DECOMPRESS

RESET

ENJOY

Excursions and adventures with your fellow Special Operations brothers

VETERAN EXCURSIONS

Veteran Excursions is dedicated to facilitating the mental and physical recovery of our Special Operations veterans on the road to recovery, some with PTS, TBI, or other physical or mental challenges by offering whitewater rafting, Winter Alpine Touring trips in the Rocky Mountains and other excursions.

WHITEWATER rAFTING

ALPINE TOURING

OFF ROAD ADVENTURES

The trip healed my soul in a way I didn’t think was possible. I am a better version of myself because of the experience and would recommend this once in a lifetime opportunity to any of my brothers.
Bruce N.
US Army Special Forces
For the first time in a long time, I had no worries, stress and mostly off the grid. Continue the great work on this admirable program.
Steve L.
2 PPCLI Canadian Forces, Winnipeg Manitoba Police Forces
Being around great American patriots who understand you does some amazing things for you. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet the men who were on this trip. They helped me realize that I am not in this alone and not to mention I have gained 13 more men who I now call... brother!!
Paul Y.
US Marine, Security Contractor
Guys were able to relax, discuss, learn, play, and contemplate. Being able to relate to both civilians and other military people is critical, especially for guys who have discharged recently.
Davin C.
US Army Special Forces
I found passion again after this experience, something that I lost somewhere along my journey. I would highly recommend this to any veteran that needs to reconnect and feel great. Not only did it help me, it helped my wife and my son.
Rick Q.
Disable Vet, Tanker, US Army
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TRIP SPOTLIGHT

An All-Women Veterans Trip Through the Gates of Lodore

In June 2025, we organized the first-ever, all-women veterans multi-day rafting trip through the Gates of Lodore in Dinosaur National Monument. This five-day journey brought together women veterans to find strength, healing, and connection through the river.

Click on the links below to read articles that were written about the trip:
Where River, Service, and Industry Meet: An All-Women Veterans Trip Through the Gates of Lodore
The Ladies of Lodore: Lessons in Healing and Going with the Flow

Veteran Excursions began around 2017, when I recognized that after 34 years of service, my deployment days were numbered. I still had a lot to offer — and I knew my veteran brothers needed a way to stay connected, just as much as I did.

Growing up in Western Colorado, I discovered that nature was my greatest mental reset. Whether on the Colorado River or the alpine trails, those outdoor experiences brought clarity and healing nothing else could match. Knowing the battles so many veterans face after returning home, I wanted to offer that same therapy to my brothers in arms.

We've partnered with the best in whitewater rafting and alpine touring — and together, we are bringing Veteran Excursions to as many brothers as we can.

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Board of Directors
The Excursions We Provide Are Reliant On Donations. Help Support These Brave Veterans.
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©2026 Veteran Excursions. All Rights Reserved.

Eleanor Ansback

Ambassador, Board Member
Hi, I’m Eleanor! I’ve been whitewater kayaking for over 18 years, and my mission at Veteran Excursions is to bring more women veterans out on the river in a safe, fun, and empowering way. I also help with donations for trip needs by working with retailers to provide whitewater gear. My goal is to open up this amazing community to any woman who is curious about watersports. In 2025, I was proud to help build the first team of 11 wonderful women for an incredible 5-day excursion whitewater rafting down the Gates of Lodore in Dinosaur National Monument. Living on the river for five days is a trip of a lifetime.

Off the river, I manage sales, customer service, and operations at Watershed Drybags. It's a role that positions me perfectly to connect with all kinds of beautiful humans who share a love for the water that sustains us all. When we are out on the rapids together, my focus is entirely on keeping everyone safe—reading currents, supporting others while keeping a close eye on the group so you can just breathe, relax, and enjoy the ride. I’m here to support our female veterans so they can truly unwind, build lasting friendships, stay in the flow, and find a real sense of adventure and community on and off the water. I do this because these women have given so much to protect our freedom, and they deserve a space where they can finally let their guard down, connect, and heal.

TYLER CROWLEY

Oarsman, Board Member
Hi, I’m Tyler! My life has always revolved around the water. I started out as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and drown-proofing coach in Fort Liberty, NC. That eventually led to a career in offshore commercial diving and rigging for nearly 10 years combined. While I now work in Quality Assurance, the river is where my heart is. I’ve been volunteering as a guide since 2017, and I hold a Class IV Swiftwater Rescue certification. For me, nothing beats the thrill of navigating rapids, except maybe sharing that unforgettable experience with our guests while keeping everyone safe on the water. I especially love using my skills to give back to the community and guiding trips for veterans, helping provide them with camaraderie, healing and adventure in the great outdoors."

KATHLEEN CROWLEY

CFO, Board Member
Kathleen has worked in the Airline industry for over 17 years, Air Charter company, United, American, Delta, and Southwest Airline. She served as the Registrar for Beach United Football Club for 10 years. Because she has performed so well managing finances for Philip, It was a natural choice to become the Chief of Finance for Veteran Excursions.

Thubelihle Nkomazana

Vice, Board Member
Thuba Nkomazana is a Zimbabwe-born soccer professional and educator with a global career spanning playing, coaching, club leadership, and real estate. As the youngest of six siblings, Thuba grew up speaking multiple languages and developed a lifelong passion for the game.

He began his professional football journey in Zimbabwe before moving to the United States on a soccer scholarship. Thuba helped lead teams to two national championships in the U.S.—one as a player and another as a coach—demonstrating a strong track record of success on and off the field.

For 14 years, he has served as Club Director at Beach United FC, guiding the club’s development and directing program strategy. Under his leadership, numerous players earned college scholarships, reflecting his commitment to player advancement and education.

In addition to his soccer career, Thuba has worked in real estate for six years, helping buyers and sellers in South Carolina and holding an active real estate license in the state.

PHIL CROWLEY

Founder, CEO, Oarsman
Philip Crowley is a Veteran Excursions oarsman, Primary Medic, Trip Leader, and the founder of Veteran Excursions established circa 2017. With 34 years of US Army Special Operations and OGA service to our great country he is still giving back by providing river excursions for Special Operations Veterans on their way to recovery from the issues facing our warriors today. He’s amassed experience on the Arkansas, Roaring Fork, Colorado (Ruby, Horsethief, Westwater), Yampa, and Green River (Deso/Gray, Gates of Lodore) as an oarsman and as a passenger since 1995. Originally from Grand Junction, Colorado he can appreciate our awesome National Parks and Rivers natural healing qualities and is providing a segue for other Veterans to experience the same therapy.
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