Freeing The Minds Of Our Warfighters One Fish At A Time. At Outdoor Valor, we refuse to lose another brother or sister to an invisible war. No Red Tape. No hoops.
Too many veterans come home carrying wounds no one can see. We fight back with purpose, community, and the healing power of God’s creation. In 2016, our founder, Matt Schwanke—a 100% disabled Iraq War veteran—found something life-saving in the outdoors. Offshore fishing, hunting, and long-range shooting gave him space to breathe, decompress, and believe again. On a trip to the Florida Keys, he inv
ited a few veterans to join him on the water—by the end of the day, they were talking, laughing, and healing. A hobby became a mission. Who We Are
We’re a faith-based 501(c)(3) restoring hope to veterans with PTSD and depression through offshore fishing, outdoor therapy, peer-to-peer connection, and holistic care. Veterans don’t have to explain themselves here—they simply belong. What We Do
Operation Fresh Start – A year-long, whole-person pathway that pairs outdoor therapy with coordinated, trauma-informed and holistic care to rebuild routines, relationships, and purpose. The Rally Point – A veteran-led peer support group where warriors drop the mask, speak freely, and leave stronger than they arrived. Vows & Valor – A support network for spouses and partners, because families serve—and heal—together. Offshore Missions – Guided saltwater trips that lower stress, build camaraderie, and create breakthrough conversations in a judgment-free space. Community Impact Events – From Kids Casting days to our Warriors Gala and skills clinics, we connect veterans, families, and supporters in positive, life-giving experiences. Why It Works
Peer-to-Peer Healing: Veterans open up with veterans. On the water, walls fall and real conversations begin. Consistent Community: Most of our warriors return for multiple trips—because connection is the medicine. Holistic Care: We combine outdoor experiences with practical next steps—faith, family, fitness, and follow-through. Measurable Impact: We’ve served 2,000+ veterans with no-reported suicides among our participants. Just Show Up. If you served, you’ve earned this. Bring your DD-214 or military ID, and you’re on the boat. No invasive questions. Just a team that’s got your six. Our Team:
Executive Director and Founder/ Boat Captain: Matt Schwanke . US Army Tanker OIF 05 Vet. President: Major Michael Carrasquilla, USMC Retired. Floridian from Plantation, Michael graduated from Florida State University before joining the United States Marine Corps in 2000. Over the course of his distinguished 20-year career, he served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with numerous other undisclosed missions around the globe. He retired in 2020 after two decades of honorable and faithful service to our nation. Vice President: Dr. Larry Schwanke is a Doctor of Chiropractic and practices in Ocala, FL at Back to Basic's Chiropractic. He has been in practice since 2000. Secretary: Terry Puckett, US Army
Chaplin: Matthew Flint, US Army
Ports of Call
Crystal River, FL
Horseshoe Beach, Fl
Ponce Inlet, FL
St Augustine, FL
Stinehacthie, FL
Trips
On our trips we provide everything to vets, rods, reels, tackle, bait and ice. All we ask is for them to bring a large cooler to take their catch home and some lunch. We provide the necessary instruction on how to catch the various species of fish on each trip.
06/13/2026
The Best Investment You Can Make
What can $22 a month do?
It can help provide connection, purpose, and hope to veterans facing some of life's toughest battles.
Every month, Monthly Valor Partners help Outdoor Valor continue its mission of supporting veterans through camaraderie, outdoor experiences, and peer-to-peer connection.
The results speak for themselves:
✔ 2,100+ Veterans Served
✔ 0 Suicides
✔ 100% of Donations Go Directly to Programs
✔ Veteran-Led Organization
This June, honor PTSD Awareness Month by becoming part of the solution.
🌐 outdoorvalor.org/donate
06/13/2026
Yesterday we had a fantastic crew out on the water. A lot of firsts for them, first offshore trip to first grouper and snapper. Our fishing trips are for the veteran and their family’s, from dual service to father and son trips. Thank you all for your service to our nation. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you to our donors🦅🫡
Air Parts
Air Balance Solutions
KW Digital
Vino Ghvino 21
Straight Line Construction
American Honor Foundation
Graphicten
E-Estates and Trusts, PLLC
Roam Electric Inc.
