Podcast Episode #11

Ben Davis

US Navy SEAL & Founder, VOAG

Eavesdrop on a captivating exchange between Ben Davis, a former Navy SEAL, and Derek Wolfe. Ben opens up about his upbringing in Virginia, his affinity for rock climbing and kayaking, and his eventual enlistment in the Navy SEALs after grappling with direction during college. Sharing candidly, he recounts his time in the SEALs, from grueling deployments to intense training and the challenges of sustaining brain injuries. After almost a decade of service, Ben made the bold decision to relocate to Colorado, briefly exploring private equity before finding his calling with the nonprofit Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group (VOAG). VOAG champions the integration of outdoor recreation therapy into mental health treatment for veterans through partnerships with the VA.

Derek empathetically discusses his own retirement journey, emphasizing the significance of discovering purpose beyond military service. The dialogue shifts to Derek’s passion for hunting and the restorative power of outdoor pursuits. Together, they brainstorm potential avenues for VOAG’s future, including the creation of an outdoor recovery center tailored to veterans’ needs.

 

In this episode, Derek and Ben discuss:

  • Ben’s life growing up and what lead him to the Navy
  • The rigors of becoming a Navy SEAL are real – do you have what it takes?
  • After giving 20-years to the SEALs, how would he start his next chapter?
  • Ben’s passion project: Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group (VOAG)
  • Derek and Ben discuss finding their purpose after such grueling careers
  • What is the best hunting technique: bow hunting, rifle hunting?
  • Derek and Ben discuss future plans for VOAG
  • How the support of their wives made the highest impact on their lives after retirement

Wolfe Untamed Podcast:

With no definitive path for the future, Ben finds the Navy SEALs

Ben reflects on his formative years in Virginia, where his parents were employed by the local university. Immersed in the natural beauty of the region, he cultivated a passion for outdoor pursuits such as rock climbing and kayaking from an early age. However, upon reaching college, Ben found himself grappling with a sense of aimlessness. Seeking a transformative path forward, he made the bold decision to enlist in the Navy SEALs, viewing it as an opportunity for renewal and self-redefinition.

To Stay or Not To Stay… that is the Question

Ben provides a vivid account of his tenure as a Navy SEAL, recounting deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, grueling training regimens, and the harrowing experience of enduring two major brain injuries during his final deployment. After nearly a decade of dedicated service, Ben faced a critical juncture: the prospect of committing to another five years of enlistment or retiring after reaching the 20-year mark.

Giving back to those who deserve it the most

Following his departure from the SEALs, Ben embarked on a courageous journey to Colorado, eager to reconnect with his deep-rooted love for the outdoors. Initially exploring opportunities in private equity, he soon found his calling with the Veterans Outdoor Advocacy Group (VOAG). Committed to championing outdoor recreation therapy as an integral component of mental health treatment for veterans through collaboration with the VA, VOAG became Ben’s passion project.

In his conversations, Ben passionately advocates for the therapeutic merits of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and mountaineering in aiding veterans grappling with mental health challenges.

Colorado satisfies Ben and Derek’s passions

The dialogue shifts to Derek’s rich experiences with hunting, focusing on his passion for bow hunting elk. Delving into the nuances of the sport, they explore the rigorous preparation, exhilarating challenges, and profound therapeutic benefits that hunting offers. Inspired by Derek’s insights, Ben expresses keen interest in further integrating hunting and outdoor activities into VOAG’s initiatives.

As their conversation unfolds, they brainstorm potential avenues for VOAG’s evolution, including the concept of establishing an outdoor recovery center. Envisioned as a sanctuary where veterans could engage in diverse outdoor pursuits while receiving vital mental health support, this idea ignites their shared enthusiasm for empowering veterans through nature-centric healing.

Behind every great warrior is a supportive wife

Derek and Ben underscore the invaluable role of supportive partners in navigating life’s transitions. They delve into the complexities of transitioning from regimented military careers to civilian life, highlighting the pivotal role their wives played in offering unwavering stability and encouragement throughout this journey. Ben emphasizes the profound impact of selecting the right life partner, recognizing the profound influence it can have on one’s overall well-being and success.

In This
Episode

Ben Davis

Ben Davis is the Executive Director of Veterans’ Outdoor Advocacy Group (VOAG). Ben is a 20-year veteran of the Navy SEALs, who, when he retired, move to Colorado to pursue his passion of the outdoors. Combining his experience and passion, he created a non-profit dedicated to promoting the power of outdoor therapy.

Instagram | VOAG website | Boundless 10200 | LinkedIn

Derek Wolfe

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