After dealing with PTSD themselves, veterans Greg and Lisa Hungiville wanted to help combat the disorder by bringing back out the warrior into veterans and first responders.
While working with another nonprofit called Cast & Hook Fishing, the couple decided it was time to begin their own. From there, Rustic Warriors was founded.
“We are trying to bring out that warrior spirit and get people back to a healthy lifestyle by helping them find their direction,” Greg said.
Rustic Warriors, which was founded a month ago in Wisconsin, is now a sister company to Cast & Hook Fishing Inc., a 501(c)3 founded in 2021 by Richard and Lindsay Puente.
“We were a part of Cast & Hook Fishing and while doing that, we decided we wanted to start another nonprofit that focuses on more outdoor activities,” Lisa said. “We want veterans and first responders to do adventurous things that they would never think to do on their own.”
Some activities are available to participate in include hiking, cycling, kayaking, skydiving, riding in a hot air balloon, canoeing, and ATV’s.
“We want people to connect deep with Mother Nature,” Greg said. “For me, getting outside and listening to the birds, feeling the wind, it soothes my soul and helps my PTSD.”
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Lisa said she knows many veterans, police officers, and EMS who have killed themselves due to PTSD.
“Getting them out of their environment and letting them see that its like to walk into Mother Nature is life-changing,” she said. “I know firsthand what positive effects taking time out for yourself and getting into nature can do.”
There aren’t enough support systems out there to help veterans and first responders take back their life, according to the couple.
“I’m tired of suicides,” Greg said. “A lot of my friends committed suicide and I want to make it my mission to save lives every day.”
Although Rustic Warriors is focused specifically in Wisconsin currently, there are plans to expand into other states.
“We only started this a month ago and the positive response we have had is incredible,” Greg said. “There is just so much support and many people are offering to help us move forward.”
In order to expand from a team of two volunteers along with Lisa and Greg, more people would need to volunteer to expand the nonprofit to help those in other states.
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Lisa said people in North Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri and Montana have reached out.
There are no membership fees to partake in the activities available for veterans and first responders. The nonprofit relies solely on sponsorships and donations.
So far, Rustic Warriors has helped around 100 people.
“This is our passion and we want people to know we are here to help them,” Lisa said.
Greg and Lisa also have their 5-year plan in mind, which is to set up a retreat in the woods for people to come and immerse themselves in nature while participating in activities that interest them.
Until that happens, the couple vow to continue doing whatever they can to help as many veterans and first responders manage their PTSD and find their inner warriors again.
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