By Amy Howe
Nestled in the serene landscape of Roaring River State Park, Charlie 22 Outdoors hosted its recent Operation Roaring River event, providing a unique healing experience for veterans through outdoor activities. From Sept. 27-29, 2024, veterans gathered at this Missouri state park to find solace, camaraderie and perhaps a deeper sense of personal meaning, all woven into the fabric of nature.
At its core, Charlie 22 Outdoors aims to offer more than just physical activities for veterans—it seeks to uplift them emotionally and spiritually. The organization’s mission is clear: to “provide outdoor activities to our nation’s veterans with the goal of showing them there is hope, love and a personal meaning in God’s grace.”
According to Scotty Hettinger, executive director of Charlie 22 Outdoors, this year’s event was a powerful embodiment of that mission.
Veterans attending Operation Roaring River experienced more than just fishing and hiking. They encountered a sense of peace and tranquility only nature can provide. “The peace a veteran can feel next to the river is indescribable,” Hettinger explained. “The scenery, the sounds—everything. It can’t be put into words.”
Among the many standout moments, two captured the essence of the event. One veteran chose to be baptized by another veteran, an emotional moment that reflected both personal and spiritual growth. Additionally, the presence of a 106-year-old World War II veteran and a 95-year-old Korean War veteran brought a profound sense of connection to history. Their stories, shared with the other veterans, created incredible bonds.
While the focus was on healing and connection, the event was designed to accommodate veterans with varying levels of physical ability. “Not everyone has the ability to do all activities,” Hettinger noted. “We provide activities that meet individual needs.”
The park’s infrastructure, such as sidewalks near the river, allowed those with mobility issues to participate fully, ensuring every veteran had the chance to experience the calming effects of nature.
Activities ranged from fly fishing to nature hikes, and a class on canning trout, led by a Vietnam veteran. Veterans were not just participants—they were part of a community, interacting with each other in a supportive environment. The river served as a backdrop, a constant source of peace that allowed veterans to reflect, relax and reconnect.
One of the key goals of Operation Roaring River is addressing the mental and emotional challenges veterans face. Many participants suffer from PTSD, anxiety or other emotional difficulties. Events like these give them tools to confront those issues. “The PTSD, anxiety and other emotional issues are very real to the veterans who come to our events. We’re trying to show them a way to battle those demons,” Hettinger said.
He emphasized the importance of veterans knowing they are not alone in their struggles. “We all have demons, just different than others,” he added. Events like Operation Roaring River help veterans realize they have people in their corner offering support, hope and healing.
The success of Operation Roaring River wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of the local community. The Rib Steak House provided a fantastic meal on opening night, while the Fishers of Men Resort served as the lodging and home base for the event. Local businesses and individuals generously contributed meals, and Roaring River State Park provided fishing tags and secured a prime fishing spot for the veterans. “We also had an amazing group of volunteers,” Hettinger said. “Without them, we would not be able to do what we do.” All of these partnerships are vital to the success of Charlie 22 Outdoors, enabling them to host meaningful events and serve even more veterans in the future.
Looking ahead, Hettinger shared the organization’s plans to expand. “We hope to be able to serve more veterans in the future,” he said. With thousands of applications from veterans, Charlie 22 Outdoors is striving to reach as many as possible, offering them the life-changing experience of outdoor activities.
Charlie 22 Outdoors relies on volunteers and donations to make its mission a reality. Hettinger encourages anyone interested in supporting the organization to reach out. “It’s simple. Contact us on the website, send me a text or email, or complete the voluntary application,” he said. There are many ways to get involved, whether through donating time, resources or financial support.
Operation Roaring River is more than just a weekend getaway for veterans—it’s a lifeline. Through the calming embrace of nature and the supportive arms of their fellow veterans, participants found hope, healing and a renewed sense of purpose. As the organization continues to grow, Charlie 22 Outdoors remains steadfast in its mission to provide a place of refuge for those who have given so much to their country, showing them the love and grace that await them by the river’s edge
For more info www.charlie22outdoors.com or their Facebook page