Southern Outdoor Dreams is truly an amazing charity! I’ve gone hunting a few times, but SOD helped me snag a beautiful trophy buck! They made me feel welcome and at home immediately upon arrival at the ranch where the hunt was located. There were many great memories and friendships made around the campfire at night, and everyone involved is obviously so passionate about getting those with disabilities out into nature to hunt a dream animal. I didn’t have a single bad experience whatsoever. I cannot recommend them enough!!!
Southern Outdoor Dreams is a wonderful organization that has been and will continue to be a blessing to veterans and children in our area. I am so happy that I have crossed paths with these amazing people!
How do you describe a dream come true? My son has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, so the outdoors is usually inaccessible. from the moment we drove on to the property, the team was incredible. They helped my son figure out how to participate in the activity. They worked to make sure he had all the adaptations he needed. The whole team was there to serve young man. Their up front preparation even included finding out my son's favorite snacks and having them ready.
The hunt itself was remarkable, and safety was their priority throughout. We were able to make a memory that myself and my son will carry with us for the rest of our lives. While they could easily use their space for commercial hunts, the Southern Outdoor Dreams team of volunteers make it happen for these young people and veterans with no expectation in return.
My granddaughter Sydney had an experience she always wanted to do! Thank you for making one of her dreams come true!
My son was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer 2002 and passed in June of this year. SOD gave him a great hunting experience and a great fishing experience he may have never got to do if not for SOD!!! SOD has been doing this for all unfortunate kids and adults, including deserving LEOs and 1st responders!!! Thank you SOD for all you do!!!!
I love this organization and their leadership! They lead from the heart and are focused on making sure the recipients have an amazing outdoor experience.
My brother attended several events through SOD that he cherished as a lifetime experience each time! SOD treated him and his family to many unforgettable memories and the family is forever grateful! 10 star organization!
I never thought I’d have the opportunity to be apart of such a giving group of individuals who whole heartedly go out of their way to support Veterans and the youth who are dealing life changing events.
Even though I didn’t feel like I deserved this hunt, they did, and I’m glad they did, because I left that ranch for the better. Being wounded, PTSD, and survival’s guilt can bring the strongest to their knees, but thank the good lord that Southern Outdoor Dreams volunteers, and sponsors help us together for a few days of war stories, deep hearted talks and the brotherhood we miss so much. God Bless everyone of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart!
This is a truly wonderful organization. They hosted a beach house for me and my family while us veterans went out fishing. They also had an amazing banquet that recognize all veterans, disable children and first responders. Thank you to all the organizers of this organization. You're all truly amazing. Kevin Karl, your the man brother!!
I was invited by the awesome crew from SOD, and boy did they deliver. Great group of folks here. We spent 2 full days deep sea fishing. I knocked off a bucket list fish with a awesome Mahi. Thank you for your service to the veterans community and less fortunate children.
A great organization! These people have big hearts and it’s been a joy to witness their generosity within our community.
This organization, Southern Outdoor Dreams, is a blessing to so many, including myself. I am a disabled veteran that served in Iraq and Afghanistan. My experiences from the military limit the joys I can find in life. Southern Outdoor Dreams took me into consideration and donated a kayak to me. They have no idea what it has done for me. It's more than a kayak. It's a means of finding joy and the outdoors again. They have helped give me something to look forward to and break the cycle of sitting alone with my thoughts and memories. I am now able to get out and experience the world and all it's wonders. Southern Outdoor Dreams helped change my life and finally meet wonderful people, all by a simple act of generosity. They are unbelievable and doing amazing work for the people that are often looked over. Thank you forever SOD!!
Fantastic organization operated by even better people. Very proud to have them in our community making a difference!
The leadership and supporters of SOD are truly exceptional, which is why this organization continues to provide life changing opportunities to many deserving individuals and families. As the father of a recipient, I personally have witnessed the physical, emotional, and spiritual blessing this organization has provided. As a business owner, I appreciate the opportunity to partner with SOD in giving back to help further their mission! Thank you SOD!
Southern Outdoor Dreams is truly amazing and the work they are doing is paying off in the lives of veterans across the state. I connected with some awesome veterans and dedicated staff and volunteers at this years offshore fishing event. It’s definitely a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.
What can I say, Southern outdoor dreams is an amazing organization. Being just a small part of it is uplifting. Seeing the opportunities that are extended to these children and the veterans shows there are still good people.
