H.O.O.A.H. Wisconsin was founded in 2013 by Nicholas (Nick) Gries and William (Will) Kocken. Originally established as 4th H.O.O.A.H. WI, the organization earned the “4th” designation because it was the fourth state chapter created under the national organization, H.O.O.A.H., Inc. Nick served as the organization’s first President, while Will served as Vice President.
The idea for the organization began with a simple goal. Nick and Will wanted to organize a community 5K race and donate the proceeds to a nonprofit supporting veterans. As they researched organizations, however, they struggled to find one they were fully confident would use the donations in the way they envisioned. They wanted complete transparency and the ability to ensure every dollar raised would directly improve the lives of veterans.
During that search, Nick spoke with a longtime family friend, Rocky Otto, who was serving as President of the Minnesota H.O.O.A.H. chapter. Rocky explained that they had the opportunity to establish their own Wisconsin chapter under the H.O.O.A.H. organization, giving them the flexibility to determine how funds would be raised and invested in their local veteran community.
Recognizing the opportunity to make a lasting impact, Nick and Will immediately began laying the foundation for what would become H.O.O.A.H. Wisconsin. Although the original vision centered around a 5K race, everything changed just ten days before Veterans Day 2013.
Will proposed an entirely different idea: organize a Veteran Suicide Awareness March. At the time, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported that an average of 22 veterans died by suicide each day, making a 22-mile march a powerful symbol of the crisis affecting veterans across the nation. With only ten days to plan, recruit participants, secure support, and spread the word, Nick and Will worked around the clock to make the event a reality.
Against all expectations, the inaugural march was a tremendous success. The event brought together over 80 veterans, families, and community members while raising more than $11,000 in its very first year. More importantly, it established the culture that would define H.O.O.A.H. Wisconsin: taking bold action, engaging the community, and finding innovative ways to support veterans.
With funds now available, the next challenge was deciding how to use them. Nick and Will were determined not to simply write checks to existing programs. Instead, they wanted to create experiences and opportunities unlike anything being offered elsewhere which was to create programs that would restore confidence, rebuild purpose, strengthen camaraderie, and create lasting memories for veterans. That vision led to the creation of the Freedom Freefall program that summer. The inaugural event brought together seven veterans representing every major American conflict from World War II through the Global War on Terrorism. The veterans shared stories, built new friendships, and ultimately completed tandem skydives together. The event demonstrated that healing often comes through shared experiences and renewed purpose, establishing a philosophy that would guide H.O.O.A.H. Wisconsin for years to come.