Social Scene: Outdoor Valor Warrior’s Gala
Dan and Deanna Eckhard pose for a photo during the 5th Annual Warrior’s Gala hosted by Outdooor Valor at Jumbolair in Anthony, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.
The ballroom at Jumbolair was the perfect setting on Feb. 21 for the fifth annual Outdoor Valor Warrior’s Gala, which had a Great Gatsby Speakeasy theme.
The faith-based nonprofit was established in 2016 and provides help for veterans who are experiencing PTSD and depression.
According to its website, founder and executive director Matt Schwanke is a US Army combat veteran who was deployed to Iraq. He also is a boat captain.
“When PTSD and depression made the transition home heavier than expected, Matt found something real in the outdoors. Fishing and hunting became more than hobbies, they became a reset, a way to breathe again, reconnect, and build strength alongside others who understood. In 2016, he founded Outdoor Valor to bring that same lifeline to fellow veterans, combining outdoor experiences with peer connection and holistic support to help warriors reclaim hope, purpose and momentum,” the site notes.
The leadership team also includes Maj. Michael Carrasquilla, USMC retired, president; Dr. Larry Schwanke, vice-president and founder; Terry Puckett, US Army, secretary; Matthew Flint, US Army, chaplain; and Kelly White, director.
Among the attendees at the event were former county commissioner and US Army veteran Earl Arnett, who was a combat medic in the Vietnam War era, from 1966-68, and his wife Shelia.
“It was an amazing event. Outdoor Valor’s mission is to help veterans form a community with other local veterans. Part of that mission is the Wednesday night Rally Point group. A safe place for veterans to share struggles they may be having. It’s a place where veterans can be ‘real’ with one another. A place where everyone in the room knows the fact that serving their country comes at a cost they pay for the rest of their lives. I am thankful and honored to be part of the Outdoor Valor community,” he said via a text message after the event.
To learn about all of the programs offered by the nonprofit, go to outdoorvalor.org
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