Continues fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign

BOZEMAN, MT - Continuing his fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign on Giving Tuesday, Governor Greg Gianforte today contributed a quarter of his annual salary to Warriors & Quiet Waters, a nonprofit organization supporting post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones through experiences in nature and relationship and community building.

In October 2020, the governor committed to Montanans he would contribute his salary as governor to nonprofit organizations and charities in the state.

“With a mission to give back to our nation’s heroes and foster an environment for them to thrive in post-combat life, Warriors & Quiet Waters is providing more than outdoor excursions – its volunteers and staff are changing lives,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As we continue our 12 Days of Giving campaign, I’m honored to support their goals to expand and serve more veterans across the country.”

Founded in 2007, the nonprofit is a veterans service organization that empowers post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through outdoor experiences such as fly fishing, hunting, and photography.

Since its founding, Warriors & Quiet Waters has served over 1,600 veterans, offered over 200 fishing experiences, and acquired over 250 volunteers each year.

This year, the nonprofit launched its Built for More program to offer participating veterans a nine-month long online and in-person course to explore a new skill in either fishing, hunting, or photography while finding purpose in post-combat life.

One Built for More participant shared, “After I got out of the military, I hit the lowest point in my life. I lost my purpose, identity, confidence, and worth. I was alone and dealing with some serious trauma that nearly became fatal. I was trying my best, but without clear guidance and direction, I was floundering alone trying to sort out life after the military. Now more than ever, I see a path ahead to success and fulfillment with a clear way forward.”

“This year, we had over 400 veterans apply to participate in our programs, but we could only accommodate a fraction due to our current capacity. Thanks to the generosity of the governor and of all Montanans contributing to our mission, we are hopeful to double our capacity by 2028,” Warriors & Quiet Waters CEO Brian Gilman said. 

Donating to Warriors & Quiet Waters directly supports its Built for More program. More information on the nonprofit and ways to donate or volunteer may be found here.

Running through mid-December, the governor’s fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

- On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

- On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the United Way of Missoula County.

- On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.

- On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Warriors & Quiet Waters.