From June 17–20, 2024, Rivers of Recovery hosted a special women’s retreat in Danbury, Wisconsin, welcoming eight women veterans—including Air Force and Army alumnae—for four days of connection, reflection, and healing on the water. Among the participants were Valarie Merced, PMO Project Manager, and LaVonia Melson, Customer Care Representative, both generously sponsored by Stryten Energy.
These women didn’t just show up—they showed others what’s possible after service. As veterans themselves, Valarie and LaVonia volunteered to take part in this therapeutic retreat to support fellow veterans and to explore their own next chapters. Alongside six other participants, they embraced the Rivers of Recovery model: connection through nature, shared experience, and mindful recreation.
The group stayed in an eight-bedroom cabin complete with a pool table and game room. The first night was all about introductions, laughter, and a casual pizza dinner that set the tone for an open, welcoming space.
“Everybody made us feel so welcome,” LaVonia said. “We all wanted to be around each other and hear about each other’s previous experiences.”
The next morning, the group began their fly-fishing journey with casting lessons in a nearby park led by two experienced female guides. By mid-morning, they were drifting down the river in pairs—two veterans and a guide per boat—for a full six-hour adventure on the water.
“The guides taught us about safety precautions, proper fishing techniques and how to tie flies,” Valarie explained.
For LaVonia, it was a brand-new experience: “It was my first time fly-fishing, and I’m so glad I got to do it. With some encouragement, I faced my fear and touched one of the fish I caught,” she added with a laugh.
As always with Rivers of Recovery, the trip was about more than catching fish. It was about finding stillness, perspective, and peer support.
“Of course we were there to fish, but the trip brought me clarity,” said LaVonia. “It gave me a lot of time to think and reflect on some decisions that I had to make personally. It was just a good time to relax and clear my head.”
Evenings brought the group back together for bonding, crafts, and spontaneous karaoke sessions that deepened their sense of community.
“We all wanted to do something together—there was no separation, no cliques. Everyone became close,” LaVonia shared.
“I was so comfortable with everyone,” Valarie added. “I made new friends, and we even sang karaoke together.”
This retreat gave the women veterans not just the chance to learn a new skill or try something outside their comfort zone, but also the space to reconnect—with nature, with one another, and with themselves.
We’re deeply grateful to Stryten Energy for making Valarie and LaVonia’s participation possible. Their support helps us continue offering life-changing experiences to those who’ve served.
Valarie Merced served three years of active duty and six years in the U.S. Army Reserve, including assignments at The Pentagon and Fort Belvoir.
LaVonia Melson served nine and a half years in the U.S. Air Force as an Imagery Production Specialist, with assignments in New Mexico, the Republic of Panama, and Ohio.
To Valarie and LaVonia—thank you for your service, your strength, and your presence on the river.