I'm overwhelmed with pride that my daughter and son-in-law helped start SOD! They are more than just about granting wishes for special needs children and veterans. Their goal is to also include the families of these special honorees! Because they know that it takes a special family to meet and continue to meet the many needs that come up every single day! SOD has evolved into so much more than planned! Literally thousands are now involved in the success of SOUTHERN OUTDOOR DREAMS! Iv'e seen firsthand the joy that's celebrated with these individuals on their adventures and I've seen the utter devastation of feelings when their disease takes them home. SOD grieves and supports right along side the families at the worse time in their lives. Unfortunately, we have lost 3 this year. SOD will continue because of the joy and the encouragement that these children and veterans have given to us! I'm just a Life Volunteer and feel so proud to be part of this Special group of loving, Christian people. GOD BLESS THEM!
One of the best organizations I could ever be a part of. SOD will take your donations and turn them into life changing events for everyone involved. This organization shows the love and care that so many of us want to show, but they actually turn our wants into action and make miracles happen. From hunting with specialized weaponry to fishing events offshore, they have the outdoor events that benefit so many! Thanks for letting us be a part of the team!
I love this organization. We get to meet some of the most courageous people in the world. We are blessed to share some amazing adventures with some awesome kiddos and heroes. Love the stories and the smiles. Keep up the good work SOD!!
One of the most amazing experiences I have every had. They treated me like family!!! I had a fishing trip of a lifetime. Gained new look on life and a new love for the water.
It has truly been a blessing to volunteer for SOD. I love getting to know the kids and vets that go hunting and fishing. It’s amazing to see how much fun each participant has with their outdoor experience. I am so thankful that I get to be a part of such a wonderful organization.
Southern Outdoor Dreams went about an beyond for my daughter. They are a tremendous organization. The hunt was amazing and the fellowship was even better. It was a blessing watching my daughter harvest an amazing animal.
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Words cannot explain the joy and pure happiness this group brought to my son. These people volunteer so much time to show these disabled kids and veterans a good time. This organization is a huge family and we are proud to be a part of that and look forward to volunteering our time to help others how they have help us.
Outstanding organization here in the heart of Texas. They have helped kids and veterans who would not normally get to go hunting or fishing. They make real dreams come true. Fully support these folks in their mission.
This organization is dear to my heart. This was my first year to go to the banquet and omg the adventures they take these disabled children and veterans on is amazing. I have a handicapped son and a disable veteran husband, so watching them do all of these adventures for others in wonderful. It’s great to know that this organization stepped up to help others. I hope to get to be apart of this wonderful group of people that take their time to make sure another enjoys their life.
My wife and I were participants of the offshore fishing trip sponsored by Southern Outdoor Dreams. My wife is a Navy Veteran of 12 years and I, a 20 year Navy veteran/ Retiree Purple Heart recipient, OIF 2004. We were privileged to stay in a gorgeous beach house on the waterfront and got to meet other brothers and sisters from various branches, primarily Army, but aside from that we really jived together the first minute we met. The food was spectacular and the fellowship was beyond words. The offshore trip with Capt Jeff Naylor and wife Megan was a memorable trip, Capt put us on some good Mahi and then helped us bring in a slew of fish ranging from Red Snapper, King Fish, Cobias/Ling and ultimately our biggest catch which was a 10'+ Hammerhead Shark... battling this fish was exhausting, took three strong men to get it close enough to the boat before the line snapped. We were able to get good footage of the encounter. . Overall, we enjoyed our visit and made some life long friends. A special thank you to SOD, STSLA, supporters and benefactors that make this organization what it is. Continue the hard work. Hope to meet with them again.
kwkarl 10/14/2021
Thank you for the kind words. I was a honor hosting you and your wife.
Yall are doing amazing things. I had the best time with my family and "brother" George . I can't say enough good things about all of the SOD guys and everyone else involved. Got to fish all weekend long , Duke took us out on the boat . It was an amazing experience. Look forward to seeing you all again soon at the banquet.
kwkarl 10/14/2021
Thank you for the review. Josh, it was a complete honor to host Heroes like you.
Talk about having a great memorable experience! I'm a purple heart veteran and being able to have fun with other wounded veterans was great. SOD provided a beautiful beach house for the weekend. Went all out on food and gifts for us. It was my first time ever fishing offshore and man did I get spoiled! I don't think I'll will ever have that much fishing again. The whole experience was great and you can tell they honestly care about veterans and the kids! I hope I get a chance to do another trip with SOD and I highly recommend anyone eligible to attend an event to do it. Thanks again SOD and everyone involved.
kwkarl 10/14/2021
Thank you for the kind review. It was amazing meeting you and hearing your story. You are such an inspiration to so many.
