Veteran’s Secret Weapon Against PTSD: The Outdoors with Freedom Hunters Veterans Cece and Shannon

Two military veterans, Cece and Shannon, share their powerful stories of healing after service, explaining that the civilian world can be a difficult place to land. Shannon, a Marine veteran, explains that traditional therapies, like mindfulness, don't work well for those with PTSD from adrenaline-fueled experiences. For her and many others, hunting and outdoor trips provided a better way to heal.

Cece, who also served, found that being in camo, carrying a rifle, and hiking through nature was a lot like being on patrol, but this time, the experience was safe and full of friendship. It replaced her scary memories with beautiful new ones. They agree that these trips give veterans a noble goal and a sense of identity that the military trained into them, making them feel like war fighters again in a positive way.

Cece also shares her mission, St. Catherine's Mission, which uses the meat she harvests to feed the "hidden homeless," many of whom are veterans and women. Both women talk about the unique, supportive group of strong women in the shooting sports community who always try to help each other succeed. You can support these amazing groups and help more veterans find their own healing journey.

Links

• Otis Technology (00:03.918) - Gun cleaning products company.

• Freedom Hunters (01:00.655) - Organization that takes veterans on outdoor experiences (hunting/fishing).

• She Never Quit (01:06.014) - Organization/Event mentioned in reference to Cece.

• St. Catherine's Mission (stcatherinesmission.org) (24:26.220, 25:36.812) - Cece's Catholic organization that aids the "hidden homeless" (veterans, women, young people) with outdoor gear and supplies.

• Crossing the Wire (27:50.050) - Book written by Cece (Anna Maria Cardinali).

Key Takeaways

1. Outdoor and hunting experiences offered by groups like Freedom Hunters provide a powerful, therapeutic form of healing for veterans' trauma and PTSD.

2. The military transition is difficult because veterans often lose their ingrained sense of purpose and identity.

3. For those with adrenaline-related PTSD, therapies like hunting that involve familiar, high-alert focus can be more effective than traditional mindfulness.

4. The outdoor/shooting community, particularly among women, fosters an important, supportive camaraderie that replaces the bonds lost after leaving the service.

5. Giving back, both through direct service (like Cece's St. Catherine's Mission) and through anonymous donation, is a critical component of personal healing and community building.

Key words from the transcript include:

Freedom Hunters, Veterans, Otis Technology, SHOT Show 2025, Hunting, Healing, Innovation, Outdoor experiences, Patrol, Camouflage, Community, Sisterhood, PTSD, Purpose, Marine Corps, VA (Veterans Affairs), Anonymous donor, St. Catherine's Mission, Hidden homeless, Crossing the Wire (Book), Ethics of hunting, Alpha females