Rivers of Recovery hosted our annual Washington, D.C., fundraiser on October 3 at the Observatory at America’s Square, bringing members of Congress together with community and business leaders to express their support for wounded U.S. combat veterans.

Ellison Barber, FOX News correspondent

Special thanks to Ellison Barber, FOX News correspondent, for serving as the MC for our event.

The organization’s goal was to raise awareness and funds for U.S. military veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress, mild traumatic brain injury, and other psychological wounds of war.

An Innovative Alternative

“I’ve seen firsthand how Rivers of Recovery empowers our veterans to change their lives,” U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.) said. “Using outdoor therapy is an innovative alternative to medicine that helps our veterans heal.”

“I’m proud to work with the Rivers of Recovery organization each year and assist our veterans in their ongoing recovery efforts,” said Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.). “Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country—and we need to do everything we can to not only express our gratitude, but also to ensure they are getting the care they need and deserve here at home.”

Advocate for Combat Veterans

2017 marks the eighth year that Rivers of Recovery has held a fundraising event in Washington, D.C. “It’s a unique opportunity for business, community, and political leaders to advocate for the rehabilitation of combat veterans,” said David Lassetter, Rivers of Recovery chair. “I appreciate everyone who came for their continued support of those who sacrificed so much to protect and defend our nation’s freedom.”

During the event, Rivers of Recovery held a special fundraiser for combat veteran trips in memory of David Butler, a Rivers of Recovery supporter who recently passed away. David was the father of Mitch Butler, Rivers of Recovery board member and owner of Natural Resources Results, LLC, a consulting and lobbying services firm.

“We’re deeply honored to continue Dad’s passion for the great outdoors and his unwavering support for America’s veterans,” Mitch Butler said.

The money raised will enable Rivers of Recovery to host fly fishing trips across the country at no cost to the veterans themselves. Each Rivers of Recovery trip hosts six to ten combat veterans on a four-day, science-based, experiential rehabilitation program that focuses on confidence-building, outdoor activities, talk therapy in a relaxed, positive environment.

Rivers of Recovery would like to thank our sponsors for the event: Allstate; Altria; American Maritime Officers Service; Anheuser-Busch; Bridgepoint Education; Emergent BioSolutions Inc.; Lockheed Martin Corporation; National Beer Wholesalers Association; National Multifamily Housing Council;  Natural Resources Results; National Shooting Sports Foundation; The Porter Group; Printing Industries of America; Ryan, MacKinnon, Vasapoli and Berzok, LLP; S-3 Group; Sikorsky; United Technologies Corporation; Watershed Results LLC; and Wine Institute.

“The money raised will have a real impact on our organization,” said Amy V. Simon, Executive Director of Rivers of Recovery. “This event will help provide necessary scholarships to our veteran participants, allowing them to go through our unique rehabilitation program at no cost to them and helping us get closer to our goal of helping thousands of veterans.”

Special thanks to the Maness Group for coordinating the event.

View our event photos on Facebook.