Northwest Montana

Allen and Linda Erickson founded the NW Montana Veterans Pantry & Stand Down over 21 years ago to serve our veteran community in the Flathead Valley and North West region of Montana. Since then we have expanded our operation to include a variety of other veteran services such as our Veterans Thrift Store, DME medical equipment and loan programs, homeless facilities and more.

We love our veterans and work hard every day to help meet their needs and give them the respect they deserve as heroes of our great country.”

Big Sky Bravery

Big Sky Bravery is founded on the belief that we owe a debt of gratitude to the members of our military’s active duty special operations forces. As elite military members, these individuals risk their lives to protect us. They do so under the radar and out of the spotlight. It is because of their selflessness and bravery that we are able to enjoy living in a safe and free America.

To help show our gratitude, our primarily civilian-based organization is dedicated to providing these elite individuals with post-deployment decompression programs in Montana’s restorative surroundings. Our programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of these elite military members by building trust, brotherhood and friendships at this critical time in their lives as a means to improve their psychological and emotional wellbeing.

Warriors & Quiet Waters

Warriors & Quiet Waters guides post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and find peace, meaning, and purpose through fly fishing and other inspirational activities in nature.

When service members are in the military, their mission and sense of purpose are clear, and their lives are structured to meet those objectives. Service members’ needs – basics like food and shelter, as well as emotional needs like connection and self-esteem – are met by the military so that they can focus completely on their mission.

But when service members suddenly take on the new title of “veteran”, their new mission may not be so clear. They have to fulfill these needs on their own – often for the first time in their lives.

They often do it alone. They may not have structure or purpose in their days, teammates to rely on, or even ready access to the most basic needs. Add in a physical, moral, or psychological wound, and the likelihood of struggle is even higher. Without a clear identity and purpose, it’s difficult to find a path forward.

Underwater Soldiers

Underwater Soldiers was founded in 2019 with the goal to provide therapy for veterans through SCUBA diving.  Additionally, their goal is to give back to their supportive local community by performing underwater and shore cleanup of the local watershed.

They provide their services to veterans from the Flathead Valley in Kalispell, Montana.