Operation Emberwood (Veteran Connection & Outdoor Recreation)

Operation Emberwood is a veteran-focused recreation and community connection initiative created by Veterans Resource & Support Task Force (VRSTF) to reduce isolation, strengthen peer relationships, and create meaningful opportunities for veterans, service members, and their families to reconnect through shared experiences.

For many veterans, support does not always begin in an office or through a formal program. Sometimes it begins around a campfire, on the water, on a trail, at an event, or simply spending time with people who understand military life without requiring an explanation.

Operation Emberwood creates low-barrier opportunities for connection through outdoor recreation, group activities, community experiences, and peer engagement.

Programming may include:

• Kayaking, hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation
• Group outings and community activities
• Veteran and family recreation opportunities
• Peer connection and relationship building
• Equipment and gear access
• Transportation support
• Adaptive participation when possible
• Community events and shared experiences
• Partnerships with outdoor, recreation, and veteran-serving organizations

The purpose of Operation Emberwood extends beyond recreation. These experiences help create natural opportunities for conversation, friendship, trust, and connection to additional resources when needed.

Social isolation can make it harder for veterans to seek help, maintain relationships, and remain connected to their communities. By creating welcoming environments centered around shared experiences rather than clinical settings, Operation Emberwood helps build the relationships that often become a pathway to longer-term support.

VRSTF works to keep activities accessible by reducing financial and logistical barriers that may otherwise prevent veterans and military families from participating.

Contributions to Operation Emberwood may support equipment, transportation, activity fees, event costs, meals, safety supplies, accessibility needs, program development, and other expenses required to provide meaningful recreational opportunities.

By supporting Operation Emberwood, donors help create more than an outing. They help create community, connection, belonging, and opportunities for veterans and military families to build relationships that can last well beyond the experience itself.