#152: Denise Loring - Army Veteran, Camp Valor Outdoors, World Class Competitive Marksman

There have been many studies that show that  nature can be therapeutic for many reasons:

Stress reductionFinding Meaning and PurposeDevelops heightened awarenessPromotes physical activityA “Natural High”

In  episode 138, Sean Ricks mentioned a nonprofit called Camp Valor Outdoors. It’s a nonprofit that helps ill, injured and wounded active duty, veterans and their family members. They do this by taking them on fishing, hunting, shooting, archery, four-wheeling and camping. They believe that “healing in the great outdoors…and connecting with fellow warriors is therapeutic and essential to healing.” Nobody is paid on staff and each dollar is spent on the programs that they host.

Although the nonprofit operates out of Kingsville, MO, Camp Valor’s  competitive shooting program is located nearby DC in Fairfax. When I found that out, we linked up and I went to shooting clinic and a couple of matches to see what they are all about.

This week we interviewed Camp Valor Outdoors’ Chief Operating Officer, Army Veteran retired Colonel Denise Loring. She is a world class competitive shooter, having shot in a CMP and NRA Nationals, USA Olympic Trials (Air Rifle), and World Championships. We talked about Camp Valor's mission, Denise being recruited to the Army specifically for shooting, what else she did in her 29+ year career, her transition out, and how she came to find a home with Camp Valor Outdoors.

Enjoy.

#BtBattle Veteran of the Week:

Army Veteran Charlie Challelea

Additional Links to this Episode:

https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/rectherapy/index.asp https://www.facebook.com/pg/campvaloroutdoors/events/?ref=page_internal http://source.southuniversity.edu/the-benefits-of-therapeutic-outdoor-recreation-102985.aspx