We Are Outdoor Valor

At Outdoor Valor, we refuse to lose another brother or sister to an invisible war. Too many veterans come home carrying wounds no one can see. We fight back with purpose, community, and the healing power of God’s creation.

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.

Who We Are

We’re a faith-based 501(c)(3) restoring hope to veterans with PTSD and depression through offshore fishing, outdoor therapy, peer-to-peer connection, and holistic care. Veterans don’t have to explain themselves here—they simply belong.

What We Do

Operation Fresh Start – A year-long, whole-person pathway that pairs outdoor therapy with coordinated, trauma-informed and holistic care to rebuild routines, relationships, and purpose.

The Rally Point – A veteran-led peer support group where warriors drop the mask, speak freely, and leave stronger than they arrived.

Vows & Valor – A support network for spouses and partners, because families serve—and heal—together.

Offshore Missions – Guided saltwater trips that lower stress, build camaraderie, and create breakthrough conversations in a judgment-free space.

Community Impact Events – From Kids Casting days to our Warriors Gala and skills clinics, we connect veterans, families, and supporters in positive, life-giving experiences.

Why It Works

Peer-to-Peer Healing: Veterans open up with veterans. On the water, walls fall and real conversations begin.

Consistent Community: Most of our warriors return for multiple trips—because connection is the medicine.

Holistic Care: We combine outdoor experiences with practical next steps—faith, family, fitness, and follow-through.

Measurable Impact: We’ve served 2,000+ veterans with no-reported suicides among our participants.

No Red Tape. Just Show Up.

If you served, you’ve earned this. Bring your DD-214 or military ID, and you’re on the boat. No invasive questions. No hoops. Just a team that’s got your six.

Our Team:

Executive Director and Founder/ Boat Captain: Matt Schwanke . US Army Tanker OIF 05 Vet.

President: Major Michael Carrasquilla, USMC Retired.

A native Floridian from Plantation, Michael graduated from Florida State University before joining the United States Marine Corps in 2000. 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. He retired in 2020 after two decades of honorable and faithful service to our nation.

Vice President and Founder: Dr. Larry Schwanke is a Doctor of Chiropractic and practices in Ocala, FL at Back to Basic's Chiropractic. He has been in practice since 2000 and is also currently serving as the first mate for the Atlantic operations on the weekends.

Secretary:Terry Puckett, US Army

Chaplin: Matthew Flint