Our Impact

  • Mike St. Cyr, U.S. Coast Guard Veteran

    "My son Noah and I were lucky enough to be selected for the pilot vet connect trip, and I can truly say it was an honor. From start to finish the entire team at V/O curated an experience that's nearly impossible describe; the places, the trip, the experiences and most of all the people we came to know and love all mixed together to create memories not soon forgotten. Not only did I get to experience a sense of comradery and adventure that is all too often lost to veterans, but I was able to share this with my son. I'm not a 'sticker' or 'club' guy normally, and I can tell you that I joined V/O, I rock their stickers/patches and yes....I even wear their T shirt (and so does Noah). These folks, and what they're doing are THAT good."

  • Rey Rodriguez, U.S. Marine Veteran

    "These guys have a way of making guests feel welcomed and like, we are immediately a part of their crew. The group and the way they structure their event is reminiscent of a convoy on patrol, and when they hit the mountain trails, they leave no one behind. They are experts in vehicle recovery, and I'm also pretty sure they saved a man's life during my stay. A guy [a stranger] got his truck stuck in extremely low-temperature weather with no cold-weather gear and walked roughly five miles before randomly, and fortunately, coming across our campsite. The V/O crew didn't hesitate to help. I admired their dedication to their hobby, and I especially had a great time by the campfire exchanging stories, joking, and bonding with the crew. I appreciated how much V/O dedicates to recreating those bonds veterans wish for after their service ends. Thank you, guys, for the experience, and I hope to see everyone next time around."

  • Robert Anthony, U.S. Army Veteran

    "I was lucky enough to win a giveaway for entrance to panhandle overland rally in idaho. Over the weekend at panhandle overland rally I got the privilege to meet and spend time with the folks at Veteran Overland. This couldn’t have come at a better time life in general has been taking its hit at me and this event and this special group of folks shed some much needed light! Sitting at the booth and hearing the passion for the organization and what it stands for was truly a blessing to see unfold. I believe in their cause and the future ahead for this organization!"

  • Ian Refugio, U.S. Army Veteran

    "I was fortunate enough to be chosen to be a Vet Connect for the trip to Idaho in 2023. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my family and I quickly realized that V/O was different from any other group we had joined. The leadership team genuinely care about the members and their families. There were moments when I felt like I was back in the service again with my team. The sense of brotherhood and sisterhood is strong within V/O. I especially value how the members not only aim to enhance everyone’s overlanding experience but also share ideas and resources to help each other grow as veterans and individuals. Since then, I’ve attended several more events and trips with my V/O family, creating unforgettable memories and friendships. I’m thrilled to be part of such an incredible team. They truly HTGS!"

  • Matt Webster, U.S. Navy Veteran

    "Veteran Overland saved my life. I met Will and Jeff in a very dark point in my life. I was recently divorced and had lost everything i'd worked for in the last 20 years. There was an instant connection and feeling of being apart of something greater than myself that I didn't know i was looking for since leaving the military. Without them and the rest of our crew I don't really know where i'd be right now. I owe them far more than i can ever repay."

  • Mike Hilbrandt, U.S. Coast Guard Veteran

    "When I joined Veteran Overland, I had no idea how quickly these guys would become my brothers. When I was shot [by a gun] in early May, my V/O family stepped up to provide financial and emotional support. They checked in on me and my wife - little did I know they were scheming to get me back out into the woods as soon as possible. They were there for us when we needed them most."

  • Shane Heltzel, U.S. Air Force Veteran

    "Veteran Overland is an amazing organization. For me, it was very hard to not have that comradery every day after leaving the military. I have found that again in V/O. My first outing with V/O, I knew one person going into the adventure. At the end of the weekend, I felt as if I had 20 new brothers and sisters for life. I have made some incredible lifelong friends, some great memories, and am looking forward to more in the future. The work they do and the inclusion they have for the Veteran community and its supporters is top notch. I am blessed to be part of the organization."

  • David Gonzalez, U.S. Army Veteran

    "Veteran Overland is a great group of people doing something AMAZING! The experience they provide with the bonding, and healing has me extremely great full to have met such good friends! Thank you Veteran Overland! Love you guys!."

