Testimonials

 

2021 RECIPIENTS

Justin Quinn U.S. Army RET 11 Bravo 2002 - 2014

Justin Quinn

U.S. Army RET

11 Bravo

2002 - 2014

Justin Quinn

"I want to thank the Alaska Adventure Project for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing trip to Southeast Alaska. Right away as soon I landed in Ketchikan I could tell that this was a special place. Alaska did not disappoint. Even though we had some weather to deal with, the support we had was second to none and there was no way that they were going to let wet weather stop us from doing anything. I would say that it brought our group closer because we all went through it together. The comradery, the laughter, and the bonding was something that you only get to experience when you are with veterans cut from the same cloth. An absolute pleasure to take part in AAP 2021. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Alaska Adventure Project. Thank you!!"

 
Ryan Dorsey U.S. Army RET Intelligence 2006 - 2012

Ryan Dorsey

U.S. Army RET

Intelligence

2006 - 2012

Ryan Dorsey

"It was my absolute pleasure and honor to be nominated to be a recipient of the Alaska Adventure Project. I am an Army Intelligence veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. My latest assignment took me back to Afghanistan only to end as the Taliban took over control of Kabul. Needless to say this trip to Alaska came up at the perfect time for me. I was able to reflect with fellow veterans on the tragic loss of our embassy. Take whatever time I needed and then make new memories in the vast openness of southeast Alaska. I brought home almost 50 lbs. of fresh caught salmon, Halibut and cod. What an amazing experience. Thank you AAP and all of your support team. "

 
Joel Swank US ARMY RET. Cavalry scout 2004 - 2015

Joel Swank

US ARMY RET.

Cavalry scout

2004 - 2015

Joel Swank

"My experience with the Alaska Adventure Project from the beginning has been extremely positive. From my service in the Army to my service as a military contractor in Afghanistan I have been asked to do so much for so many others. AAP made this experience so easy and at no financial burden to me at all. All of the adventures were conducted with the utmost professionalism. Being able to do all that we did from deep sea fishing and wilderness hikes to rainforest zip lining in one week was an experience of a lifetime. I truly appreciated being able to do all of this with fellow veterans. That is an experience that veterans rarely get to have outside of military life. For that, I am eternally grateful. An amazing project with real results in the way of healing from past traumas and finding some inner peace. Thank you Alaska Adventure Project!"

 

2019 RECIPIENTS

Scott Huesing (2019)U.S. Marine Corps1989-2013

Scott Huesing (2019)

U.S. Marine Corps

1989-2013

SCOTT HUESING

"The Alaska Adventure Project is doing great things for our Veteran Community – truly connecting veterans in a way that is real, impactful, and life-changing. Connection is the cure. To be immersed in the beautiful landscape of Alaska is just one small part of what AAP provides, the larger piece is being surrounded by the people that give of themselves, their homes, and their time to make a difference in so many ways. The Alaska Adventure Project offers a once in a lifetime experience to combat veterans in need. In need of a time to breathe, to connect, and to heal. I’m proud and grateful to know all of these warriors and the families that support this amazing organization. My heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone and Semper Fi."

 
Jonathan HancockU.S. Marine Corps

Jonathan Hancock

U.S. Marine Corps

Jonathan Hancock

@bastardsroadmovie

"Alaska Adventure Project is a cut above. the environment you step into when you get off the plane is something you will never forget. Straight from the plane, onto a boat and you are immediately immersed into the Alaskan culture. Watching as the tourist fisherman have to wait on a ferry, you are kings on the water. everyone who is involved with AAP either as volunteer or sponsor are some of the most gracious and humble people I have ever had the opportunity to be around. The sights, the smells, and the experiences far exceeded any expectation I thought I would have about the final frontier. AAP has created a recipe for success by allowing veterans to be humbled by each others presence and an insane amount of fishing and outdoor activities. Creating new memories that will far outlast those of combat is the name of the game and new memories with amazing people who truly understand what it means to help change a veterans life happens here. I cannot put my finger on it but something changed in me after the trip and it has helped me focus my lens and get back to routines of progress and self betterment. AAP did this for me and I welcomed it as it happened. I could spend my lifetime thanking them and it wouldn’t be enough. Instead, I’ll fight for them and help them grow. Because they did that for me in a week, they helped me grow. Cheers! You have shown me how to live better; you helped me grow”

Check out his site: https://www.bastardsroad.com/

 
Manny MaedaU.S. Marine Corps2005-2013

Manny Maeda

U.S. Marine Corps

2005-2013

Manny Maeda

Manny is one of our friends in the Southern California Veteran Community. He and Nick Velez are restaurant owners in Downey and are in the process of opening a new location in Temecula. If you are ever in the area please look up and stop by “Bastard’s Canteen”. We are grateful that these two could take the time to join us on our trip to Alaska. We can’t wait to have you back and maybe down the road we can help introduce ‘halibut burgers’ to their menu.

