Why We Exist.

Longbow Foundation stands by combat veterans as they transition from active duty to civilian life. Read the story behind the mission, then meet the team, partners, and members who make it possible.

story

Our Founder's Story

Longbow Foundation didn’t start in a boardroom, or with a business plan. It started in the cockpit of an AH-64D Apache Longbow, thousands of feet above the treacherous topography of the Hindu Kush Mountains in Afghanistan, where I flew through countless nights, scanning the terrain for threats, knowing that the men and women flying beside me and on the ground depended on my persistent focus for survival. It started in the relentless adrenaline of combat operations, where there was no room for error and the mission always came first. It started in the moments between those missions, where I witnessed firsthand the weight that combat places on the shoulders of those who fight monsters.

I spent nine years in military aviation, accumulating over 1,200 flight hours, 200 of them in combat, supporting some of the most elite warriors in the world: ODA teams, ANSOF 60 Commandos, CIA operatives, UK Special Forces, and various NATO units. The work was demanding, the stakes were life or death, and the men I served alongside were among the best the world has to offer. But what I wasn't prepared for was what would happen after.

When my time in uniform came to an end, I found myself standing at a crossroads. I had spent years executing missions with precision, following orders, and carrying out objectives that were clear and defined. The standard was perfection. But now I was stepping into a world where no mission orders were given, where I had to define my own purpose. And I quickly realized I wasn't alone. Countless combat veterans, especially my friends from the special operations and aviation communities, were facing the same fight.

For many, combat isn't the hardest part of their story. Coming home is. The structure, the brotherhood, and the relentless drive of service don't just disappear when you take off the uniform. But what happens when the mission ends and you haven't found a new one? Too many warriors find themselves without direction, without purpose, and without the support they need to transition into a meaningful next chapter.

That's why I created The Longbow Foundation: to change that story.

A New Mission

Healing doesn't happen in an office. It happens in the wild.

For me, the outdoors became a lifeline. Hunting, fishing, snowboarding, and exploring weren’t just hobbies. In nature, I found clarity, strength, and the space to reconnect with who I was. The outdoors offers veterans room to reflect, a way to process their past, rediscover purpose, and forge a new path forward.

Longbow Foundation exists to do more than offer a break. It’s about building a new mission. We guide veterans through outdoor experiences that ignite purpose, backed by mentorship, brotherhood, and real-world planning. Our goal? Help them define what’s next, create a clear vision, and connect with the people and tools they need to thrive. The battlefield may be behind them, but their mission continues, and we’re here to help them win it.

This is my mission now. At Longbow Foundation, we ensure our warriors never face the next chapter alone. We’re building a new approach to support those who’ve given everything, and we invite you to stand with us. Because the toughest battles aren’t always fought on the frontlines. They’re often waged in the silence that follows.

Chase-Carlton

Chase Carlton

Founder and Director

Our Mission

Our mission is to help combat veterans make the transition from active military service to civilian life with renewed purpose and a clear vision for what comes next. Through a personal roadmap, time outdoors, and a trusted network of relationships and resources, we empower veterans to build a meaningful life beyond the uniform.

Our Vision

Our vision is a future where every combat veteran thrives beyond military service, living a life of purpose, fulfillment, and opportunity.

Get to Know Longbow

Our Team

Meet the leadership guiding the Longbow Foundation.

Our Partners

Organizations and individuals helping us empower veterans and change lives.

Our Members

A community that seeks adventure, friendship, and new experiences, all while supporting veterans.

Our Team Works to Change Veteran Lives

Our team works tirelessly to serve the veteran community in a unique way. We get to know each veteran on a personal level and make sure the tools and resources provided meet each veteran’s needs. Our team of veterans, outdoorsmen, educators, mentors, and hunting guides make it possible for our veterans to find and lead a new team in their next chapter of life.

Stand with us.

The journey beyond service is different for every veteran. We’re here to help them build connections, discover possibilities, and define what comes next.

Field notes from Longbow

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Longbow Foundation

Longbow Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity.

Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

EIN: 33-1329592

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