Mission Outfitters: Transforming Lives One Hunt at a Time
At the NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show, I had the privilege of speaking with Joe and Bryan, the founders of Mission Outfitters. Their story is one of transformation, hope, and the power of faith combined with outdoor activities to heal the invisible wounds of war.
Background and Context
Mission Outfitters is a faith-based non-profit organization that takes veterans on outdoor adventures, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. But it’s more than just recreation – it’s a ministry that introduces veterans to Christ and helps them build a foundation for better mental health.
Bryan Mealy, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and later with Blackwater in Afghanistan, and Joe Flory, who spent 12 years in the Army and now works as a police officer, founded Mission Outfitters after experiencing firsthand the healing power of outdoor activities and faith-based conversations.
The Power of Shared Experiences
Both Joe and Bryan found that the time spent between hunting stands, in the quiet of nature, provided an opportunity for deep, meaningful conversations. These moments of connection became a catalyst for healing and growth.
“The conversations in between the stands turned a lot towards God and the things of God and spirituality… It became an actual, real healing between the two of us,” Joe explained.
Breaking the Silence
Brian shared a powerful observation about the impact of their outings:
“I can remember times where I’ll have a veteran in my truck with me. It will… I have to fight to get a conversation out of them. And they just sit there in silence. And halfway through the night, we get a coyote, and then he’s just smiling ear to ear and just won’t stop talking the rest of the night.”
This breakthrough moment often opens the door for deeper conversations and connections.
Faith as a Constant Companion
One of the core principles of Mission Outfitters is introducing veterans to faith as a source of strength and comfort. As Joe put it:
“When you’re alone in your car and you’re really going through it and you’re really struggling, having that reminder that God’s with you, he’ll never leave you, he’ll never forsake you, is something that, if we can instill just a little bit of it into somebody’s head, then we’ve done a good job.”
Overcoming Post-Deployment Struggles
Both Joe and Bryan were candid about their own struggles after returning from deployment. They found that combining outdoor activities with faith-based discussions provided a powerful antidote to the darkness they experienced.
Brian shared, “After my deployments, I did three total deployments overseas. I lost my way. You know, I went down a path of darkness that just, you know, my life. I struggled, to say the least.”
The Healing Power of Nature and Fellowship
For veterans struggling with isolation or difficulty readjusting to civilian life, Mission Outfitters offers a unique solution. By combining outdoor activities with fellowship and faith-based discussions, they create an environment where healing can occur naturally.
Joe emphasized the importance of acknowledging struggles: “The first step to getting better is to acknowledge that you have a problem. And it started a long journey for us and then for them of getting better.”
Rebuilding Relationships
Brian noted how his involvement with Mission Outfitters and his renewed faith transformed his personal life:
“Since that time that I found my way back to Christ, my relationship with my wife has just been outstanding. The way I handle situations with my kids even, I just have a whole new perspective on life.”
This demonstrates the far-reaching impact that healing and faith can have on all aspects of a veteran’s life.
The Power of Transformation.
What began as personal healing journeys for Joe and Brian has blossomed into a mission that’s touching the lives of countless veterans. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, fellowship, and the great outdoors.
Mission Outfitters shows us that healing doesn’t always happen in traditional settings. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet moments between hunting stands, or in the shared excitement of a successful hunt, that barriers break down and real connections form.
For veterans struggling with the aftermath of their service, or for those who simply miss the camaraderie of military life, Mission Outfitters offers a path forward. It’s a reminder that healing is possible, that faith can be a powerful ally, and that sometimes, the best therapy happens under the open sky.
If you’re a veteran looking for connection and healing, or if you know someone who could benefit from this unique approach, I encourage you to reach out to Mission Outfitters. You can find them on Facebook or visit heroesneveralone.org to learn more about their programs and how to get involved.
Remember, no matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone. There are people like Joe and Brian who understand your struggles and are ready to walk alongside you on your journey to healing.
Checkout their website: https://www.heroesneveralone.org/Mission_Outfitters
