MORE4VETERANSConnection. Community. Purpose.VETERANS HELPING VETERANS
Discover veteran communities, outdoor adventures, concerts, sports, and practical support. Find a place to participate—and people to share it with.
START WITH WHAT YOU WANT TO DO
Find chapters, community events, fitness groups, and ways to serve alongside others.
02 / GET OUTSIDEDiscover kayak fishing, adaptive paddling, fly fishing, expeditions, and park access.
03 / GO TOGETHERFind donated-ticket programs and learn about verification, delivery fees, and availability.
Explore independently. Register for activities and apply for services directly with each provider.
ALREADY CONNECTED? OPEN THE DOOR FOR SOMEONE ELSE.
Find words to get started, ways to listen, and low-pressure invitations you can use to help another veteran reconnect.
TURN AN INTEREST INTO A NEXT STEP
Meet veterans and supporters through local fitness, outdoor activities and community events.
Event schedules, locations and participation requirements vary. Check the member app or chapter details for current activities; do not assume every activity is free.
Find your chapter ↗Find local kayak fishing and outdoor experiences with veterans, service members and families.
Provider describes its outdoor programs as free. Confirm registration, equipment, accessibility and local dates with the chapter.
Find a chapter ↗Connect with adventure and adaptive paddle sports through local chapters.
Chapters welcome veterans of any age and disability and family members. Confirm session dates, accommodations and any costs directly; chapter activity varies.
Contact a local chapter ↗Request donated tickets for sporting events, concerts, performing arts and family activities.
Service verification required. Donated tickets have a delivery fee; availability and request rules vary by event. A listing is not a ticket guarantee.
Create a verified account ↗Ongoing fly fishing, casting, fly tying and rod building for eligible wounded or disabled military personnel and veterans.
Eligibility includes specified disability or referral criteria; not unrestricted to every veteran. Equipment and fishing trips are provided at no cost to participants. Review full rules at https://projecthealingwaters.org/about-us/faqs/ before contacting a program.
Connect with a local program ↗Explore service projects, local chapters and events connecting veterans and families of the fallen.
Programs have different audiences and requirements. Runs, fundraisers and other events may charge fees; confirm the individual event details.
Explore events ↗Independent providers; listings do not imply a partnership. Check each provider’s current service area, accessibility, requirements, fees and event schedule.
OUR MISSION & PURPOSE
Our mission is to connect veterans through recreation, fellowship, and shared experiences. We invite veterans to share their time, resources, knowledge, and life experience with one another—and build a community where no one has to find their way alone.
Our goal is to reach as many veterans as we can, creating opportunities to meet, participate, and support one another at a pace that feels comfortable. Whether you’re ready for a group adventure or just a cup of coffee, there’s a place for you here.
Find a veteran community →TWO LIVES. A CONTINUING LEGACY.
A family’s example of service.
A foundation built to carry it forward.
When Joe Manns set out to create a foundation for veterans, he looked to the first two veterans he had known: his late grandfather and father, Wiley H. Manns Sr. and Jr.
GRANDFATHER · U.S. ARMY
A WWII-era Army veteran, Wiley H. Manns Sr. helped shape Joe’s understanding of service, hard work, and love of country. His example became part of the inspiration for a foundation that puts those values into action.
FATHER · U.S. AIR FORCE
A post-Vietnam-era Air Force veteran, Wiley H. Manns Jr. carried the same commitment to country, family, and serving others. His life and example helped inspire his son Joe to support fellow veterans.
Both men were hardworking, blue-collar patriots who served honorably. Joe remembers them as role models with servants’ hearts—the kind of men he aspires to be. Their names represent more than the foundation’s history: their example guides how we show up for veterans today.
WHY DISCONNECTED VETERANS?
Military life creates shared purpose and close bonds. After service, finding that same sense of belonging can take time. Some veterans lose touch with their support network or find it difficult to build a new one.
We focus on veterans who feel disconnected because an invitation, a conversation, and a familiar understanding can be meaningful first steps toward community.
Veterans facing disconnection may also be navigating emotional strain, health concerns, substance-use concerns, difficulty finding work, financial stress, and housing insecurity. These experiences are different for every veteran.
We offer companionship and help finding practical support. Our resource center connects veterans and families with organizations that address those needs.
WHY WE CHOOSE RECREATION
A shared activity gives people a reason to meet, an easy place to start a conversation, and something to look forward to. We choose recreation because connection can begin with a good day together.
Fishing, paddling, walking, swimming, cycling, and other activities create opportunities to get outside and be active at a comfortable level.
Time in a different setting, a favorite hobby, or a new experience offers a welcome break from everyday pressures.
Art, music, learning a skill, and trying something new offer ways to express ourselves, stay curious, and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.
Shared experiences make room for conversation, teamwork, encouragement, and friendships that continue after the activity ends.
Our activities are opportunities for community and enjoyment. They do not replace professional health care or other specialized support.
HOW WE CONNECT
Connect in whatever way feels right to you: meet for coffee, spend time with another veteran’s family, or plan a shared trip. Let your interests, comfort, time, and resources guide the experience.
We organize fishing, river kayaking, camping, and other gatherings as resources allow. New events are shared when details are ready, giving veterans more ways to meet and enjoy time together.
Donated tickets from teams, venues, promoters, and community members help veterans attend sports and entertainment events. Members can inquire about tickets; available tickets are offered first come, first served, with priority for members who haven’t received them.
Explore ticket resources →As funding grows, we hope to create more opportunities through recreational equipment, water sports, season tickets, and a future veterans camp. These are goals for growth, not services currently guaranteed.
Explore outdoor & ticket providers ↗EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Join the foundation aboard the Double Eagle III for fishing and fellowship on November 15, 8 AM–noon. Check in by 7:30 AM at 25 Causeway Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33767.
The event listing includes free veteran admission with proof of service and $55 friends-and-family tickets. Fishing licenses, rods and reels, bait, light refreshments, and prizes are included. Confirm details with the organizer.
The ticket provider showed a sold-out trip and waitlist when reviewed October 18, 2026. Availability can change.
View event & waitlist ↗PLANNED FUNDRAISER · DATE TBD
Following the first year’s event, the foundation hopes to bring the community together again. Date, location, and registration details have not been announced.
PLANNED FUNDRAISER · ST. PETERSBURG · DATE TBD
A golf fundraiser is listed among the foundation’s plans. Timing and participation details will be shared when confirmed.
VETERANS HELPING VETERANS
Become a WHMF Ambassador. Share your time, knowledge, resources, and experience. Invite another veteran along, help create an outing, or simply be someone who shows up.
Looking for your own community? Explore organizations where you can participate directly.
Find community & service opportunities →SUPPORT OUR MISSION
We’re an all-volunteer organization. Cash gifts support operating costs and help fund activities for veterans. You’re welcome to tell us which purpose you’d like your donation to support, including group outings or ticketed events.
Donate through Zeffy ↗This is the donation destination linked by the foundation’s existing website. Zeffy handles the transaction.
Can’t use your game tickets? Have equipment, resources, or property that could help create future recreation opportunities? We welcome offers of in-kind support and will discuss how they could serve the mission.
Discuss an in-kind donation →