Warrior Expeditions

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

Historically military units would experience a lengthy journey home after fighting a campaign abroad. During this journey home, warriors would process and decompress from their wartime experiences. But in today’s age of modern transportation military personnel can find themselves home within a few days of serving in a combat zone.

Since 2001 over 2.5 million veterans have returned home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but many of them have never transitioned fromtheir experiences. Recently The Department ofVeteran Affairs has reported that over 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans now suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In 2012, after returning home from three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Sean Gobin hiked all 2,185 miles of the Appalachian Trail and after recognizing the therapeutic effects of long-distance outdoor journeys, created the “Walk OffThe War” program.

WHO WE SUPPORT

Warrior Hike supports veterans who haveserved in a combat zone, have been honorably discharged, and desire to participate in an outdoor long-distance journey as a means to transition from their military service.

HOW WE SUPPORT

Veterans participating in the “Walk Off The War” Program will receive various forms of support during and after their thru-hike. First, veterans will receive the necessary equipment and supplies required to complete a thru-hike of a National Scenic Trail. Next, Warrior Hike will coordinate trail town support with the numerous veteran and hiking organizations that are located along the trails. Trail town support will include transportation and lodging in addition to providing the opportunity to foster camraderie with veterans from past wars and with local communities. Lastly, Warrior Hike will assist veterans with future employment opportunities offered by the numerous supporters of the “Walk Off The War” Program, partnered veteran job placement companies and veteran hiring services.