This story is part of Military.com’s Operation Give Back series, which highlights nonprofit organizations and community efforts making a direct difference for service members, veterans, and their families.
For many veterans, the transition out of uniform brings challenges that are hard to explain and even harder to address. Isolation, stress, and mental health struggles often follow service, especially when support systems fade.
A veteran-led nonprofit based in the Pacific Northwest is using the outdoors to help bridge that gap.
High Timber Dreams is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences for veterans, active duty service members, first responders, and youth. The goal is simple: support emotional and mental well-being through connection, purpose, and time outdoors.
Founded on Shared Service and Experience
High Timber Dreams was founded in 2018 by Ryan and Dehanna Gascon. Ryan is a veteran, and Dehanna is both a nurse and a firefighter. The couple started the nonprofit after seeing firsthand how time outdoors helped people decompress, reconnect, and find peace during difficult periods.
According to the organization, the outdoors offers something many traditional support systems do not: space. Space to think. Space to talk. Space to heal without pressure.
That philosophy guides every program they run.
What the Organization Does
High Timber Dreams organizes guided hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences throughout the year. These events are designed to be accessible and supportive, including for veterans with physical limitations or service-connected disabilities.
One of the nonprofit’s flagship efforts includes disabled veteran big-game hunts, such as elk hunts, where participants are supported by volunteers, landowners, and donors who help cover costs, logistics, and access.
Participants do not need prior experience. Many arrive new to hunting or fishing. The focus is not on performance or harvests, but on participation and connection.
Addressing a Growing Need
Mental health remains a major concern across the veteran community. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that suicide continues to be a leading cause of death among veterans, underscoring the need for early, community-based support.
Programs like High Timber Dreams operate outside the clinical environment, which can make them more approachable for veterans who may be reluctant to seek traditional care.
The nonprofit emphasizes peer support. Veterans spend time with others who understand military culture, shared stress, and life after service. That shared experience often lowers barriers and opens conversations that might not happen elsewhere.
| Benefit | What Research Shows | Why It Matters for Veterans | Primary Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stress reduction | Exposure to natural environments is associated with lower cortisol levels and reduced stress response | Helps veterans decompress outside clinical settings | National Institutes of Health; American Psychological Association |
| Improved mood | Physical activity and time outdoors are linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression | Supports emotional regulation during post-service transitions | National Institute of Mental Health; Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Better sleep | Daylight exposure and regular activity help regulate circadian rhythms and sleep quality | Sleep disruption is common among veterans with stress or PTSD | National Sleep Foundation; VA Whole Health |
| Stronger social connection | Group activities increase peer bonding and social support | Reduces isolation after leaving military service | Department of Veterans Affairs; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Improved focus and clarity | Nature exposure is associated with improved attention and cognitive function | Helps manage mental fatigue and concentration challenges | National Institutes of Health; American Psychological Association |
| Physical health support | Regular outdoor activity improves cardiovascular health and reduces chronic disease risk | Encourages sustainable, low-pressure movement | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Department of Veterans Affairs |
Federal health agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, NIH, and CDC, have found that time outdoors is associated with benefits to stress, mental health, sleep, social connection, and physical well-being.
More Than Recreation
While outdoor activities are central, High Timber Dreams is not a recreation club.
Events are structured to encourage teamwork, trust, and communication. Shared meals, long conversations in camp, and time spent preparing or navigating terrain are as important as the hunt or fishing trip itself.
The organization also promotes ethical hunting practices, conservation, and respect for the land. These values resonate with many veterans who are drawn to service, responsibility, and stewardship.
Removing Financial Barriers
Cost is a major obstacle for many veterans interested in outdoor activities. Licenses, equipment, travel, and access can quickly become prohibitive.
High Timber Dreams works to remove those barriers. Through donations, partnerships, and volunteer support, the nonprofit helps cover expenses so veterans can participate without financial strain.
The organization also accepts product donations and partners with landowners to secure access that would otherwise be unavailable.
Civilian and Community Support
Support for High Timber Dreams extends beyond the military community. Civilians play a key role through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness. The nonprofit is also listed on corporate giving platforms, making it easier for employers to support veteran participation through workplace donation programs.
This broad base of support helps sustain programs and expand opportunities for participants.
Clearing Up Common Misunderstandings
High Timber Dreams is not a political organization, and participation is not tied to any belief system. It is also not limited to experienced hunters.
The focus is on inclusion, respect, and support. Veterans who have never hunted or fished are welcome. Those who simply want time outdoors with people who understand their background are encouraged to apply.
Looking Ahead
Demand for High Timber Dreams programs often exceeds available spots, especially for specialty hunts like disabled veteran big-game opportunities.
The organization continues to seek partnerships, donations, and volunteers to expand capacity while maintaining the small-group approach that defines its impact.
For veterans interested in participating, and for supporters looking to help, the next step starts with awareness.
Sometimes, the most effective form of support is not a program or policy. It is an invitation back into the community.
Learn more about High Timber Dreams and their mission at https://hightimberdreams.com
Sources
High Timber Dreams official website
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veteran mental health and suicide prevention data
National Institute of Mental Health research on outdoor activity and stress reduction
