About

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Meet the Veterans Who Can Help You Out

Leslie VanDerau Founder

Leslie served in the Marine Corps Reserve, as a Combat Engineer from 2003-2009 with a deployment to Iraq for OIF II in 2004. When Leslie came out of the military she had years worth of anxiety, bad habits and vices, including a dependence on alcohol.

Leslie VanDerau

Founder

Leslie served in the Marine Corps Reserve, as a Combat Engineer from 2003-2009 with a deployment to Iraq for OIF II in 2004.

When Leslie came out of the military she had years worth of anxiety, bad habits and vices, including a dependence on alcohol.
Being outdoors, and fishing specifically, helped Leslie overcome these troubles.
If it involved fishing or hunting, she was doing it!
That's when, she decided, if finding therapy in the outdoors was helping her cope, it had to be doing so for other Veterans.
This inspired her to establish Heroes Outdoor Therapy.
Through Heroes Outdoor Therapy Leslie is able to pass along the passion that saved her, to other Veterans, in a similar situation.
Leslie wants Heroes Outdoor Therapy to be that vessel that will transport them outside, both figuratively and literally, and much like herself, help Veterans find therapy in the outdoors.

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Troy VanDerau Co-Founder

Troy became a U.S. Marine in 1991, serving until 1997. During his time as a Marine he was assigned to Marine Barracks 8th & I and 3rd Battalion 1st Marines. He grew up enjoying daily benefits of the outdoors with is family and friends. To Troy this was a way of life.

Troy VanDerau

Co-Founder

Troy became a U.S. Marine in 1991, serving until 1997. During his time as a Marine he was assigned to Marine Barracks 8th & I and 3rd Battalion 1st Marines.
He grew up enjoying daily benefits of the outdoors with is family and friends. To Troy this was a way of life.
It wasn’t until his adult years, that Troy realized how the outdoors had a therapeutic effect on himself and those who took time to enjoy it.
Troy considers his primary therapy catfishing. Through catfishing, he has met and fished with some amazing people, and looks forward to much more adventures.
Troy considers it an honor to be a part of Heroes Outdoor Therapy. Not only by serving his fellow Veterans, but also, helping them find therapy in the outdoors.

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Clint Graeff Hunt Coordinator

Clint became a U.S. Marine in 2004 serving until 2008. As an 0311 Infantrymen, he served in 3rd battalion 2nd Marines Betio Bastards. He completed 2 tours to Iraq and was award a Purple Heart in 2006.

Clint Graeff

Hunt Coordinator

Clint became a U.S. Marine in 2004 serving until 2008. As an 0311 Infantrymen, he served in 3rd battalion 2nd Marines Betio Bastards. He completed 2 tours to Iraq and was award a Purple Heart in 2006.

Clint grew up enjoying the outdoors in Pennsylvania where he still resides. In his adult years he has continued his passion of the outdoors volunteering his time with various nonprofits.

He has volunteered with Heroes Outdoor Therapy since it start in 2006 and recently has taken on the role as lead Hunt Coordinator.

Clint would consider his favorite outdoor type of hunting bear and turkey harvests.

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Rick Harro Pennsylvania Lead Turkey Guide

Since early childhood Rick’s outdoor passion began with fishing. In his teen years, he took on avidly turkey hunting, bass and flathead fishing. He fished semi pro for 6 years on the red man circuit.

Rick Harro

Pennsylvania Lead Turkey Guide

Since early childhood Rick’s outdoor passion began with fishing. In his teen years, he took on avidly turkey hunting, bass and flathead fishing. He fished semi pro for 6 years on the red man circuit.

At age 57 he has 18 plus years as experienced talented costume call maker.

He has 2 years volunteering with Heroes Outdoor Therapy as a turkey guide and considers it an honor to take service men out to experience the passion he loves!

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