 
Tocgonzalez GersonU.S. Marine Corps

Tocgonzalez Gerson

U.S. Marine Corps

TocGonzalez “Toc” Gerson

It was great to have Toc on the team this year. He is from Southern California and Alaska was an eye opener for him. The smile on his face tells the story. Toc was first in line for each and every adventure. He brought enthusiasm and a helping hand the team. We are excited to have Toc on the long term AAP team.

 
Nick VelezU.S. Marine Corps2005-2013

Nick Velez

U.S. Marine Corps

2005-2013

Nick Velez

Nick is one of our friends from the Southern California Veteran Community. He and Manny Maeda are restaurant owners in Downey and are in the process of opening a new location in Temecula. If you are ever in the area please look them up and stop by “Bastard’s Canteen”. We are grateful that these two could take the time to join us on our trip to Alaska. We can’t wait to have you back and maybe down the road we can help introduce ‘halibut burgers’ to the menu - Only Alaska caught!!.

 

2018 RECIPIENTS

Blake NolaUS Army Ranger2008-2014

Blake Nola

US Army Ranger

2008-2014

Blake Nola

I am sincerely grateful and appreciative for the Alaska Adventure Project for Wounded Veterans! Not only do they provide the experience of a lifetime with their Alaskan retreat but they also do an incredible job tuning into the needs of the veterans associated with the program. I know this from personal experience. When a member of AAP found me I was in between finding a career path, doing some soul searching, and like many veterans I was in dire need of a reconnection with my brothers. Not only was I afforded the opportunity to be a recipient on the 2018 retreat but I was also given a chance to work on an Alaskan salmon fishing boat! I am in my second season of commercial fishing and can say without a doubt that I'm exactly where I want to be in life. I cannot thank the members of AAP and the veterans enough for the unparalleled support they give each and every day. It is truly an honor to be a part of this foundation.

 
Jesse BurkhartUS Marine Corps

Jesse Burkhart

US Marine Corps

Jesse Burkhart

I’d would like to thank Billy and The Alaska Adventure Project for an amazing trip to Ketchikan. I feel absolutely blessed to have been chosen for the trip. This was truly a life-changing experience you guys afforded me and an opportunity to come together with my fellow brothers-in-arms. Allowing me to once again feel that missing bond. From the moment we pulled into the Currall family driveway, I felt like I was home. The Currall family welcoming and opening their home to us was truly touching, heartwarming experience knowing that there are people who do care is a great feeling, their hospitality is second to none and their hearts are larger than life. This trip not only afforded me great life experiences, but the opportunity to create new, bonding relationships with fellow veterans that understand the struggles. My fellow brothers Jesse P, Jason J, Blake, and Kelly are amazing. No matter which era or branch we came from, we immediately connect and communicate like we’ve known each other. My wife and I will always remember this and will forever have the Alaska Adventure Project in our hearts and prayers. That is why we want to do everything we can do to give back to AAP. In closing I wish to relay to you a warm and heartfelt “thank you”.

 
Jason JohnsonUS Marine Corps2004-2012'

Jason Johnson

US Marine Corps

2004-2012'

JASON JOHNSON

Jason was one of our 2018 recipients. Jason was so moved by the experience that he immediately volunteered to help us further the mission. Jason is now an AAP Board Member and we are thrilled to have him and his wife as long term supporters.

 
Jesse PattersonUS Marine Corps2004-2011

Jesse Patterson

US Marine Corps

2004-2011

JESSE PATTERSON

Jesse is a man of few words - but before he left he said it all in one sentence; “I am going to start planning how to move here - thank you”. We look forward to helping you make it happen Jesse. We would love to have you in town to help us further the mission.

 
Delbert KelleyUS Marine Corps2007-2014

Delbert Kelley

US Marine Corps

2007-2014

Delbert Kelley

I would like to thank the Alaska Adventure Project and the people of Ketchikan for the hospitality that they showed while being apart of this adventure. The whole experience was a life changing event for me. I was able to connect with like minded veterans who have became friends that I will cherish for ever. The best part about this adventure for me was the bond made between the veterans who share some of the same disabilities as myself. The whole week was filled with new things that took me out of my own way. It was a trip of a life time. Once again I would like to thank the sponsors and the individuals who made this possible. Veterans Helping Veterans heal and improve their lives.

