The transition out of the military isn’t something that’s talked about as much, but finding a place in the civilian world can be difficult and isolating for veterans. It’s hard to find the camaraderie and sense of value you get from serving your country, and many of us end up feeling lost and alone. On top of finding a way to cope with PTSD and injuries, adjusting to civilian processes is an underestimated obstacle. Things like booking a flight, mailing a package, or even managing finances feels complicated because they do all of that for you while you’re in the military. But when you’re out, you’re on your own.

When I was medically discharged from the Army, I found myself looking for something to emulate that camaraderie I had while enlisted. After serving for 17 years, I didn’t know what was going on in civilian life, or what it’d look like for me. But I knew I needed to find a pack.

Heroes Mending on The Fly helped me find that pack. Through fly fishing, the organization helps wounded veterans find solace in nature while in like company. They immediately welcomed me in, and asked me to take care of the female veterans. Working with other veterans, especially women who I share similar experiences with, gave me a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt since leaving the Army.

This past July, I organized a four-day fishing trip for around 15 female veterans. Most of the time was spent learning the basics of fly fishing, fishing with some guides on the river, and gathering around the campfire. But there was no real schedule to it. These women have spent years being told what to do and where to go, so I felt what they needed most was the ability to do whatever they wanted. And for a lot of them that’s just getting together and chilling out on the river.

The trip was purposely exclusive to female veterans, which is something a lot of the women appreciated. For many of them, they’re not only learning to cope with injuries and the adjustment to civilian life, but they’re also dealing with various forms of abuse. But with only women on the trip, it creates a safe space where they can relax and feel comfortable to talk about what they’re facing without feeling their security is at risk.

While fishing is the objective of the trip, it’s not the sole purpose. Providing a space where female veterans can talk about their transition to civilian life with other women who have been through or are going through similar things, helps them break out of isolation and find a sense of belonging.

And that’s really the whole point — to let veterans know they’re not alone.

For a lot of veterans, the military will always be a part of us — the good and the bad. But it’s important to keep moving, mentally and physically, and find people or organizations you can lean on. Heroes Mending On The Fly gave me a path forward and broadened my horizons to what’s possible in this next chapter. Because as it turns out, there is a life after the Army — and for me, it involves a lot of fishing.