MWOTW History
Mission Statement
By Laws
Members
FAQ’s
MWOTW History
MWOTW was formed in 2015 in Miles City MT as a grass roots effort to serve our nation’s veterans and active-duty personnel through outdoor activities, mainly hunting and fishing. MWOTW is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and relies on volunteers from many different areas of Montana to run our trips. It is important that the public knows that all funds raised go directly into helping us run the organization – there are NO paid employees for MWOTW.
Our main event every year is our annual fishing trip on Fort Peck Lake The last week of July. We solicit applications from all over the United States each January and we look to bring 12-16 veterans into Eastern Montana for a weeklong experience. This trip, as well as all of our trips, are absolutely free to the veterans – MWOTW pays all their traveling expenses, meals and lodging.
The event always starts on a Saturday with the vets arriving in Miles City and/or Billings. We transport them from the Billings airport via a donated bus rightly named the Freedom Bus back to Miles City and get them settled in at the Sleep Inn. Sunday morning, we allow our attendees to settle down and see what the beautiful town of Miles City has to offer. Sunday evening finds us at a local venue within walking distance of the hotel for a low key social and a great meal. After breakfast on Monday, we head to the Hell Creek Marina 25 miles North of Jordan. We spend 4 days there where our highly skilled team of volunteer boat captains take the veterans out fishing every day. All the meals are prepared by volunteers, and each evening meal is donated by various businesses or groups from Garfield County and the surrounding area. On Friday morning after breakfast, vets have the opportunity to be transported across the lake to a long-range rifle shoot. Friday afternoon finds everyone at the historic Fort Peck Hotel in Fort Peck. Friday night, the vets are treated to a fantastic steak fry in a relaxing environment. On Saturday morning there is a great breakfast provided and cooked by the Fort Peck Marina and then the vets head out for a great day of fishing with volunteer boat captains from the Fort Peck/Glasgow area where they get the opportunity to catch new species of fish they may not came across yet. Saturday night is always our concert and fundraiser featuring one of our many talented bands from around the region. Saturday night also serves as our annual fundraising event that features live and silent auctions along with many raffles and games. It is a night filled with great music, food, a cash bar and a great opportunity to meet the veterans! Sunday is the day we have to say goodbye with some vets flying out of Glasgow and some being transported back to the Billings airport depending on flight schedules.
MWOTW also has a few other opportunities for veterans besides our annual fishing trip. We take veterans elk hunting in the Big Timber area during the shoulder season in December and we are also offering a women’s fishing retreat over the Labor Day weekend at Rock Creek on the dry arm of Fort Peck Reservoir. We have other hunting and fishing opportunities being offered to us by other landowners and supporters, but our finances restrict just how many trips we can actually offer each year. We hope to continue to grow and attract more funding so we can bring as many veterans into Montana to enjoy our state and our hospitality as we can!
I cannot state enough how important it is that we have such great support from all the amazing people in Miles City, Jordan, Glasgow, Fort Peck, Circle, Big Timber and all the surrounding areas in Montana for our cause. We would not exist without all the help of them and the many Walleyes Unlimited chapters, along with numerous other supportive organizations across Montana.
Mission Statement:
Montana Warriors on the Water (MWOTW) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, comprised of local sportsmen and women, and veterans of the United States Military, partnered with local businesses, communities, and organizations, providing outdoor recreational therapy and opportunities to veterans of the United States Military at no cost to them. In addition to honoring our veterans by giving back, it is our goal to provide an environment for our veterans to relax and be able to meet other veterans from across the country who may be combat wounded or suffering from issues associated with the psychological effects of war. By connecting with each other and with individuals, private companies, non-profit organizations and Government agencies, a community has been put in place to honor and support the vast growing number of veterans. Our goal is to ensure our veterans continue to have physical access to the country they served, in a mentally and emotionally stable environment, and are honored for their commitment and service to this nation. We at MWOTW are mission oriented in our objective to honor and support our nation’s veterans. In war, there are no unwounded soldiers….. MWOTW replaces difficult memories with positive and encouraging experiences!
