Veterans Experience Team

Learn, grow, and connect with fellow veterans through various activities, including recreational outings, local excursions, individual fitness training, and practical workshops. As a 501(c)(19) veterans organization, we are dedicated to serving veterans and their families in Northwestern Pennsylvania and the surrounding tri-state area, providing valuable programs and building strong community bonds.

A cozy wooden house on a porch during sunset with colorful clouds in the sky, surrounded by trees and a garden with flowers and small lamps.

Meet the Hightowers

Group of people at a celebration, including a woman in a red floral dress, a man in a military uniform, and two boys in tropical shirts, all wearing lei necklaces, standing under a large red United States Marine Corps flag.
A circular logo for Homefront, a home repairs and renovations business. The logo features two crossed hammers in the center, with the words "Veteran Owned" on the left and right sides, and the text "Home Repairs & Renovations" around the bottom of the circle.

Our “Amber Fir Cottage” project is being supported and led in part by Homefront Home Repairs and Renovations, a veteran-owned and family business committed to serving those who have served. The company is owned by Trey Hightower, a retired United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant with 20 years of service, including deployment in the Afghanistan War (Operation Enduring Freedom). His leadership, along with his team’s hands-on involvement, ensures that this cabin is being built with excellence, integrity, and a deep understanding of the mission behind it. We thank him and his family for their support!

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The Amber Fir Cottage

—a 16x32 frontier-style cabin that will serve as both a getaway cabin and central meeting space for our community.

This cabin is being created as a place of rest, connection, and belonging—a retreat where veterans and their families can gather, recharge, and build lasting relationships.

“On October 15, 2023, we dedicated the cabin to Amber Smith, the military spouse of VET★Group founder, Daniel Smith.”
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A dark gray house with three levels, surrounded by fall-colored trees; the house has several windows with wooden frames and a covered porch.

Founders &

Leadership

“VET-Group was created with a simple but meaningful mission: to foster connection, restoration, and community through recreational opportunities for veterans and their families. We believe that healing and camaraderie often happen outside of traditional settings—through shared experiences, time in nature, and meaningful fellowship.”
— The Founders
A soldier in uniform stands in front of a large military vehicle, holding a rifle, with a desert landscape and a clear sky in the background.
A soldier in camouflage uniform holding a rifle standing in front of a military helicopter inside a hangar.

Daniel Smith

PRESIDENT

VET-Group was founded by Daniel Smith, a medically retired United States Air Force Security Forces Noncommissioned Officer with 14 years of service. Throughout his military career, he served as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team member and held multiple roles during the Afghanistan War (Operation Enduring Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa), as well as in Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector during the First Libyan Civil War, along with numerous other missions and deployments. His firsthand experience, proven leadership, and unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans are the driving forces behind this mission.

A soldier in camouflage uniform standing by a sandbag wall at a military outpost, holding a rifle, with flags flying in the background.
A young man wearing sunglasses and a t-shirt sitting in the driver’s seat of a vintage or classic vehicle, possibly a Jeep or similar, with the window rolled down.

Brian Pierce

VICE PRESIDENT

He is joined by Brian Pierce, Co-Founder of VET-Group, a retired United States Army LPN Senior Noncommissioned Officer with 28 years of service. Throughout his career, he served in numerous locations during the Cold War, stood on the front lines along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and supported operations both stateside and overseas during the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. He shares a steadfast commitment to the vision of building a strong, supportive community for veterans and their families

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A lush green forest with tall trees and bright green grass on the ground, sunlight filtering through the leaves.
Blooming tree with white and pink flowers among green foliage and trees in the background.

Our upcoming offerings

Archery & Shooting Range

Designing a well-maintained archery and firearms range creates a safe, enjoyable environment for both beginners and experienced shooters to practice and refine their skills. A thoughtful layout includes clearly marked shooting lanes, proper backstops or targets, and strict safety protocols to ensure responsible use at all times. Incorporating both archery and firearm areas allows for a versatile training space, while attention to cleanliness, organization, and accessibility enhances the overall experience. Providing dedicated access and opportunities for veterans further strengthens the purpose of the range, offering them a supportive space to train, connect, and continue building discipline and focus. With the right balance of safety, structure, and atmosphere, such a range can foster skill development and a strong sense of community among all its users.

Building & Craft Projects

Hands-on craft and building projects can serve as powerful tools for veterans to reconnect, collaborate, and grow together. By working side by side on meaningful tasks—whether it’s woodworking, metalworking, restoring equipment, or constructing community spaces—veterans can channel their skills and experiences into something tangible and rewarding. These projects naturally create an environment where conversation flows more easily, trust is rebuilt, and camaraderie develops over time. As each project progresses, so do the relationships, giving participants a shared sense of purpose and accomplishment. In this way, the act of building becomes more than just creating physical items—it becomes a pathway for strengthening bonds, fostering resilience, and rebuilding a sense of community.

Fishing Access

Veterans have direct access to a designated section of the West Branch French Creek Conservation Area, offering a peaceful and natural setting for reflection, recreation, and connection with the outdoors. This access is made even more convenient by a dedicated trail that begins at the Amber Fir Cottage, providing a clear and accessible path that leads straight into the conservation area. The trail allows veterans to move seamlessly from the comfort of the cottage into the beauty of the surrounding landscape, creating an inviting and restorative experience right at their doorstep.

Tri-state Excursions

Our tri-state area excursions are designed to give veterans meaningful opportunities to connect, explore, and rediscover a sense of camaraderie beyond their everyday environments. Through these outings, participants can experience new places, engage in shared activities, and build lasting relationships with fellow veterans who understand their journey. By creating a supportive and welcoming atmosphere, these excursions encourage personal growth, strengthen community bonds, and provide a refreshing space where veterans can relax, connect, and enjoy the freedom to explore together.

A river flowing through a forest with leafless trees and fallen logs in the water, under a partly cloudy sky.

Our organization offers a variety of activities designed to bring veterans together, including:

  • Archery and outdoor sports (including access to a shooting range)

  • Fishing excursions (with direct access to a section of the West Branch French Creek Conservation Area)

  • Hands-on craft projects

  • Local trips and outings throughout the tri-state area

These experiences are intended not only to provide recreation, but also to strengthen bonds, encourage wellness, and create lasting memories for veterans and their loved ones.