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Warriors & Quiet Waters Podcast
21| Stronger Together: Veterans on Connection and Community
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.
In this episode of Built for More, we dive deep into one of the core pillars of the program: connection. Joined by three incredible WQW alumni—Army Veteran and staff member Katie Megahee, Air Force Veteran Aaron May, and Marine Corps Veteran Buck Chambers—the conversation explores the power of building meaningful relationships, both with fellow veterans and in everyday life.
Aaron and Buck share their backgrounds, military experiences, and how they got involved with the Built for More program. The group discusses the vital importance of connection, especially for veterans, and how it directly impacts mental health and well-being. Katie leads a discussion on the Harvard study that highlights the life-changing benefits of strong relationships and why the Built for More program places such a heavy emphasis on fostering these bonds.
As the episode unfolds, the veterans reflect on their personal journeys, discussing the challenges of losing connections after leaving the military and how they found renewed community through BFM. They also explore how their coaching roles with youth teams have been transformed by their experiences in the program and share practical insights on how to cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships.
Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about the role of connection in personal growth, and how veterans can strengthen their bonds to enhance both their own lives and the lives of others.
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46 | Trout Unlimited: Restoring Nine Mile Creek and Protecting Montana’s Cold, Clean Water
52:06|Trout Unlimited staff members Connor and Paul discuss the decades-long restoration of Nine Mile Creek near Missoula, where historic mining and logging left lasting damage to the watershed. They explain how restoration teams are rebuilding stream channels, restoring fish habitat, and improving water quality, along with the many other projects Trout Unlimited leads across Montana to protect cold, clean water. They also share how Warriors & Quiet Waters alumni have contributed to the Nine Mile Creek project and how anyone can get involved in protecting their local waterways.
45 | 22 2 None: Fighting the Fight Within
01:11:50|In this episode, we sit down with 22 2 None, a Northern Michigan nonprofit focused on supporting veterans and helping them keep fighting the fight within.Founded in 2016 by two Marine veterans who initially wanted to bring veterans back together and rebuild the camaraderie they knew from service, 22 2 None grew into a mission centered on veteran suicide awareness, connection, and practical support. Today, that mission takes many forms, from outdoor recreation and monthly gatherings to direct assistance for veterans in need.We also talk about the organization’s home at Belay My Last Barracks, a former elementary school the organization purchased and is transforming into a space for veterans and their families. The property serves as a community gathering place while also being developed to provide transitional housing and new opportunities for veterans navigating difficult periods in their lives.It’s a conversation about why 22 2 None was founded, what it means to create spaces where veterans can reconnect, and how a community can come together to help veterans through the battles that continue long after their service ends.
44 | MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY COACH VIGEN
01:12:12|This week on the podcast, WQW CEO Brian Gilman sits down with Montana State University Head Football Coach Brent Vigen to talk about service, leadership, and the connection between the Bobcat football community and the veterans we serve.This season, Warriors & Quiet Waters is proud to partner with Bobcat Football for its Military Appreciation Game. The partnership is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have served our country while bringing two communities together around shared values of service, teamwork, and commitment.Tune in to hear Brian and Coach Vigen discuss the partnership, leadership, and building high-performing teams.
43 | Cameras, Campfires, and Llamas: A Backcountry Photography Experience
45:51|In this episode, Otto, Jesse, and Larry are joined by Dennis Dueñas of Montana Llama Guides to discuss the recent Built for More Photography Track Capstone in the Pioneer Mountains. Dennis shares about llamas' role as pack animals and backcountry companions, and all share stories from the experience.
42 | VetTek Foundation | Warrior Support Network
31:59|This is another episode in our short series spotlighting our partners in the Warrior Support Network, organizations working alongside WQW to serve veterans and military families.In this episode, we sit down with VetTek Foundation to explore the resources they offer and how veterans and first responders can access them.
41 | Catch A Lift Fund | Warrior Support Network
26:05|This is another episode in our short series spotlighting our partners in the Warrior Support Network, organizations working alongside WQW to serve veterans and military families.In this episode, we sit down with The Catch a Lift Fund to explore the resources they offer and how veterans can access them.
40 | The Headstrong Project | Warrior Support Network
49:27|In this episode, we dive into the resources offered by The Headstrong Project and how they are guiding veterans, service members, and their families to "triumph over trauma." Learn more about the Headstrong Project: https://theheadstrongproject.org/
39 | Elizabeth Dole Foundation | Warrior Support Network
24:56|In this episode, we sit down with Marjorie Pennington-Healy, Director of Resource Navigation and Critical Financial Assistance at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, to explore the resources they offer and how military and veteran caregivers can access them.We talk through the Foundation's mission and founding, who they serve, and how caregivers and families connect with EDF for support. Marjorie shares what sets the Foundation apart in this space, what someone can expect when they first reach out for assistance, and some of the most common needs caregivers and families bring to them — along with a story that captures the real impact of their work.This is part of a short series spotlighting our partners in the Warrior Support Network, organizations working alongside WQW to serve veterans and military families. We'll be releasing a new episode each week.https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/https://www.warriorsandquietwaters.org/warrior-support-network
38 | Cohen Veterans Network | Warrior Support Network
45:30|This is the second in a short series of episodes spotlighting our partners in the Warrior Support Network, organizations working alongside WQW to serve veterans and military families. In this episode, we sit down with the Cohen Veterans Network to dig into their mission and how they deliver mental health care to veterans, service members, and their families, and how those in need can access their clinics and resources.https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/