  • Ted Hall, U.S. Army Veteran

    "It's hard to put into words. This group literally saved my life. Like many vets, I had long felt a disconnect between civilian society and the military. The way you approach things, and do things. I had long thought I was alone. I'd heard mention of things like tribe on popular podcasts and figured that stuff wasn't for me, they just didn't get it, I was different. I was wrong. Connecting with other Vets in an outdoor setting is magical. I joined back in 2020, covid lockdowns were still a thing, but we finally got together at the Veterans Day Campout. To my suprise, I'd actually found my tribe. Solid dudes supporting each other. As the years have passed, one thing has stayed the same, the camaraderie. It's a great bunch of people ran by a dedicated bunch of volunteers. Before meeting V/O I was going through life alone. After, I've made life long friends. This organization has truly changed my life for the better. It's a nice feeling knowing you're not alone."

  • Rick Barton, U.S. Marine Veteran

    "I served during OEF with one combat deployment. Transitioning for me was tough. While I was in, I was always necessary because Marines gotta talk. When getting out that all faded quickly. Shortly after getting out I went through a divorce which made things even harder. Years went by I was hoping to one day be a part of something that reminded me of all the good the Marine Corps had to offer...... insert Veteran Overland in 2022. I had been a member for 2020 (I am Member 672) and I'm going to be honest I had no clue was I had signed up to become a member of. I knew I liked veterans and overlanding, at the time it just made sense. I got my member patch in the mail and refer being excited about it but again I did very little research other than checking out V/O Instagram and thinking it would be cool to meet up with these guys sometime.

    I'll never forget the phone call I received in 2022 from Will. He was calling to see if I was interested in joining them for their Moab trip. When I tell you I was super stoked, it's a huge understatement. At that time, I really need something to pick me up out this hole I had dug myself in. V/O did that for me and much more. I'm very grateful I was able to make it on that trip. I truly believe it changed my life in such a positive way. Since Moab I was also able to make it to their Idaho BDR trip thanks to a new friend, I had made on the Moab trip. The friends I've made because of V/O are top notch and feels as close if not closer than family. I'm really looking forward to the next trip I can make it on. Thank you again Veteran Overland for everything you have done for me and continue to do for our Veterans."

  • Drew Barnard, Civilian supporter

    "I first encountered Veteran Overland during an overland rally in 2018, and I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive as a civilian supporter who had never served. However, from the moment I arrived, I felt an immediate sense of belonging. The members of V/O welcomed me with open arms, and I was struck by their genuine humility and the lack of any pretense. Over the years, it has been a true privilege to be part of this remarkable organization.

    Attending V/O events has been a consistently enriching experience for me. Each event has been filled with unforgettable moments and lasting friendships. Whether it’s sharing laughs over entertaining stories or engaging in deep conversations around a late-night bonfire, the range of emotions and experiences at these gatherings is always impactful.

    To anyone who is a current or former military member, or even a supporter like myself, I wholeheartedly encourage you to attend a V/O event. The opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with familiar faces is something I always look forward to. V/O has a way of creating bonds and memories that last a lifetime, and I am deeply grateful to be part of this special community.

    My daughter and I look forward to supporting Veteran Overland in any way we can for many years to come."

  • Jordan Ockey, U.S. Air Force Veteran

    "Having just got out of the military on this past 9/11, I've been struggling a bit to get out of my shell. I felt as though I lost the biggest part of who I am. The biggest thing I miss from the military is the family, the group at V/O quickly became my family. Extremely supportive and welcoming to everyone and just continued on with the laughs and good times. I'm looking forward to seeing these guys more and building on the friendships that were made."

  • Brad Self, U.S. Navy Veteran

    "I love spending time with all of these guys and hearing what they have done to help the veterans and also what the future holds for them. Veteran Overland is very amazing people. Looking forward to traveling across the country to spend more quality time with them."

  • Ray Hyland, Northwest Overland Rally

    “We’ve been proud to support Veteran Overland at our events for a number of years now. Simply put, they efficiently do awesome work, not just working with vets directly but also educating the broader community on how we can be more supportive. We’ve been continuously impressed at how inclusive they are and willing to talk with everyone at our events because they understand that bringing folks together makes us all stronger.”

  • SHAWN BEAN, U.S. MARINE VETERAN

    "I have been searching for the ever elusive camaraderie and sense of belonging for 20-plus years since leaving the military. What a blessing it was to find Veteran Overland. There was an immediate connection with like-minded people who have similar life experiences. It was a great time with great people. I can't wait to do it again!"