I am a 100% permanent and total disabled veteran from 10 years US Army 16 years as a deputy sheriff an Harris County an Houston Texas was involved in a major accident and these guys took me on my first hunting trip ever we went on and some ducks and then an alligator and only cost me to gas to get there professional guys who took care of me and I am very supportive everything they do
I work for a company that made a donation to Southern Outdoor Dreams. I've seen firsthand the wonderful things they do for children and veterans in our community. I am proud that we were able to support this incredible organization - and am confident that we will continue to support them and their mission for years to come.
kwkarl 10/14/2021
Thank you Amanda and Phillips 66 for your continued support. Without donors like you we wouldn't be able to help so many kids and heroes.
This organization rocks ! They invited us to a few events. My son Dustin was born with Spina Bifida and uses a wheelchair. He got to do a duck hunt, a fishing trip and a hog hunt from a helicopter throughout the years. We are incredible blessed to have had these opportunities! And on top of that - they always included my other 3 kids as well! I will be forever thankful.
Thank you guys for letting us experience all these things that we would have never experienced otherwise. Y’all are so much appreciated!❤️❤️❤️
My son had a blast on his hunt with S.O.D.! It was an amazing experience that will forever be etched in our memories. The accommodations were great and the food was even better! Everyone was super friendly and treated us like family. S.O.D. took care of every possible detail with very little involvement from me. It was truly a hassle-free weekend. All we had to do was show up and have fun!
S.O.D. is a great family-oriented organization that truly embodies the spirit of inclusion. I experienced first-hand, regardless of physical ability, they will find a way to make your outdoor dream come true. More organizations like this are desperately needed in the disability community. S.O.D. does a great job of providing hope and demonstrating that with the right people and equipment, anything is possible.
We don't have the words to express our gratitude to Southern Outdoor Dreams. These guys go above and beyond to help others experience the great outdoors. During the 2019 hunting season they took our son on the hunt of a lifetime and enabled him to harvest a beautiful buck. This organization and the individuals involved with it are a huge blessing to so many people by helping them overcome challenges and realize dreams can come true.
This organization is amazing !! They most recently took me out to go hog hunting from a helicopter and were so kind to let my whole family participate. It was definitely an amazing experience. I couldn’t thank them enough for what they have done for me:)
We are so thankful to be part of this organization that honors these outstanding kids and veterans. We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of these life-changing experiences and hope to impact more families each year!
I am glad to of had the privilege of going on this fishing trip, I had never been bay fishing so it was an honest to have gone.
This was a good time to hang out with fellow veterans and bring back the brotherhood as we were in the service.
This is a great organization ran by great people , I will always recommend this organization to any other veteran out there.
kwkarl 10/14/2021
Thank you sir. It was an honor to host you at our first VetFish.
I had the privilege and honor to be invited to join this group of great Americans that weekend. The food was outstanding, accommodations were top class and we were treated like family. The fishing guides they teamed us up with on Saturday were some of the best in the business and put us on fish like no other guides could. To the staff of S.O.D. thank you for such a memorable weekend, it was truly a weekend that will not be forgotten. To those reading this review and are looking for a way to help, please donate to this organization what you can, I can assure you the funds will be put towards a great cause.
kwkarl 10/14/2021
Thank you for the kind words Matt. It was a honor to host you and your son. Cant wait for our next adventure.
SDO invited me, (Purple Heart disabled Veteran) for an all inclusive fishing weekend in Matagorda, Tx. From the first moment I arrived I was greeted with a smile and made to feel at home. They fed us great meals, took us fishing, and provided a very nice exclusive venue for fellow Veterans and their families to fellowship. The weekend went by way too fast but I will always remember the washer's tournament and catching my first true bull redfish! Outstanding organization.
SOD has been extremely wonderful to work with. We specialize in taking disabled/ill youth and veterans hunting and fishing.
We recently had our first Veterans Fishing Weekend which was a huge success. we took 5 veterans and their families on guided fishing trips in Matagorda, Texas. Each guest was provided lodging, food and drinks for the weekend. We also made sure they left with some great gear.
Please take a minute and check out our site. www.southernoutdoordreams.org
Comments ( 1 )
kwkarl 10/14/2021 Thank you for the review. Paul, I can never thank you enough for your sacrifice to this great country. Sitting in the stand with you was an absolute honor and I will NEVER forget it.