"finding serenity through the outdoors"

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Veterans Go Outdoors (VGO) was born out of personal struggle, profound connection, and a commitment to healing through purpose. Its founder, Michael Fusco, created VGO in the aftermath of a difficult period of his life — one shaped by combat trauma, recovery, and a deep desire to help others find their way back.
 

In 2017, after returning home from a demanding year-long deployment in 2014, Mike faced the heavy weight of CPTSD and alcohol abuse. His path led him to a six-week, military-based dual-diagnosis rehabilitation program… an environment where service members from every branch shared their most vulnerable moments, their stories, and their struggles.
 

It was in that space—raw, honest, and unfiltered—that something shifted.
 

Being surrounded by veterans fighting the same invisible battles made a lasting impact. Mike saw firsthand how many were quietly suffering. How many were disconnected from their sense of purpose. How powerful it was when veterans supported one another on a personal level.
 

He walked away with a promise to himself:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
 

Coming out of treatment and rebuilding his own foundation, Mike felt a calling to create something bigger than himself—something rooted in community, nature, and the therapeutic value of the outdoors.
 

In 2018, with nothing more than personal contributions, grassroots support, and the selfless generosity of friends and community members, Veterans Go Outdoors was born.
 

Today, VGO stands as a testament to resilience, connection, and the healing power of shared experience. It exists to give veterans the same thing Mike needed during his darkest moments:
a place to reconnect, to breathe, to be understood, and to rediscover purpose in the outdoors.

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With a laid back atmosphere and 3 days, 2 nights of time there is plenty of fishing to go around. Many lasting friendships have developed over the years and many more will in the future.

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VGO provides free of charge at each event:
Lodging, food, equipment, and licensing

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Thank you to everyone for the support now and in the future and a special thank you to the Veterans that provide so much to us as Americans.

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Tight Lines

Veterans Go Outdoors