Matt provides the ideal experience for every Veteran no matter what their needs are. Recently, I was lucky enough to meet Matt at our church and he had an opening several days later. So off we went and it was AWESOME!!! I too am a fishing guide, in Wyoming, and have also been providing Veteran trips for the past 20 plus years. Whats special about Matt is; he truly cares and is passionate about he... More

Matt provides the ideal experience for every Veteran no matter what their needs are. Recently, I was lucky enough to meet Matt at our church and he had an opening several days later. So off we went and it was AWESOME!!! I too am a fishing guide, in Wyoming, and have also been providing Veteran trips for the past 20 plus years. Whats special about Matt is; he truly cares and is passionate about helping other Vets. But more important than anything; He is a Godly Man. We were so blessed with an incredible day on the water together. The fellowship and camaraderie was much appreciated as was the catching too. We literally caught so many that we were calling the bite. Truly a blessing and I highly recommend a trip with Matt to start your recovery process. TUG IS THE DRUG!!!!! Less

The service that Outdoor Valor provides veterans may seem insignificant to some. But having gone with them I can tell you it’s anything but. These free fishing trips they provide veterans gives them a chance to enjoy something they may not be able to on their own. Bigger than that it allows them to interact with their fellow veterans who may be struggling mentally and physically just like them. T... More

The service that Outdoor Valor provides veterans may seem insignificant to some. But having gone with them I can tell you it’s anything but. These free fishing trips they provide veterans gives them a chance to enjoy something they may not be able to on their own. Bigger than that it allows them to interact with their fellow veterans who may be struggling mentally and physically just like them. This bond they share and being able to get out and enjoy themselves with something like fishing can save lives. And having heard testimonies from some of Outdoor Valors clients has proven just that. Thanks to Matt and the rest of Outdoor Valor for what they do. Less

Captain Matt is an awesome guy all around. He takes Veterans out on the water fishing year round to help those who have given so much to this country. Matt himself is a Veteran and every trip I go on with him is an adventure. There is no better feeling than leaving the ramp early in the morning a coming back in the evening with a boat full of fish, stories told and heard and friendships that will... More

Captain Matt is an awesome guy all around. He takes Veterans out on the water fishing year round to help those who have given so much to this country. Matt himself is a Veteran and every trip I go on with him is an adventure. There is no better feeling than leaving the ramp early in the morning a coming back in the evening with a boat full of fish, stories told and heard and friendships that will last a lifetime. If you are a Veteran in need of some fishing therapy look no further. Less

This was truly a once in a lifetime experience. I went out fishing with Captain Matt with three other disabled veterans. The weather was just a little rough because the weatherman was drastically off on their predictions. I will start off by saying the fishing was great. The camaraderie among the veterans were awesome. The boat is great. To say the bite was on and the fishing was awesome is an un... More

This was truly a once in a lifetime experience. I went out fishing with Captain Matt with three other disabled veterans. The weather was just a little rough because the weatherman was drastically off on their predictions. I will start off by saying the fishing was great. The camaraderie among the veterans were awesome. The boat is great. To say the bite was on and the fishing was awesome is an understatement. We went out approximately 80 to 88 miles. Two of the guys that were fishing with me stated how they really needed this trip. It got them off the couch and back outside. Once in a lifetime event. The looks on everybody’s faces as they’re widen in grouper snapper grunts along with all the other fish we caught. Was amazing. Thank you for Matt and the people outdoor valor. Less

My brother has been out with yall a few times now and he's always raving about the time he had. Seeing that genuine happiness shine through him is a sign you're on the right track with what God has given you. Even if I'm just bait boy for the day; I can't wait to get out with yall sometime to enjoy the wonderful world God gave us, the community of fellow men striving for a better tomorrow, and t... More

My brother has been out with yall a few times now and he's always raving about the time he had. Seeing that genuine happiness shine through him is a sign you're on the right track with what God has given you. Even if I'm just bait boy for the day; I can't wait to get out with yall sometime to enjoy the wonderful world God gave us, the community of fellow men striving for a better tomorrow, and the opportunity to share past blessings and count more as we go. Stay blessed and continue to bless others. Less

"One Fish at A Time." I didn't really understand what that meant until I was out in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by those who love me the most. There we were, plowing through some cross chop approximately 80 miles offshore...headstrong to get to one of Capt Schwanke's secret spots. When I say secret, I truly mean it. I've never been offshore before like that and as soon as I dropp... More

"One Fish at A Time." I didn't really understand what that meant until I was out in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by those who love me the most. There we were, plowing through some cross chop approximately 80 miles offshore...headstrong to get to one of Capt Schwanke's secret spots. When I say secret, I truly mean it. I've never been offshore before like that and as soon as I dropped my line (under 60 secs) I snagged the biggest fish of my life, a beautiful grouper. You'll have to visit the Facebook page for Outdoor Valor to see it, but you'll be able to sense the sheer excitement I got from struggling with it. I mean, I was laughing and screaming so that's all that mattered. I was a stoked veteran. This trip was so great that as I sat there on the bow taking a break from throwing up (yes, not one Marine has successfully negotiated this evolution without a "frag out!"), I thanked God for allowing me the opportunity to be surrounded by fine gents who genuinely cared about what I was saying and even lack thereof at times. They were simply doing a buddy check offshore. My silence at times was due to the fact that all of life's problems seem to disappear when in the vast ocean. Oh, and for those of you that think it was the crayon's haha. It's remarkable how beautiful life is when you stop and look around. About life...Capt Schwanke is not only a top fisherman, but he is a brother in Christ. He recently baptized me, for which I felt compelled to do again, especially after he had saved my life. I cannot thank him personally enough for showing me what it means to be a Man of Faith, a better father, a better husband, and simply a friend. I commend Capt. Schwanke for what he does for the veterans as well as our community. I also highly encourage you to reach out and inquire about fishing trips for your loved ones who are veterans that you think could benefit from such a life saving & therapeutic good time with others that share the same struggles. I love OV! Rah! ~ Semper Fidelis ~ Kelly, USMC Less

Outdoor Valor has been an extraordinary source of support and healing for me since I joined in 2019. As a veteran dealing with severe PTSD and other mental health challenges following my service in Afghanistan, I found myself struggling to adapt to life back home. The team at Outdoor Valor, led by Matt Schwanke, offered me the support and camaraderie that I couldn’t find anywhere else. What sets... More

Outdoor Valor has been an extraordinary source of support and healing for me since I joined in 2019. As a veteran dealing with severe PTSD and other mental health challenges following my service in Afghanistan, I found myself struggling to adapt to life back home. The team at Outdoor Valor, led by Matt Schwanke, offered me the support and camaraderie that I couldn’t find anywhere else. What sets Outdoor Valor apart is their unwavering commitment to veterans' well-being. Their free fishing trips provide a much-needed escape and foster a strong sense of community. I’ve experienced firsthand the dedication of Matt and his team, who have gone out of their way to ensure I was safe and supported, even during the toughest times. Their compassion and willingness to help at any hour have made a profound impact on my life. The environment they create on these trips is nothing short of remarkable. Veterans come together, share their experiences, and support each other in ways that are both healing and empowering. The decision to turn back for a seasick veteran, for instance, highlights the camaraderie and care that define these outings. Outdoor Valor has done more for me than any other organization, including the VA. They have truly helped me transition from the chaos of war to a more stable and hopeful life. I cannot recommend them enough to any veteran seeking support and community. Thank you, Outdoor Valor, for your incredible work and dedication. Terry Puckett Less