One thing that I am most proud of is being a veteran. I joined the Navy at the age of 18 and it is hard for me to properly articulate the impact that the military had on me.

I was a Hull Maintenance Technician while on active duty. My primary responsibilities were shipboard repair related and included things like welding, lagging, general plumbing repairs, and sheet metal work. These were things that I had never done. I didn’t grow up dreaming of having a stinger in my hand running pretty shiny beads but I did grow up dreaming about challenging myself to learn new things. The Navy gave me the platform to do just that. They took a small-town girl from Washington and turned her into a sailor. I will always cherish those years that I served.

​

About a year and a half ago I stumbled across a group called The Fallen Outdoors. It is a non-profit organization with the mission to get veterans into the outdoors on therapeutic trips/outings such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and kayaking. This group is open to all veterans no matter length of service, combat or non-combat as long as they are honorably discharged. I signed up for a fishing trip and I was so nervous. I didn’t know a single person that was going to be there but I wanted to go. It was a really great day for me and the start of a new passion. I am now the secretary for Team Washington, The Fallen Outdoors and it is a huge part of my life.

​

No matter what age or what branch of the service you were in, you have a spot with The Fallen Outdoors. We have active members and guides in most states and facilitate many different types of outdoor activities. We can also assist with many types of physical disabilities. We are here for you.

Check us out at www.thefallenoutdoors.com

If you are interested in sponsoring a hunt, fishing trip or other excursions for a veteran please reach out to Amy directly via email wa.secretary@thefallenoutdoors.com