Built by Veterans, For Veterans
Outdoor Valor exists because we have been there. We understand the weight of service, the challenge of transition, and the power of connection. We refuse to lose another brother or sister to an invisible war, so we fight back with purpose, community, and the healing power of God’s creation.
Veteran Led
100% Free
Peer Support
Community Funded
How Outdoor Valor Started
In 2016, our founder, Matt Schwanke, a 100% disabled Iraq War veteran, found something life-saving in the outdoors. Offshore fishing, hunting, and long-range shooting gave him space to breathe, decompress, and believe again.
On a trip to the Florida Keys, he invited a few veterans to join him on the water. By the end of the day, they were talking, laughing, and healing. A hobby became a mission.
Just veterans who get it, helping other veterans find their way forward.
Who We Are
We are a faith-based 501(c)(3) restoring hope to veterans with PTSD and depression through outdoor experiences, peer-to-peer connection, and holistic care. Veterans do not have to explain themselves here. They simply belong.
No therapists. No clinicians. Just veterans who understand.
What Veteran-Led Means Here
We refuse to lose another brother or sister to an invisible war.
We fight back with purpose, community, and the healing power of the outdoors.
Peers, Not Paperwork
You will not be pushed through a system. You will be met by people who understand the language, the weight, and the silence that often comes after service.
We Remove Barriers
Getting started is simple. Learn about the programs, apply, and we will reach out within 48 hours to answer questions and help you get registered.
Community That Lasts
This is more than a single day on the water. We build connection, accountability, and follow-through so veterans keep moving forward with people beside them.
Our Programs
All programs are completely free for veterans and designed by veterans.
Choose what feels right for you.
Fishing Program
PTSD Peer Support Groups
Consistent, judgment-free peer support that understands.
Operation Fresh Start
Whole-body wellness and accountability for sleep, stress, energy, and mental health.
Vows and Valor
Support for spouses who carry the weight alongside their veteran.
Give With Confidence
When you support Outdoor Valor, 100% of your donation goes directly to serving veterans.
Zero overhead. Zero paid staff. Just real impact.
Our Promise of Stewardship:
- Every program is completely free for veterans
- All leadership is volunteer combat veterans
- Transparent financials published annually
- Direct impact on lives, not administrative costs
Where your gift goes:
- Fuel, bait, tackle, and on-water trip costs
- Boat maintenance and safety equipment
- Meals, gear support, and program materials
- Expanding program capacity so more veterans can say yes
No Red Tape. Just Show Up.
If you served, you have earned this. Bring your DD-214 or military ID, and you are on the boat.
No invasive questions. No hoops. Just a team that has got your six.
Leadership
Matt Schwanke
Executive Director, Founder, Boat Captain
US Army Tanker, OIF 05 Veteran
Matt Schwanke is a United States Army combat veteran who deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF-5) in 2007, serving as a tanker. After leaving the military, he channeled that same discipline and drive into competitive shooting, competing in IDPA and USPSA.
When PTSD and depression made the transition home heavier than expected, Matt found something real in the outdoors. Fishing and hunting became more than hobbies they became a reset, a way to breathe again, reconnect, and build strength alongside others who understood.
In 2016, he founded Outdoor Valor to bring that same lifeline to fellow veterans, combining outdoor experiences with peer connection and holistic support to help warriors reclaim hope, purpose, and momentum.
Major Michael Carrasquilla
President
USMC (Retired)
A native Floridian from Plantation, Michael graduated from Florida State University before joining the United States Marine Corps in 2000 as an Artillery Officer. Over the course of his distinguished 20-year career, he served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with numerous other undisclosed missions around the globe specializing in advisor assist operations with foreign militaries/governments. He retired in 2020 after two decades of honorable and faithful service to our nation.
Following his military career, Michael became the Chief Executive Officer of Vino Ghvino 21, an international wine import and distribution company owned by his wife, Jamie, a fellow native Floridian and proud graduate of the University of Florida.
Together, they run this woman-owned, veteran-operated company out of Tampa, FL, which continues to earn the title Best of Florida, annually. Michael and Jamie live in Tampa, working side by side at Vino Ghvino 21. They are proud parents of three adult children and grandparents to one granddaughter. As a combat-disabled veteran, Michael remains deeply committed to giving back and supporting fellow veterans.
Dr. Larry Schwanke
Vice President, Founder
Doctor of Chiropractic
Dr. Larry (Lawrence) Schwanke is a founding member and Vice President of Outdoor Valor. He is the owner and provider at Back to Basics Family Chiropractic located in Ocala Florida. He has been in practice over two decades serving the needs of his patients. He graduated from Life University School of Chiropractic in 1998 with his Doctor of Chiropractic. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida.
