Warriors & Quiet Waters

How a Montana Ranch Is Helping Veterans Heal the Wounds of War through Hunting, Archery, Fly Fishing and the Power of Nature

by Richard Baimbridge

In many ways, Montana native and retired USMC Col Brian Gilman (a former MARSOC Chief of Staff) is the quintessential post-9/11 combat veteran. His long beard, tough attitude and the tattoo on his arm that reads “Discipline is My Freedom” are emblematic of the Iraq/Afghanistan veterans who came home scarred, but determined to overcome the physical and mental suffering they experienced overseas.

An avid bowhunter and fly fisherman who finds his peace in the solitude of the great outdoors, Gilman leads a highly-disciplined life of training, fitness and helping his fellow veterans on their own personal journeys to healing. He is, by all definitions, a natural born leader. Now CEO of the Warriors & Quiet Waters foundation, based in Bozeman, Montana, Gilman has dedicated his life to sharing the transformational power that comes through mastering the skills of hunting, fishing and survival with those who need it most.

Founded in 2007, the first WQW program took traumatically injured veterans on immersive fishing trips in Montana's stunning natural landscapes, where snow-capped mountains meet pristine rivers. For many veterans, this experience provided not only physical respite but also emotional healing and a renewed sense of purpose.

WQW’s latest and most-comprehensive program “Built for More,” launched in 2023, offers up to a year-long experience that includes physical fitness training, emotional therapy and activities designed to foster self-discovery and resilience.

Gilman emphasizes the program’s mission of “enabling veterans to thrive, lead, and inspire,” aiming to help them transition into civilian life with strength and community support. As he notes, WQW helps veterans “reconnect with a sense of identity and purpose.”

For many veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression, the quiet solitude of a river or tracking game in raw wilderness provides a unique healing space—one free of societal expectations and the pressures of everyday life.

Former Navy SEAL and Special Operations Combat Medic Chris Beach spent six years in Iraq and Afghanistan. He recently shared his struggles with leaving combat duty for civilian life.

“I left a team of friends that I experienced so many hardships with,” Beach said. “I struggled to find connections in the civilian world. I felt like I had to hide my scars of war in order to for in with what society considered ‘normal.’ The time I spent at the Quiet Waters Ranch, in the backcountry of Montana, and fishing the rivers, was the first time in my life that I have felt true peace since returning from my deployments.”

WQW’s programs are designed to be immersive and highly individualized, focusing on the healing properties of quiet reflection and the camaraderie found in shared outdoor experiences. Veterans often find the solitude of nature to be a sanctuary where they can process their emotions without feeling overwhelmed. And they also benefit from the support of a community of veterans who all share similar experiences.

In Montana, where the rivers and streams are famous for their beauty and abundance of trout, fly fishing is more than just a hobby -- it’s a meditative practice. The art of fly fishing requires patience, mindfulness, and a close attention to rhythm and technique, making it a powerful tool for veterans who struggle with anxiety and the intrusive thoughts that often accompany PTSD.

WQW provides veterans with professional guides and supplies everything needed for a successful experience, from top-of-the-line equipment to adaptive gear for those with physical disabilities. Being on the river or in the mountains allows veterans to be present in the moment—a skill that is difficult to cultivate in a world filled with noise and distractions.

In WQW’s hunting programs, each veteran is partnered with an experienced guide who tailors the experience to their own personal needs. It’s also designed to build trust and camaraderie, while developing mindfulness and a sense of achievement. Learning how to harvest and process their own food fosters a sense of self-reliance that is invaluable for those who have had difficulties transitioning back to civilian life.

The Power of Connection and Community

One of WQW’s greatest strengths is the sense of community it fosters. Each experience is crafted not only to benefit individual veterans but also to build a larger network of support among those who have shared similar challenges. For many veterans, camaraderie can be as healing as the outdoor experience itself, as it offers a chance to bond over common experiences.

In addition to its outdoor activities, WQW offers opportunities for family involvement, understanding that a veteran’s transition back to civilian life also affects their loved ones. By inviting family members into certain programs, WQW fosters a support network that extends beyond the individual veteran, helping families grow stronger together.

Warriors & Quiet Waters stands as a beacon, showing that, through proper guidance, the journey to healing and rediscovery is possible for those willing to accept the challenge. It’s by no means an easy process. But the results clearly speak for themselves.

To find out more about or apply for WQW’s programs, click here to visit their website and learn how you can assist in their mission.

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