Our organization is comprised of all volunteers who donate their time and passion honoring and supporting our veterans. All donations raised go toward providing memories, relationships, and support, lasting a lifetime for our veterans!
Mission Motto: “Giving back to those, who gave so much.”
www.facebook.com/mwotw
General Inquiry: warriors@montanawarriorsonthewater.com
By Laws
Click here to download and view the COMPLETE Bylaws >>
Members:
Executive Committee Members
Billy Hoverson – Chairman/Executive Director
Jay Collins – Vice Chairman/Vice Executive Director
JoAnn Hoverson – Secretary / Acting Treasurer
Board of Directors
John Morford
Debbie Morford
Jason Webber (Army)
Michael Kulseth (Army)
Wendy Murnion
Michael Herman
Dennis Hegarty (Army)
Advisory Board
Mike Dominick (U.S.A.F)
Jesus Hernandez (Army)
Josh Fjare (U.S.A.F)
Gary Baron (Navy)
Tayler Kennedy
Peter Rohrs (Army)
Jerry Collins (Army)
Steve Downs (Marines)
Kristi Moore
Shawn Kamarek (Army)
Wendi Ross
Tonita Burns (Army)
Brad Tribby
FAQ’s
How are you funded?
MWOTW is an all-volunteer supported organization that relies on the generosity of individuals as well as private and corporate donors. MWOTW also solicits foundation grants and government funding. After a thorough vetting process, MWOTW is a 501(C)3 Non-Profit Organization.
Is there a cost to participate?
All excursions and equipment are provided to the participants at no cost.
Who qualifies to participate in Montana Warriors on the Water activities?
MWOTW Excursion Applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicant must be a former or actively serving member of one or more of our six U.S. Military branches. (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Coast Guard)
Applicants must be able to present official proof of service in one of the above-named branches of our U.S. Military at time of chosen application. This will be in the form of a post service issued DD-214 or in the case of an active service member, a U.S. Government issued Record Brief.
Selected Applicants must provide a list of prescribed medications that will be sealed in an envelope and only opened in an unlikely case of emergency by authorized medical staff and personnel. This will be handed back to the applicant at the conclusion of the selected excursion.
How many Veterans have you served?
As of 2026 we have had upwards of 220 attendees
How do I apply for participation in a MWOTW Excursion?
First visit our Outdoor Excursion page (Click Here). There you will find both the application release date along with the projected dates the trips will be held for each excursion. Follow our social media platforms for updates and notifications on when the application link will be available to click on. At that time, you will also be able to access it on our website. Please meet the criteria below.
- Make sure you will be available for the dates identified for each excursion. We understand that unforeseen circumstances arise. But keep in mind that with travel and accommodations needing to be booked in advance that those who for whatever reason can’t make it that that takes away the opportunity for another applicant to go.
- Make sure to have a copy of your DD214 or Record Brief on hand and ready to upload at time of application. No application will be considered without one or the other.
When is your next application opportunity, excursion, or fundraising event?
Visit our Outdoor Excursion page (Click Here).
How can I stay up to date with events and activities?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Where can I get more information?
Additional information is available here. Or contact us! We’d be happy to answer any additional questions you have about our organization, its history, scope, and impact.
How do I donate
Donations are always appreciated, no matter the amount, and can be made numerous ways. Checks can be mailed to MWOTW PO Box 832 Miles City, MT 59301. Donations can also be made in honor or in memory of someone. To do so, please indicate who the donation is in remembrance or recognition of either on your check or when donating online. Please also indicate whether you would like us to send an acknowledgement to the family members and provide their contact information when making your donation. If you are interested in a specific sponsorship, CLICK HERE (Ways to Support)
Any questions can be directed to montanawarriorsonthewater@gmail.com.
How do I become an event sponsor
Please contact us CLICK HERE.
How do I volunteer?
Volunteers are obviously a huge part of MWOTW. We ask that if you volunteer that it be in a specific area of our trip (Kitchen, Boat Captain, Set up labor. Etc.…) Please do not be insulted if your offer is declined due to an overabundance of already placed support. If you are interested in volunteering in a specific manner feel free to contact us at montanawarriorsonthewater@gmail.com We will direct you on where or who you will need to talk to.