Honoring Heroes Through Adventure, Connection, and Post-Traumatic Growth
The waves of Waikiki set the stage for an unforgettable week as Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) hosted its Hawaii Outdoor Adventure 2025, culminating in the prestigious Na Koa Wounded Warrior Regatta. For the 10th year in a row, SDIA proudly fielded canoes in the Regatta, joining teams from across the U.S. to celebrate resilience, camaraderie, and healing on the island of Oahu.
This year’s Outdoor Adventure brought together veterans, first responders, and their families for a week filled with regatta races in traditional Hawaiian outriggers, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and more. Each experience was designed to help participants reconnect with their sense of purpose, build community, and embrace the principles of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), the core of SDIA’s mission to inspire heroes to “Get Off The Couch.”
A Week of Firsts and Milestones
Founder Lance Nutt celebrated not only his 55th birthday but also a deeply personal milestone: sponsoring his daughter, now a service member herself, for her very first Outdoor Adventure. Together, they surfed the Hawaiian waves and paddled in the Regatta, making memories that reinforced the bond of service and family.
“An awesome week in Hawaii comes to a close,” Lance shared. “Celebrating our nation’s heroes, my birthday, and my daughter’s first SDIA adventure made it a week to remember.”
Tradition and Growth: 10 Years at the Na Koa Regatta
From Dennis H. Levesque, an SDIA leader and participant:
“Mahalo Nui Loa to all the organizers, volunteers, and participants in the 2025 Na Koa Regatta. Sheep Dog Impact Assistance was able to field four canoes this year consisting of members from all over the U.S., marking our 10th year as participants. We also conducted an Outdoor Adventure during the days leading up to this event for the second year in a row. Changing lives!!!!”
This milestone highlights SDIA’s growing tradition in Hawaii and its commitment to creating transformative experiences that honor military and first responder service.
Healing and Rewriting Stories
For many Sheep Dogs, Hawaii symbolizes more than beauty; it represents healing. Participant Jennifer Evans shared a powerful reflection:
“Today I swam with sea turtles in Hawaii. A bucket list dream come true! This place once held painful memories, but through Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, I’ve learned how to turn struggles into strength and live my best life. I finally got to rewrite my story. Hawaii now means healing, freedom, and joy.”
Her words embody the essence of Post-Traumatic Growth, reminding us that with the right support, trauma can transform into triumph.
Why Outdoor Adventures Matter
Outdoor Adventures are more than bucket-list experiences; they are gateways to renewed purpose. Whether paddling an outrigger canoe, diving beneath the waves, or standing shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow Sheep Dogs, participants rediscover resilience and the strength that comes from community.
Since 2010, SDIA has helped more than 23,000 Sheep Dogs get off the couch through programs like Outdoor Adventures, Warrior PATHH training, and Continued Service. The Hawaii adventure is one shining example of how these experiences change lives.
Join the Mission
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance is dedicated to inspiring Post-Traumatic Growth in our nation’s heroes. By providing opportunities like the Hawaii Outdoor Adventure, SDIA helps veterans and first responders find healing, purpose, and joy.
🌊 Want to be part of the mission?
- Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected.
- Support future Outdoor Adventures and life-changing programs through donations or partnerships.
- Learn more about SDIA’s commitment to Post-Traumatic Growth at sheepdogia.org.
Together, we can help America’s heroes step off the couch, embrace the outdoors, and transform trauma into triumph.
