Veterans Day Special: Two Marines, Two Generations, One Mission

In this special Veterans Day episode, we sit down with two Marines from different generations whose stories reflect both the challenges and enduring strength of military service. Vietnam veteran and longtime WQW volunteer Lee Rimkus joins us alongside WQW alumnus and staff member Curtis Wellock, an Afghanistan combat veteran. Together, they share deeply personal experiences of service, sacrifice, and healing.

Lee recounts his time on the front lines during the siege at Khe Sanh, while Curtis reflects on his deployment to Afghanistan and the realities of modern warfare. They open up about the difficult transition back to civilian life. Lee returning home to a country that didn't welcome Vietnam veterans, and Curtis navigating reintegration in a different, yet still complex, era.

Through heartfelt stories and thoughtful reflections, the two explore the similarities between the Vietnam War and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wars with no clear victory, and the emotional toll that can carry. From the importance of reunion and brotherhood to the healing power of fly fishing and the community found through Warriors & Quiet Waters, this conversation dives deep into what it means to serve, to come home, and to support one another across generations.

As we celebrate Veterans Day, this episode is a powerful reminder that while the uniforms may change, the bonds between those who serve do not. Veterans, past and present have the strength, wisdom, and compassion to not only heal themselves but to help lead and uplift our nation.

Thank you to Lee, Curtis, and all veterans for your service and continued commitment to building a stronger, more compassionate America.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, we dive into the inspiring stories of WQW long-time photographer Mike MacLeod and BFM Alumni Blaine Holom, who both have unique experiences in photography and the military.

The conversation begins with Blaine and Mike sharing their motivations for enlisting in the military and how their decisions impacted their lives. They reflect on their transitions into military life, the roles they took on, and the challenges they faced, particularly when transitioning back to civilian life after their combat experiences.

The episode shifts to photography, with Mike discussing his long-standing involvement with WQW and his role in helping to create its Photography program in 2022. Blaine, who joined the program in 2023, shares his journey into photography and his experience within the program. Both Mike and Blaine explore how photography has played a significant role in helping them find purpose and personal fulfillment post-military.

They also delve into the artistic side of photography, discussing the evolution of the WQW Photography program, their favorite types of photos and Mike shares his advice for aspiring professional photographers and highlights some memorable moments from his time with WQW.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode features U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel (Reserve) and Reveal Technology founder Garrett Smith, joined by Warriors & Quiet Waters CEO Brian Gilman. Garrett shares his journey from enlisting in the Marine Corps after 9/11 alongside his younger brother, serving as an enlisted rifleman, and later commissioning as a ground intelligence officer. He recounts deployments to Afghanistan, counter-narcotics work in South America, and strategic missions in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting how his Reserve career offered flexibility and diverse experiences.

Garrett discusses the challenges and resilience involved in transitioning from active duty, crediting his church and family community as vital to his stability. He contrasts his transition with his brother’s more difficult post-service experience, underscoring the importance of sustained community investment before and after leaving the military.

The conversation also explores how his military intelligence background informed his civilian career, the role of mentorship, and how unexpected opportunities eventually led him to found Reveal Technology, despite initially having no formal background in business or tech.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” – Marjorie Moore

In honor of National Nonprofit Day, we’re spotlighting the people and organizations working daily to strengthen communities and serve others. In this episode, we sit down with representatives from the Travis Manion Foundation, Samaritan’s Purse, and Team Red, White & Blue to learn what drives their missions, how they support veterans and their families, and how you can take part.

Whether you're looking to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more, this conversation offers real ways to get involved and give back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the Scenes of Mending the Line With Writer Steve Camelio & Director Josh Caldwell

In this special episode, we’re joined by Steve Camelio, writer of the film Mending the Line, and Josh Caldwell, the film’s director. If you’ve seen the movie, you might recognize a familiar place. Part of it was filmed right at Quiet Waters Ranch, and the final scene even features a powerful nod to Warriors & Quiet Waters, along with appearances by several of our WQW alumni.

We dive into Steve and Josh’s personal journeys into filmmaking, from early inspirations to award-winning careers. Steve shares how the idea for Mending the Line came to life, and how it organically connected to WQW’s mission of healing through fly fishing. Josh reflects on joining the project, casting the film’s powerful ensemble, and what it felt like to watch the final cut for the first time.

Together, we explore why telling authentic veteran stories is so vital, and what it means to them personally to have contributed to a film that’s resonated with so many earning accolades like the Valor Award at the San Diego International Film Festival and topping Netflix’s charts for five days.

Whether you’re a fan of film, a supporter of veteran causes, or someone who believes in the power of storytelling to heal, this episode offers an inspiring look behind the scenes of a movie that continues to make an impact.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.