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I left the ranch with new bonds and a renewed sense of strength to push through challenges.
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All you have to do is the next right thing. If you’re a post-911 combat veteran who feels stuck or is ready to make a major change in your life—even if you don’t know what it is yet—this program was designed for you.
Continue the journey forward by returning to Quiet Waters Ranch for another life-changing experience. This application is open to Warriors who have already participated in a WQW program.
We provide a safe, supportive environment, connect caregivers to nature in a meaningful way, and teach caregivers how to fly fish while equipping military caregivers with the gear, skills, and knowledge to continue to fly fish when they return home.
In addition to your answers, we will need a clear, current photo (a selfie or Facebook profile photo within the last year), and a Member-4 DD214 or service record to complete this application. After we’ve reviewed your application, we may contact you for a brief phone interview or email you with further questions. We appreciate your prompt replies.
Currently, we get more applications than we can accept, and we choose those who we think can benefit most from our programs. Good fits who aren’t chosen this round may be waitlisted for future programs, and those applicants will be the first to hear when there are new openings.
I left the ranch with new bonds and a renewed sense of strength to push through challenges.
Yes, Quiet Waters Ranch is accessible for people with disabilities. We work to accommodate all disabilities to the fullest extent possible. Our staff, guides, and volunteers are well-versed at accommodating various types of disabilities and conditions (including those who are visually and audibly impaired) to ensure a positive and rewarding experience.
Yes. WQW has a service dog acknowledgment and agreement that allows service dogs to go fishing with participants.
Yes! Everything from clothing to equipment is yours to keep. Our goal is to set you up with everything you need so you can continue to tap into your new skills independently without gear as a barrier.
No, you DO NOT have to be a Purple Heart recipient to qualify for our programs.
WQW has an active zero alcohol policy on all experiences.
Built for More discusses spiritual fitness, not religion. Essentially, there’s space in our program to incorporate any spiritual practices that contribute to your growth. We do not take or encourage any particular religious stance (including being religious at all), and we ask that you respect religious differences across your cohort.
Absolutely. WQW strives to build long-term relationships with our participants and we are always looking to have you return for more experiences or as a volunteer. However, Warriors who attend their first experience are not guaranteed an invitation to return for future programs.
Yes, there is wifi and cell phone service at the ranch so that participants can connect with their loved ones as needed while they’re away. However, the ranch is an ideal place to take a break from your devices and reconnect with yourself and your community. We highly recommend being fully present as much as possible for this one-of-a-kind experience.
While we relied on experts to develop our program, it is completely non-clinical and non-medical. That said, we support Warriors in getting all the care they need, and you’ll continue your existing care during the program. If therapy or psychiatric care is something you choose to start during the program, we’re happy to make recommendations for veteran-focused organizations.
These proven expeditions are still the bookends to Built for More—but now, there’s an essential new program in between. Over the years, Warriors were impressed with how these reflective outdoor adventures could serve as a turning point in their lives but requested more guidance for making long term changes. Built for More answers that call with a structured, expert-driven program that still relies heavily on those original excursions.
There are still a number of shorter specialty programs for alumni, but all first-time Warriors now start with Built for More.
View an example Built for More schedule HERE
Built for More is a program we developed ourselves, rooted in in-depth research, evidence-based expertise in wellness and psychology, and our own years of experience. It’s structured to be challenging, but not overwhelming, as you dive into self-exploration, identify areas of growth, and develop healthy habits. You can expect elements of video, facilitated group discussion, reflection, and skill development exercises.
WQW programs are at no cost to the participant including paid-for air travel to Montana, comfortable lodging and home-cooked meals, professional instruction, and gear for trip’s activities.
WQW is committed to objectivity when reviewing applications. This thorough screening process requires confirmation of participation in combat operations, either through the receipt of combat awards or proof of service in a location in which you received Imminent Danger Pay.
Please include your service record (DD214 Member-4, ERB, ORB, BIR, BTR, etc.). We recognize that service records are confidential and are stored securely.
Check the following locations on your DD214 to ensure eligibility (only one of the following requirements must appear):
•Block 13: Decorations Medals, Badges, Citations, and Campaign Ribbons (check the continuation page for overflow of Block 13 information).
•Block 18: Remarks. This is where you will find information about receiving Imminent Danger Pay.
If you do not see confirmation of participation in combat operations on your DD214, or if you are currently Active Duty and do not possess a DD214, please provide any official documentation of combat related service. This can include, but is not limited to:
•Award Citations for Combat Awards (ie. Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon/Badge/Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star with "V" device, etc.)
•Service Record (which clearly indicates combat service and/or deployment information)
**If you do NOT possess any of the above documentation, but think you still qualify, let us know why in your application!
Currently, we’re focused on making our programs richer and more effective for the same number of veterans annually. For now, we aim to grow in impact, not size, working hard to offer transformative experiences to roughly 300 veterans a year.
