Rebuilding Purpose After Combat: Warriors and Quiet Waters in Bozeman, Montana
Jun 13, 2025
Tim sits down with Brian Gilman, CEO of Warriors and Quiet Waters, to explore how this Bozeman-based nonprofit helps post-9/11 combat veterans rediscover meaning and purpose through nature-based programs in Montana. From fly fishing to archery to photography, these experiences go far beyond the surface—grounded in positive psychology and long-term community support.
Click here to listen to the audio-only version on Spotify.
Building a Life After Service
“There’s a massive sense of loss when veterans leave the military,” Brian shares. “Purpose, identity, and team—all gone at once.”
Warriors and Quiet Waters (WQW), based in Bozeman, Montana, exists to help post-9/11 combat veterans navigate that transition. Founded in 2007 and reimagined in 2019 to reflect changing veteran needs, WQW now runs a nine-month program that combines outdoor immersion with deep psychological work.
Their signature initiative, the Built for More program, brings veterans to Montana for guided experiences like fly fishing, archery hunting, or photography. But the heart of the work happens over time—through journaling, peer discussions, and ongoing mentorship that helps answer the big questions: Who am I now? What matters most? Where do I go from here?
The Montana Connection
WQW’s Quiet Waters Ranch, just outside Bozeman, serves as the launch point for these life-changing programs. Volunteers from across Gallatin Valley and beyond play a central role, providing local support and embodying Montana’s spirit of service.
How to Support
WQW’s work is 100% free for the veterans they serve, but not free to operate. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word, there are many ways to be part of the mission. Learn more at https://www.warriorsandquietwaters.org/
Mountain Mule Media is a production of Mountain Mule Transportation, the trusted partner for real transportation across Montana. From airport pickups to quiet trips to the ranch, we help move what matters.
