The Healing River: Honored American Veterans Afield

Honored American Veterans Afield supports wounded warriors through hunting, shooting, and outdoor adventures.

In 2007, as the number of injured men and women returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan grew, members of the firearms industry initiated a non-profit partnership called HAVA to aid disabled soldiers as they transition to their lives back in the United States. The ultimate goal is to increase their confidence and hope for the future by reconnecting with their love of the outdoors and the American traditions of hunting and firearms.

Most recently, HAVA co-sponsored a fly-fishing trip for veterans and first responders. The drift boat trip allowed participants to take on the challenge of a river trip, share stories, and build connections with others who had similar experiences and fight similar struggles. The participants also learned to catch famous Deschutes River rainbow trout!

The adventure not only provided healing, but educated others about the internal issues faced by those who serve. Skilled guides, great camps, and spectacular food contributed to the magic of the river experience.

The Deschutes River experience reaffirmed HAVA’s purpose by reintegrating disabled veterans and first-responders into a normal American life through outdoor events.

HAVA is a 501(c)3 organization formed by companies in the shooting and outdoor industry with the purpose of raising awareness and further assisting disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting events and other outdoor sports activities. The sustaining sponsor companies are Smith & Wesson, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), SIG SAUER, Academi, Arnold Defense, Crimson Trace, FMG Publications, GLOCK, Hornady, Leapers/UTG, Leupold & Stevens, Mossberg, RSR Group, Ruger, Surefire, Taurus, Vista Outdoor/Federal, XS Sights, and Yamaha Outdoors among numerous contributing companies. Want to get involved? Click here!

David Bronson

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