Who we are
Boots to Waders was founded in 2024 by Jeramie and Charlie, two veterans who share a deep passion for supporting those who have served our country. Having personally navigated their own health challenges related to service, both Jeramie and Charlie found solace and healing in the great outdoors—especially through fishing. It became their way to reconnect mentally, physically, and spiritually.
During a summer fishing charter in 2024, Jeramie and Charlie realized they weren’t alone in seeking this therapeutic escape. Many other veterans they met used fishing for similar reasons, and they felt compelled to help others experience the same benefits. After conducting surveys with various groups, both online and in person, it became clear there was a significant need to provide veterans and their families with this opportunity for healing and bonding.
Fueled by a shared vision, Jeramie and Charlie embarked on a mission to make this dream a reality. Their journey wasn’t without its challenges—countless hours were spent researching nonprofit regulations, estimating costs, and learning new skills like web design. At times, the stress of “what-ifs” threatened to overwhelm them. But one evening, as the weight of uncertainty grew heavy, they were inspired by the words of a song: “If you got a chance, take it. If you got a dream, chase it” (Cody Johnson “Til You Can’t”).
And so, Boots to Waders, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Palmer, Alaska was born. Today, we are here to honor and support the brave men and women who have served our country, promote physical and mental wellbeing, create lasting memories that strengthen bonds and enhance resilience through transformative outdoor experiences.
How we do it
Our mission is to serve all Department of Defense personnel, veterans, first responders, emergency responders and their families. With over 245,000 of these heroes and their family members in the state of Alaska, we are dedicated to providing support and care for them. Our organization is based in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, which is home to roughly one-quarter of Alaska’s population and serves as the starting point for our mission.
We partner with Alaskan charter operators, owned and run by local residents, to offer unique opportunities for healing and renewal on Alaska’s pristine waters. By providing access to some of the world’s best freshwater, saltwater, and ice fishing, we ensure our heroes have unforgettable adventures at no cost to them.
Our mission is fueled by the generosity of individuals and organizations who support our cause. We are committed to fully covering the cost of all charter services, never relying on service providers to discount or donate their services. This approach not only allows us to support our heroes but also helps stimulate the local economy, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between the veterans we serve and the communities that welcome them.
While we cover all service fees, we’ve found that many of the charter operators we work with share our passion for honoring our heroes and often offer discounted services, which we gratefully accept.
Contact us
Whether you have questions about our charter trips, want to donate services, become a sponsor, ACH transfers or need assistance with anything else, please feel free to reach out. Simply fill out the form below and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to connecting with you!