Team Overland, Robert Raetz (SSgt USMC

Team Overland

Established March 7th, 2015, founder and former CEO Matthew Havniear created a nonprofit organization that uses outdoor adventures as an outlet to overcome challenges associated with Post Traumatic Stress. Matthew is a Marine Corps Veteran. After serving as an infantryman, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2008, he returned home to only now struggle with stress brought on by PTSD. Growing up in Southern Oregon, Matthew’s late father taught him at an early age the importance of staying connected with the outdoors and nature. Having this in mind, Matthew used these memories and his struggle with PTSD to create Team Overland.

Team Overland provides overland adventure trips to veterans who are looking for a healthy and natural way to manage their own mental health issues. When veterans leave the military, the camaraderie and training that existed is not there anymore. Having lost the brotherhood while leaving the military, the veterans are now facing a new challenge…. reintegrating into civilian life.

Since 2015, Team Overland has grown and has gained interest on a national level. Originally, the team consisted of only a few volunteers who would take veterans and civilians out on the trail. As a team, they would overcome obstacles encountered on the way. This would consist of spotting on trails, setting camp up, and assisting those who needed it. In 2018, Team Overland merged with another nonprofit organization based out of Sisters, Oregon. Warfighter Outfitters, led by Brett Miller, has allowed Team Overland to expand what is available to their guests.

After the merge, former guest turned guide, Robert Raetz (Bobby), stepped up and became lead guide/ executive director of Team Overland. Bobby is a 9-year Marine Corps Veteran. Just like the other veterans who have joined on trips, Bobby was lacking something. He was missing that camaraderie that veterans all lack once out. Having been raised in Wyoming and Colorado, Bobby has always loved the mountains and outdoors. Team Overland filled that void.

Now led by Bobby and a great team of 11 guides, veteran and civilian, Team Overland organizes up to 6 adventures a year to get veterans and civilians out on the trail, set camp up, and sit around a campfire. All the guides are volunteers and use their own vehicles. Having said that, their vehicles have been modified to their specs on their own dime. The love and support that the guides have for Team Overland is shown by how they interact with the guests. The team provides any support the guests need to make the trip a great experience. Breakfast and dinner are provided and prepared by the team.

Unlike some nonprofits out there, Team Overland encourages civilians to join in on the adventures. “We have found that our approach builds bonds between military and non-military members through the shared interest of outdoor adventure and teamwork on the trail”, says Havniear.

Team Overland would not be able to continue growing without the donations and sponsorships that have been secured over the past 5 years. Companies like Cascadia Vehicle Tents, Warn Industries, Factor 55, Ironman 4x4, and many others keep the guides and guests safe while on the trail.

Robert Raetz (SSgt USMC)

Team Overland – Executive Director Warfighter Outfitters – Board of Directors Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician

www.facebook.com/TeamOverland www.TeamOverland.org Donate: www.warfighteroutfitters.org teamoverland@warfighteroutfitters.org