Dr. Schwanke has helped shape the heart of our organization from day one, supporting our veterans with steady leadership and a servant’s mindset. He also volunteers directly with us on the water mission, serving as first mate when needed.
Terry Puckett
Secretary
US Army
Terry Puckett is a U.S. Army veteran and former Combat Engineer (12B) with extensive experience in high-stakes environments. During his time in Afghanistan, he specialized in route clearance operations, identifying and neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) under fire while safeguarding military convoys and civilian routes. Terry’s role required split-second decision-making, advanced technical skills, and the ability to lead teams through intense firefights and casualty events.
Beyond his engineering expertise, Terry served as a “Guardian Angel,” providing close security for high-value targets and senior officers in hostile regions. His work demanded a deep understanding of enemy tactics, local intelligence, and cultural dynamics, often involving direct engagement with local populations and on-the-ground interrogations to gather actionable intel.
After leaving the military, Terry transitioned his leadership skills into business and community work, becoming an entrepreneur and a passionate advocate for veteran support. As Secretary of the Board for Outdoor Valor, he helps guide the organization’s mission of providing life-changing outdoor experiences to veterans and their families. Drawing on his combat-tested mindset and strategic vision, Terry is dedicated to creating opportunities for healing, camaraderie, and purpose for those who have served.
Matthew Flint
Chaplain
Matthew D. Flint was born in 1992 in Jacksonville, Florida. He grew up in the town of waldo just outside of Gainesville, where he attended the Professional Academies Magnet at Loften High School. It was here that he first dedicated himself to service, graduating from the Fire and Emergency Medical Services program—a precursor to a life defined by high-stakes environments and helping others. In 2010, Matthew enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantryman. After completing One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Benning and earning his Parachutist Badge at Airborne School, he was assigned to the 2-1 Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) by May 2014, just four years after enlisting. Selected as a scout observer for 2-1 Infantry Recon, his squad won the “Iron Legion” best squad competition for the next 3 years. In 2012 Matthew deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he conducted combat patrols, recon missions and worked with a special team to hunt and capture high-value targets. He later served with the 2-7 Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, acting as a Squad Leader and Bradley Commander during deployments across Eastern Europe for Operation Atlantic Resolve. during his time in service, he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, four Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Metals among numerous other honors. Matthew’s military career concluded in November 2017 following a medical discharge due to a back injury. While he initially felt a pull toward ministry, the transition to civilian life was fraught with the invisible wounds of war. He struggled with PTSD and felt a loss of purpose while working as a journeyman lineman and a turning point began through his involvement with Outdoor Valor. Seeing the epidemic of veteran suicide firsthand rekindled his faith and his calling. Guided by his pastor and church elders, Matthew accepted Christ and set out on a new mission: providing veterans with the hope he has found.
Matthew has since backed this calling with rigorous preparation. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Religion, Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University in October 2025. He became a certified chaplain through Serve Ministries in June 2024.
Kelly White
Director
Kelly White is a seasoned marketing leader with more than 30 years of hands-on experience, delivering strategic, results-oriented campaigns across diverse industries. Her impressive client portfolio includes American Salon Magazine, the American Library Association, CHADD, WellCare HMO, VectorLearning, and over 200 residential and commercial real estate professionals.
She excels in both traditional and digital marketing disciplines, with deep expertise in SEO, public relations, email marketing, tradeshow execution, and performance-driven digital advertising. Kelly is known for crafting compelling brand narratives, optimizing online presence, and consistently driving measurable growth through KPI-focused strategies.
Her leadership journey includes pivotal roles such as Director of Corporate Development and Online Brand Management at RE/MAX Premier Realty in Central Florida, where she significantly expanded the brand’s digital footprint over five years. She later served as Marketing and Operations Lead for the Leisure Investment Properties Group (a division of Marcus & Millichap), where she managed a high-performing team of 10 commercial brokers and contributed to underwriting leisure investment sales totaling more than $4.5 billion.
Today, as President of Kelly White Digital (KW Digital), Kelly leads marketing initiatives for over 120 businesses and real estate professionals worldwide (with sources noting figures ranging from 70+ to 120+), delivering customized, high-impact solutions in social media management, Google Business optimization, digital advertising, marketing collateral, and more. She is also a Partner at Cadre Commercial Real Estate Advisors, a nationally recognized firm specializing in medical facilities, assisted living properties, and other commercial real estate assets.
A certified digital marketing professional (including Google and multiple Meta/Facebook certifications), lifelong learner, and strategic thinker, Kelly combines innovation, time management mastery, and a relentless focus on ROI to help brands elevate visibility, deepen engagement, and achieve sustainable success. She remains a dynamic force in both marketing and commercial real estate, empowering clients to thrive in competitive landscapes.
For more details, visit her sites: kellywhitedigital.com or connect via Cadre at cadrecrea.com.
