Veterans Walk Off the War

In the earlier days of America's military, units of soldiers would have to travel for a considerable time after a war before they reached home, giving them time to mentally process their experiences. With today's advanced transportation, veterans will often be thrown into everyday life immediately, giving them no time to absorb and process the weight of the war they were in. Warrior Expeditions provides "outdoor therapy" for recently discharged combat veterans, equipping them with hiking gear and sending them on long distance walking trips. The long days of hiking are meant to be a time of reflection and readjustment to clear the minds of people returning from war.

On May 22, the American Legion Post 221 and Auxiliary held a potluck for four veterans, Jimmy Sellers, Dan Janes, Joseph

Jamison, and Joe Thompson, who are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from California to Washington through Warrior Expeditions. Each of these men has served as a combat veteran; Janes in the Navy, Jamison in the Army, Thompson in the Marine Corps, and Sellers in both the Marine Corps and Army. The American Legion is sponsoring the next leg of their 2,650 mile journey. The hearty spread of food was perfect for men burning up to 6,000 calories per day on the trail. Tony Strauss, the volunteer host home for the veterans, began the meal with a table dedication to the POW and MIA, soldiers not with us currently. It was a symbolic, somber, and deeply appreciative beginning to an evening of good food and friendly conversation. Earlier that week, the four of them arrived at the Tehachapi trailhead, hitchhiked into town, and went straight to Kohnen's German Bakery.

So far, hiking the PCT has given Jimmy, Dan, Joseph, and Joe a slew of good stories to tell. At one point on the trail, a fellow hiker put on his shoes and walked around for a good 45 minutes before realizing there was a scorpion in one of them. While hiking in Idyllwild, the temperature dropped to fifteen degrees overnight, the same night a massive thunderstorm rolled in."That was my first time worrying about getting hit by lightning and freezing at the same time," Jimmy laughed. They all brought out their smartphones to show their many photos of breathtaking landscapes and fellow PCT hikers. There was even a video of an irate rattlesnake being chased off.

When asked about the hardest part of hiking, Jimmy claimed it was the blisters, Dan the intense heat, and Joseph the long days. They start their days at six in the morning and set up camp in the evening, each carrying around 40 pounds of gear on their backs. Every five miles or so, they find a spot to sit down, rest, and take in the California scenery. The Pacific Crest Trail is devoid of the many creature comforts we're all used to, right down to the seating. A basic resting place is shady and has access to water, but a bench or a picnic table is a luxury. "I once hiked three extra miles because I heard there was a picnic table." Jimmy stated.

"This is a hiker's tan," Dan said, showing the distinct tan line between his hands and forearms, "And this is a hiker's wallet," he continued, brandishing a few bills and cards held together with a binder clip.

"The trail is a great place to decide what's next," Joseph said. The long days of walking provide the veterans with ample thinking time, time to unload all the mental baggage brought home from the war, instead of being immediately thrust into everyday civilian life.

Like so much of their lives in service, these men aim to aid the next generation. Currently, they are helping the next generation of veterans looking for peace in nature. Their journey is not just for themselves; they've each been provided with a FitBit that sends data to Georgia Southern University, where scientists are looking to expand the literature on wilderness therapy. Jimmy, Dan, Joseph, and Joe are contributing to the research that will gain the Warrior Expeditions program more information, funding, and media attention.

One goal of the Warrior Expeditions is to restore veterans' faith in humanity by exposing them to some of the kindest people America has to offer. There is a natural camaraderie among hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, and the towns the men have stopped in so far have been nothing but hospitable. "The trail is what America should be: just people helping people," Joseph said. Hikers loan each other supplies and host families in sponsoring towns provide lodging, transportation, and meals.

People along the PCT come from all over the world, but the four noticed that the majority of hikers on the trail are college kids and retirees, people with a fair amount of time on their hands. Joseph explained that not many people in their forties or fifties go on trips like this -- that they've settled into a routine that is hard to break. They don't know what a life-changing experience a hike like this could be for them. "It's the most freedom you'll have in your life. It's just good mojo," Dan said, "If you ever get the urge to do a hike like this, do it. Don't hesitate." The days might be grueling and the nights might get cold, but the opportunity for self-discovery and the people you meet along the way are worth it.

Thank you Jimmy Sellers, Dan Janes, Joseph Jamison, and Joe Thompson for your service, and good luck in your travels!