Let's pause to remember and honor the sacrifices made by our courageous veterans. We acknowledge that many of them return home carrying both visible and invisible wounds, and it's essential that we never overlook their challenges. In the midst of our excitement for outdoor adventures and summer festivities, let us also recognize the profound healing influence of nature. The great outdoors has the power to uplift and restore those who have selflessly served our nation. Let us unite in gratitude and support for our veterans, ensuring they receive the care, respect, and appreciation they truly deserve.
Here we invited some veterans to share their stories, hope their experience will give you some support.
@BROCK MICHAEL
I am 26, from Florida originally. Always had a passion and desire to live a life of service. I knew a portion of that would be in the United States Military. After overcoming some medical complications to make me eligible for service I enlisted when I was 22 years old. After completion of infantry and airborne training I was sent to the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, NC. Since being here I have been out of the country multiple times from South America to Germany to Kuwait… and one combat deployment to Afghanistan. As Taliban zero’d in on Kabul my unit was pulled to rapidly deploy. 20 hours later we dove into Kabul on a C17 aircraft. Immediately combating the hostility on the ground between the Taliban, Afghan civilians, other terror organizations and multiple other groups of people. In my time there we had no help… we had no support. We lived on whatever food we could find. MREs left behind. We slept anywhere that we could.In abandoned helicopter, aircrafts, shipping containers, etc. That deployment changed me and made me very thankful to live and breathe everyday in the great country we call America. Things aren’t perfect here, but they are a lot better here then most other areas of the world! We have so much that we become thankful for very little. That is one of the reasons alone I love being outside in the elements! It makes us truly have an appreciation for this earth and how our creator created it! While outside camping, rucking, hunting… you name it! Companies like HeyTrip make that time in the outdoors that much more enjoyable !
@SGT. JAMES ANDERSON
Ever since I returned from my deployment, I struggled to find my place in the civilian world. The transition was challenging, and I felt lost without the camaraderie and sense of purpose that the military provided. It was during one of my lowest points that I discovered the healing power of the wilderness.
I embarked on a solo backpacking trip through the rugged mountains of Colorado. As I trekked through the wilderness, the weight of my burdens gradually lifted. The serene beauty of nature reminded me of the things that truly mattered in life. The crisp mountain air filled my lungs, rejuvenating my spirit with every breath.
With each step, I found solace in the simplicity and unpredictability of the wilderness. I learned to embrace discomfort and adapt to the challenges that nature presented. Through the physical exertion and mental resilience required, I rediscovered my inner strength and determination.
Today, I continue to seek solace in the outdoors. Whether it's hiking, fishing, or simply sitting by a campfire, nature has become my sanctuary. It reminds me of the unwavering resilience and adaptability that I developed during my military service.
Through my journey, It is my hope that other veterans can also find solace and purpose in the great outdoors, as we embark on a different kind of mission, one of self-discovery and healing.
@SARAH THOMPSON
I was born and raised in a small town, filled with a thirst for adventure and exploration. From a young age, I dreamt of becoming a soldier and serving my country.
My military journey was a whirlwind of challenges and adventures. I was deployed to distant war zones, facing danger and uncertainty alongside my fellow comrades. There, I witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of war and its destructive power. Each battle left an indelible mark, reminding me of the preciousness and fragility of life.
However, when I returned home as a veteran, I felt lost and isolated, unable to find a sense of reconnection. It was then that I made a life-changing decision to seek solace in nature. I discovered a sanctuary where my soul could breathe again. The vast landscapes, the soothing sounds of the wilderness, and the simplicity of survival in the wild all brought me a profound sense of peace. Through hiking rugged trails, camping under the starlit sky, and reconnecting with the earth, I found solace and a renewed sense of purpose.
Today, as I look back on my journey, I am grateful for the transformative power of nature. It has given me the opportunity to heal, grow, and rediscover myself. And now, I strive to inspire others, especially fellow veterans, to seek solace in the embrace of the great outdoors. Together, we can find healing, find our inner peace, and create a brighter future.