 

2017 Recipients

Howie Sackett (2017)US Marine Corps2006-2012

Howie Sackett (2017)

US Marine Corps

2006-2012

Howie Sackett

"My experience in Alaska was one that I will always remember because of the impact it had at a time it was much needed. My kind of therapy after the war has always been being outdoors and enjoying the solitude of what natures beauty has to offer. In the past couple years, due to personal and financial issues, I really have not been able to enjoy the outdoors until this recent trip AAP provided for me. Going to Alaska to fish has always been a dream of mine and being able to take a charter boat out with a knowledgeable guide made the experience that much better. We were all able to reel in some monster fish and to share those moments with fellow veterans kept my mind at ease during the process. Every night we ended the day by starting a nice bon fire using the drift wood nearby and just sat by the fire talking about the day on the water or past and present hardships. That really clicked because we all have so much in common. Being able to take the float plane tour of the Misty Fjords national park really showed the beauty Alaska has to offer. One of my favorite things to do was the zip line tour that combined both fear and beauty all in one day.  When it was all said and done everyone was laughing and smiling which is something that recently had been lacking in my personal life. In the end, this Alaskan trip really helped motivate me to come home and seek the things that help me move along day by day. It made me get my priorities in order and being able to experience with a great group of guys that will be my brothers moving forward…also gave me a network to reach out to when I am feeling lost or need that motivation to keep grinding because that is what we are here for. I hope to be able to take a trip out to Alaska every year to recharge and remind myself that is what life is all about…this is why we are here. Thank you again to AAP and everyone that worked hard to make this happen I know for me it will be a trip I will always be grateful for."

 
Adam Paulino (2017)US Marine Corps2004-2011

Adam Paulino (2017)

US Marine Corps

2004-2011

Adam Paulino

"It made me again appreciate and experience the enjoyment of life.   It just gave me time to breath and take everything in.  Alaska is beauty, so it’s amazing."

 
David Montiel (2017)US Marine Corps2005-2010

David Montiel (2017)

US Marine Corps

2005-2010

David Montiel

"I really enjoyed and appreciate the time spent with other Combat Veterans, relating and understanding to our very similar post service struggles and not in some V.A. clinic but surrounded by the panoramic views of Alaska, Her mountains, islands, wildlife and sunsets like no other. This experience was best seen from the float plane tour and hiking. Along with amazing fishing trips, hooking halibut, salmon and lingcod. It was an unforgettable sight to watch Whales breach the waters, see Bald Eagles flying and seeing Black Bears feeding on salmon at the river.  To see it in person helps to really put it in perspective. how little you are compared to the vast outdoors.  You can talk to a therapist all you want.  This program has done more for me than anyone."

 
US Navy Seal1995-2010

US Navy Seal

1995-2010

Darrin Isham

"The Wounded Veterans Alaska Adventure Project is a great organization dedicated to helping veterans!  The adventure to Ketchikan, Alaska last summer was a very quality evolution for everyone involved.  It provided a climate of brotherhood in a warrior like environment for the veterans and entire group to experience the outdoors, and most importantly...spend time and learn from each other."

 
US Marine Corps2005-2012

US Marine Corps

2005-2012

william boulton

As the founder of AAP I take much pride in the success of our first adventure to Ketchikan.  I have nothing but gratitude for all of the support that we received locally from the time we touched down. Having that time with my brothers was exactly what i hoped it would be and more.  What an amazing way to cut loose and keep the morale high.  The fish were in abundance, the weather was permissive of all activities and the result was nothing short of spectacular. I was grinning from ear to ear for weeks after. This is why I do what I do.  I truly believe that our veterans today deserve at least a taste of the good life so they can live and thrive as they did on active duty.  This is my mission.

 
Marine Corps Wife

Marine Corps Wife

JeorGina Boulton

As a Marine Corp Wife I know first hand the struggles that come from living with a combat veteran.  The impact on ones life and the lives of a family can be saturated from the affects of Post traumatic stress.  Healing of the mind body and soul are an essential part of bringing home your loved one from battle. I truly believe in what we are doing and the impact that Alaska can have on ones life.  I have my husband back and want nothing more than to share that gift with our community of wounded families.