate the unique difficulties of life after service and discover their purpose. By fulfilling this mission, WQW aims to achieve its vision of unleashing empowered and thriving veterans who inspire future generations to serve, bolstering the strength of our communities and the resilience of our national defense.  

 

Q: What types of services or programs does WQW offer?

 

E: WQW provides a safe, secure environment – created by our program facilitators, volunteers, and guides - that feels like home. Our outdoor experiences allow Warriors to reflect on essential questions about their lives after service: What direction do I want to take? What values guide me? What brings me joy? Through this process of reflection, Warriors can uncover their new mission in life while also fostering a sense of community that feels like family. Here, they forge lifelong connections with peers who share their journey toward post-military purpose.

 

Our cornerstone program is "Built for More," designed for post-9/11 combat veterans, men and women. Built for More is designed to bridge our nation's Warriors' combat service to their next critical mission: finding a deeper connection to themselves, their families, and their communities. Built for More does this through spirit-restoring nature experiences with a small cohort of fellow service members and months of guided growth during the Discovery Phase, where Warriors continue to connect with the program pillars and their online cohort. Warrior participants can apply for one of our three unique program track options: Fishing, Hunting, or Photography.

 

Military Caregiver Program: Caregiving is a way of life that includes many unique challenges. This five-day program, held at WQW's ranch near Bozeman, MT, provides military caregivers a chance to connect with other caregivers, develop fly fishing skills, and return home with renewed vigor and newfound support systems.

 

Alumni Engagement program. Established in 2023, the Alumni Engagement program takes a four-pillar approach to engaging WQW alumni long-term. It includes opportunities to shape program decisions, serve peers through volunteering, and connect with other alumni close to home through regional meetups. The program also includes continuing education through WQW's podcast—check it out!

 

Through these programs, WQW is dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans and their families as they navigate the journey toward a thriving life after service.

 

Q: What motivated you to dedicate your time and effort to WQW?

 E: Moving from Minnesota to take on this role was a significant decision for me, but the mission of WQW inspired me deeply. I felt compelled to help, and I'm grateful to be part of a team so dedicated to serving our Warriors—it's truly "Warriors First. Always" in everything we do.

 

 

Q: What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

 E: Understanding the profound need for our programs and the impact on participants was initially overwhelming. However, I've gained invaluable insights by listening to my team, connecting with Warrior Alumni, and witnessing the transformative experiences firsthand. Our team is driven to expand our impact, which motivates me daily to spread awareness and attract more supporters to our mission.

 

Q: How have you seen your efforts positively impact the community? What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work?

 E: Our team is inspired by the transformations we witness in post-9/11 combat veterans and their families. Their growth and commitment to their communities are remarkable. Hearing their stories and seeing the dedication of our volunteers, guides, and donors is incredibly rewarding.

 

Q: What upcoming projects, fundraisers, or events are you excited about? How can others in the community get involved?

 E: We're looking forward to participating in Give Big Gallatin Valley on May 1st and 2nd, and our largest annual fundraiser, Warrior Taste Fest, is on September 12th! This year, we are also launching a brand-new event, Salute to Service, which will take place in November in Bozeman, MT. Our events are fantastic opportunities for the community to unite and support our mission.

 

Q: Anything else you want to share about Warriors & Quiet Waters?

 E: We are honored to be part of the Gallatin Valley and the broader Montana community. The support we receive is humbling, and we couldn't achieve our goals without it. If anyone is interested in supporting our mission through donations, volunteering, or business partnerships, please visit our website at warriorsandquietwaters.org or contact us at info@wqwf.org. Thank you!