Our Mission

To show our appreciation for our fighting veterans by connecting them with others that share the same passions and are willing to get them into the outdoors and enjoying life again. We challenge all of the veterans that participate to “Pay It Forward” by spreading the word to their brothers and sisters that need help or could use some time in the outdoors to re-focus their minds on the important things in life!

Operation Pay It Forward was formed to help our returning warriors overcome the injuries and demons they brought back with them from combat. Our goal is to introduce or reintroduce these veterans to the outdoors and the associated healing effects and comradery that comes with it. These soldiers are then given a new mission – to connect with their veteran brothers and sisters that need help and involve them in OPIF’s mission to “pay it forward” to their brothers and sisters in arms.

“Our returning soldiers don’t deserve our pity or charity. These combat veterans are fighters and warriors. They deserve our appreciation and a path to transition back into civilian life. They deserve our help overcoming whatever physical or mental injuries they came home with a new mission to accomplish in their civilian life.” – Eric Pauly – Founder – OPIF.

Veterans Start Here

This organization was founded and is run by veterans that have been where you have been and understand what it is like to transition back to civilian life and overcome physical and mental injuries sustained while serving our country. We believe that our returning veterans are not charity cases that deserve our pity, but you are warriors and patriots that deserve our appreciation and help developing a healthy passion for the outdoors and the camaraderie and brotherhood that comes with it. Once you experience the healing effect of the outdoors, we will give you a new mission to help your veteran brothers and sisters experience the same healing process – to “Pay It Forward” and continue to heal by helping others. If you are interested or know someone that could benefit from one of our events. Please fill out the attached form or contact us directly on the “contact us” page if you have any specific questions.

Sponsors Start Here

Operation Pay It Forward could not complete our mission without the extensive support of our sponsors. Our sponsors include everyone from individuals that have the means and resources to host an event to large corporations that donate gear or other non-monetary resources to help make our veterans experience an unforgettable one. OPIF tries to facilitate, whenever possible, the donation of equipment and gear needed for our veterans to get out and coninue to pursue their passion for the outdoors with their own family and friends. If you would like to help sponsor an event or gear to help us change a veteran’s life, please fill out this form and we will contact you shortly!

"Operation Pay it Forward is run by the most selfless and generous people I know. Not one penny is profited in this organization, if anything they pay out of their own pocket to make things happen. I have personally seen the benefits this organization has on veterans and their families. They are very well organized and connected with the right people to ensure a positive and healing experience with wounded veterans."

Michael R. Gills

GySgt, U.S. Marine Corps