Axe-Idental Heroes Fall Fundraiser 2025

Written By Joshua Grzywa

Burying the Hatchet on the Mental Health Stigma for Veterans and First Responders

On Saturday, November 8th, more than 100 friends and supporters of DSV gathered at Recess Tempe for a night of fun and laughter sponsored by Mariano & Co. - Your Contractor for Life. The goal was to raise $20,000 to support the next series of retreats that will host Veterans and First Responders from across the country on their next journey of healing.

Heroes of the Hatchet

2025 featured a new event, the “Heroes of the Hatchet” axe throwing tournament. 32 guests competed in a winner-takes-all competition of accuracy, determination, and taunting. While accuracy was in low supply, determination and taunting was everywhere with safety coming in third as always. In the end, Omar - representing Pour Wine and Taproom (Lane Sponsor)- came out victorious taking home a $100 Scheels Gift Card, Axe Embedded glasses from Ben Shot, and the illustrious Axe-Idental Heroes 2025 Hatchet of Honor. Congrats to Omar and everyone at Pour Wine and Taproom, our 2025 “Heroes of the Hatchet” champion!

Raising Funds to Facilitate Healing

As in previous years, the on site raffle and silent auction were filled with items for just about any interest, hobby, taste, or scene. A few of the notable items included:

  • Date Night Package for couples with experiences such as a blacksmithing course, gift cards to restaurants throughout the Valley, and event tickets to various activities.

  • Bose Quiet Comfort Headset

  • Custom Pens (A special thanks to Travis, DSV’s Dir. of Clinical Services for making these amazing pens)

  • Samsung 55” Smart TV

  • Dive Package from NEX

  • Artwork

  • Custom made knives

  • GoPro 12 Sports Package

Praesidus Watch Co. - Honoring Service and Sacrifice.

A significant donation to the silent auction came from Kate with Praesidus Watch Co. and their donation of the Iwo Jima 80th Commemoration Victory Sands Orange timepiece. Honoring those that fought and sacrificed during WWII at Iwo Jima, many Marines in attendance spent the evening outbidding one another for a chance to own this amazing homage to history. In the end, an Air Force Veteran walked away disappointing the salty Marines.

Founded in 2019, Praesidus creates rugged, American-built timepieces inspired by the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of those who serve. Rooted in a mission to honor veterans and military history, the brand began with a faithful recreation of a World War II–era A-11 watch lost during the Normandy landings on D-Day. Even its name—derived from the Latin word for “protector”—reflects a deep respect for those who stand watch in defense of others. Engineered for precision, endurance, and reliability under the toughest conditions, Praesidus watches are built for service members, outdoor explorers, and everyday adventurers alike. With designs that perform in the field and look sharp anywhere, Praesidus reminds us that time isn’t just measured—it’s earned.

Kate also spoke with a few DSV alumni about participation in Praesidus’ Pass the Torch. Pass the Torch is more than a digital magazine—it is a living archive of courage, sacrifice, and resilience created by Praesidus to honor veterans of the past while igniting heroes of the future. Born from Praesidus’ longstanding commitment to service and sacrifice, the platform preserves the stories and legacies of veterans, service members, and first responders, carrying their voices forward like a flame passed from one generation to the next. Through real, lived accounts of courage, brotherhood, and everyday heroism, Pass the Torch celebrates the belief that courage is contagious and not confined to the battlefield. By capturing and sharing these stories, Praesidus ensures their light continues to guide future generations—honoring the past, inspiring the present, and awakening the hero within us all. We are excited to see the stories of DSV alumni highlighted within the digital pages of Pass the Torch.

All Star Liveaboards

For the past decade, All Star Liveaboards and Blackbeard’s Cruises has supplied the vessel our participants call home for their week at sea. Without the support of Bruce, Peggy, Mark, Beth, Barbara, Trudy, Cody, Drew, Chris, and so many more, this program wouldn’t be what it is today. Their professionalism and support has helped to shift the trajectory of countless lives over the years and we look forward to our time aboard the Morning Star during each retreat. Their generosity continues outside of our retreats as they have donated a $1,000 voucher for our raffle each year. This year, Manthan (DSV 2022 Alumni) walked away with a big grin and plans for a trip back to the Bahamas.

Vortex Optics

Vortex Optics has supplied DSV with a set of laser range finders and binoculars each year for the past 3 years running. These items find their way into our Outdoor Enthusiast package and are sought after each year with a bidding war being led by whomever was beat out the year previous. Thank you to everyone at Vortex Optics for your continued support.

Support from 1,400 miles away…

The items featured in this year’s silent auction and raffle came from many companies but one individual was responsible for reaching out and contacting more than 90% of the donors. Richard, DSV Alumni and Ambassador, took the lead in making the phone calls, writing emails, making follow-up phone calls, and coordinating the delivery and timing of so many items. Without his efforts, the prizes that were bid upon that ultimately will help fund DSV’s next retreat, would not have been available. His efforts and support cannot be understated and everyone at DSV thanks him and his family for their support.

Axe-Idental Heroes Sponsors

Every fundraiser needs sponsors and donors from around the community beyond the individuals in attendance. These companies recognize the work DSV is doing in the lives of men and women who raised their hand to defend this country and serve their communities. We couldn’t do this without them. Thank you to all our sponsors for your generosity and commitment to DSV:

If you are a business owner and looking for a way to make meaningful impact for your community, please email voayges@deepseavalkyries.com and we would love to partner with you at our next fundraiser!

Meaningful Results

At the end of the evening, after prizes were collected, awards handed out, decorations and volunteers packed out, the staff finally took a deep breath and relaxed. With the bills paid and silent auction closed, we were pleased to see we reached our goal of $20,000 raised. While the in-person attendance was lower than we had hoped, plans are in the works for next year with a higher goal, more items to raffle and to bid on in the silent auction, and another Axe Throwing tournament with better taunts (and hopefully better accuracy). Thank you once again to the staff of DSV that traveled from across the country, to the volunteers that gave of their time, our sponsors that wrote checks, and to all who attended and made the night one to remember.

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Joshua Grzywa
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