Standley Pest Control
Meldon Law
Advanced Garage Doors and Gate Operators LLC
BCS Insulation LLC
Reveille Wealth Management Florida
Sea Hag Marina
06/12/2026
Today, on Women Veterans Day, Outdoor Valor proudly honors the women who have served our nation with courage, dedication, and strength.
Your service, sacrifice, and commitment have helped protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. From those who served in times of war to those who continue serving today, your contributions to our military and our country are immeasurable.
Thank you for your leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to something greater than yourself.
Today and every day, we recognize, appreciate, and celebrate our women veterans.
06/12/2026
PTSD doesn't always begin while a veteran is in uniform.
Some veterans may not experience symptoms until months or even years after returning home from deployment or separating from military service.
Life transitions, retirement, major life events, or reminders of past experiences can sometimes trigger symptoms long after military service has ended.
That's why continued support for veterans is so important.
🌐 outdoorvalor.org
06/10/2026
For too long, mental health struggles have been viewed as something to hide.
This PTSD Awareness Month, let's change that.
Let's talk openly.
Let's listen without judgment.
Let's support veterans who are fighting battles we cannot see.
And let's remind them that seeking help is not a sign of weakness.
It is one of the bravest decisions a person can make.
Awareness creates understanding.
Understanding creates connection.
Connection creates hope.
🌐 outdoorvalor.org
06/08/2026
🎗️ PTSD Awareness Month
For some veterans, the hardest battle isn't fought overseas.
It's fought in the quiet moments. In the middle of the night. In crowded rooms. In memories that refuse to stay in the past.
PTSD is not weakness. It is not a lack of courage. In many cases, it is the result of extraordinary people enduring extraordinary circumstances.
This month, we honor the strength it takes to keep moving forward.
And we remind every veteran: You are not alone.
At Outdoor Valor, healing begins with connection, understanding, and knowing someone else has walked a similar path.
🌐 outdoorvalor.org
06/06/2026
One Small Gift. One Big Impact.
This PTSD Awareness Month, you can help change a veteran's life for just $22 per month.
Your monthly partnership helps Outdoor Valor continue providing life-changing outdoor experiences, peer support, and a community where veterans know they are never alone.
🇺🇸 2,100+ Veterans Served
🇺🇸 0 Suicides
🇺🇸 100% of Donations Go to Programs
🇺🇸 Veteran-Led
For less than the cost of a dinner out, you can help save lives and support those who have served our country.
Become a Monthly Valor Partner today.
🌐 outdoorvalor.org/donate
06/05/2026
Many veterans with PTSD avoid seeking help because military culture often emphasizes pushing through adversity and putting the mission first.
For years, countless service members have carried their struggles silently, believing they needed to handle everything on their own.
Today, we know that seeking support is not a sign of weakness.
It is a sign of strength, courage, and commitment to continued growth and healing.
🌐 outdoorvalor.org
06/03/2026
💚 Healing Happens Through Community
PTSD often convinces people to withdraw.
Healing encourages people to reconnect.
Whether it's a fishing trip, a peer support group, or simply spending time with people who understand, community can be a powerful part of recovery.
Nobody was meant to carry life's heaviest burdens alone.
An unforgettable evening of elegance, mystery, and purpose is coming to Ocala.
Step behind the mask and join us for the Outdoor Valor Masquerade Ball, a night where sophistication meets service as we come together to support the veterans we proudly serve.
✨ Black Tie Optional
🎭 Masks Encouraged
🥂 An Evening of Entertainment, Fellowship & Giving Back
📅 February 20, 2027
📍 JumblAir Ocala
⏰ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
🚪 Doors Open at 5:30 PM
Mark your calendars now and prepare for a night filled with intrigue, celebration, and a mission that changes lives.