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Testimonials

the transformative power of wilderness therapy

Each trip offers veterans and active-duty service members a chance to reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other.

 Our Success Stories showcase the profound impact these experiences have had on those who’ve joined us. From finding healing and renewed purpose to building lifelong bonds with fellow veterans, these stories are a testament to the strength and resilience of our participants. Read their journeys and discover how the wilderness can be a catalyst for personal growth, recovery, and lasting change.

The Huts for Vets program gave me an opportunity to get away from the craziness of life for a few days and exist in a beautiful setting. The environment with the other veterans was super relaxed, and we quickly fell into the type of conversations and banter so familiar within a military unit. I appreciated that there were veterans of a range of ages and length of service. We all had our reasons for being there, but there wasn’t any pressure or expectation for anyone to share more than they were comfortable with. To go exist in nature for a few days and be alone with my thoughts was perfectly acceptable during the trip.

- Alan Brown,
Army

Going to this program, I was worried. I was worried I would go back to my old ways when “forced” into a situation where I talked about my issues. However, I quickly realized that the HVF support system made everyone, including myself, feel like it was a safe environment for us Veterans. I know nothing is magically fixed, but because of this program I feel like I am equipped with the right tools to start my healing process on a better foot.

- David Likens,
USMC

I can’t thank HFV enough for opening my eyes and my heart to the possibilities that are out there. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that connecting back to a more primitive lifestyle would yield such an emotionally, mentally and spiritually revitalizing experience. I left with clarity that I hadn’t had in years and a sense of belonging that I may have never truly known in my life. This experience and the people I was able to experience this with were life changing and I can only hope that more get to experience this. A huge thank you to the HFV staff, founders and board, and contributors for this opportunity!

- Jeffrey Crones,
US Army

Fifteen eclectic, mostly strangers, connected only by the shared experience of military service joined hearts and minds sharing an authentic experience that I’ll cherish for life. I learned from each and every participant and staff member and I experienced a hightened state of compassion and personal relevance I hope to carry home.

- Daniel Goldstein,
USMC