Warriors & Quiet Waters Podcast

Alumni Advisory Council joined WQW’s podcast with guest host Aaron Demro, a U.S. Army veteran and WQW Board Secretary. On this special episode, the AAC members share their personal stories—offering a powerful glimpse into life after service, the challenges of transition, and how programs like the AEP have helped them reconnect, grow, and lead. Their voices reflect not only the impact of WQW’s mission, but also the strength, resilience, and purpose they’ve carried forward into civilian life.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.A core pillar of our Built for More Program—and really all of our programs from the beginning—is the deep immersion in nature that participants experience in our programs.In this exciting episode, we welcome John Barklow, Senior Product Manager at Sitka along with Brian Gilman, CEO of Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW). Together, we dive into one of WQW’s favorite topics—the transformative power of nature. Brian and John discuss how WQW’s partnership with Sitka was formed and why nature plays a crucial role in veterans' post-military transition. John shares his personal journey from military service to becoming a leader in the outdoor and hunting community, reflecting on the challenges he faced and how time spent outdoors helped him navigate life after service.We explore the science behind WQW’s Built for More program, which immerses veterans in nature with a purpose. Brian explains the physiological and psychological benefits of outdoor experiences, while John shares personal stories of how the wilderness has shaped his life.As avid hunters, both guests discuss their love for hunting, their most memorable hunting experiences, and what the sport has taught them. John also provides expert advice for veterans looking to get into hunting, and offers practical survival tips for thriving in unforgiving outdoor environments.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about adventure, perseverance, and the healing power of nature!

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.Join me for a very special episode in honor of Memorial Day as I sit down with Dr. Pat Scannon, MD, PhD, Founder of Project Recover, and Dr. Derek Abbey, PhD, the organization’s CEO.Project Recover is a nonprofit dedicated to locating, recovering, and repatriating U.S. service members who have been listed as Missing in Action (MIA) since World War II. Their mission is a powerful blend of cutting-edge technology, historical research, and deep-sea exploration, all aimed at bringing closure to families who have waited decades for answers.In this episode, I had the opportunity to learn about Project Recover’s global search and recovery efforts, the challenges they face, and the profound impact their work has on the loved ones of MIAs. From remote jungles to the depths of the ocean, their efforts honor the sacrifice of those who never made it home, ensuring they are not forgotten.Tune in for this moving conversation about service, sacrifice, and the mission to bring our heroes home.Learn more about their work at ProjectRecover.org.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.Join us for an special episode with Warriors & Quiet Waters Founder Colonel Eric Hastings! Eric reflects on his history and experiences serving in Vietnam and explains why he and his late wife, Jean, chose to start Warriors & Quiet Waters in 2007. He also expresses his gratitude for the generous volunteers and donors who supported him and played a pivotal role in shaping Warriors & Quiet Waters into what it is today.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.Join us for an inspiring episode with United States Post-9/11 Combat Veteran Navy Corpsman Steve Flemming! Steve takes us through his personal journey—detailing why he chose to serve, his experiences during his time in the military, and the challenges he faced. He opens up about his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, followed by a rare diagnosis of stage 4 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer while still serving in the military. Through it all, Steve’s resilience shines as he shares his remarkable story and his mission to support other veterans navigating similar health struggles.For more information or support on service-related cancer, visit the HunterSeven Foundation's website at https://hunterseven.org/

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.Join us for an inspiring episode of The Warriors & Quiet Waters Podcast as we sit down with WQW Alumni and Army veteran Shaun Tichenor. In this heartfelt conversation, Shaun takes us through his personal journey—from why he decided to join the military to his experiences and challenges during his service. He opens up about the struggles he faced, the triumphs that kept him going, and the profound impact Warriors & Quiet Waters had on his healing and growth. Don’t miss this incredible story of resilience, hope, and transformation.This podcast was made possible by The Amicus Foundation, and John and Sheila LakeIf you have questions about an episode or Warriors & Quiet Waters in general, please email podcast@wqwf.org.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.Join us for the second season of the Warriors & Quiet Waters Podcast, where we sit down with WQW Fishing Guides Ryan Caldwell and Sean Gifford, along with WQW Staff and Guide Jesse LeNeve! In this episode, we hear the stories of how Ryan, Sean, and Jesse became fishing guides. They offer valuable advice for anyone interested in pursuing a guiding career, share the pros and cons of the job, and, of course, plenty of laughs along the way!This podcast was made possible by The Amicus Foundation and John and Sheila LakeIf you have questions about an episode or Warriors & Quiet Waters in general, please email podcast@wqwf.org.

Warriors & Quiet Waters is a veteran service organization (VSO) and an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community.A call to action: Join us for the final episode in our series before the Question & Answer episode. This episode will inspire you to be an agent for positive change in your community. Veterans are uniquely equipped to be leaders and pillars in their communities: Our country needs you. You are Built for More. Portraits of Courage: https://www.bushcenter.org/events-and-exhibits/portraits-of-courageThis podcast was made possible by The Amicus Foundation and John and Sheila LakeWe are recording a Q&A episode, so if you have questions about an episode or Warriors & Quiet Waters in general, please email podcast@wqwf.org and we will answer your questions at our Q&A episode.