Jenny Baker is the volunteer NBOC Media Support Director and Content Marketing Specialist at Asheville Yoga Center. You can follow her on Instagram here.
This is a contributor-submitted Voices piece. Want to join the conversation? We invite you to write for us. Learn how to share your voice here.
“There’s a light in all of us and as long as there’s a flicker of light, that light can help you push through barriers.” - Erik Weihenmayer, Co-Founder of No Barriers
The No Barriers Life changes both the mindsets and lives of Veterans by empowering them to break through barriers and contribute their very best to the world. Through a diligent curriculum, Veterans undergo three phases of the expedition program to tackle unique struggles they each face within their personal lives. At the conclusion of the program, each Veteran fills out an individual pledge to continue his or her growth beyond the No Barriers program. In addition, they are each assigned an alumni coach who follows up with them to ensure they are paying it forward in their community by helping other Veterans, family members, and friends become their best selves. This year, The No Barriers Organization was able to bring an expedition right here to the mountains of North Carolina.
The 30.1-mile Art Loeb Trail in Pisgah National Forest has a reputation as one of the longer and more difficult trails in the state. It offers many beautiful vistas and a plethora of physical challenges as it weaves its way along the peaks and ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On May 15th, an energetic group of five No Barriers staff and 12 Western North Carolina Veterans united as a team to tackle the trail and complete the first ever No Barriers expedition in WNC. The Asheville champion for this program is retired Army Colonel Peter Champagne. The Colonel said, “It took two years to convince No Barriers to conduct an expedition in Pisgah National Forest consisting only of North Carolina Veterans.” His intent was to take care of local Veterans and provide donors with an opportunity to make a local impact. The first expedition was so successful that two expeditions are planned for 2020 if funding can be obtained.
John Toth, Director of No Barriers Warriors and WNC Expedition leader, set the intention for the trip by first presenting a No Barriers flag to each member of the team and thoughtfully reflecting on what it truly means to live a life with no barriers.
“It’s exciting to see Veterans tackle difficult outdoor challenges, pitch their own tents and learn skills to survive in the outdoors. This isn’t just a backpacking trip. Rather, it’s a way to change people’s lives and mindsets. That’s what’s uniquely special about the No Barrier’s Expeditions,” he said.
Early in the morning, the team set out for the first day on the Art Loeb Trail, unsure of what challenges it would bring. After three hours of a fast-paced hike, the team stopped to see their first panoramic view of the mountains. John pointed out that the vistas of the mountains and valleys serve as both the high and low points of life with all of life’s many challenges in between. John encouraged the Veterans to reflect on past experiences and elements in their lives that they wanted to leave behind that day. The team then ended their reflections by writing down their thoughts on their No Barriers flags before heading back onto the trail.
The days of hiking were physically grueling, but it was the time spent together at night where the growth of the Veterans arose. With the stars shining brightly overhead, each member’s No Barriers flag blew valiantly on a rope strung through the middle of the campsite, serving as an individual reminder of where they’d been, providing hope for the future, and continuing to provide encouragement to embrace a No Barrier’s Life.
John said, “One of the most special moments of the expedition was seeing the team have time to reflect at night, watch them talk about the struggles of their past with their fellow team members, and give each other that needed support and encouragement.”
Day two of the hike provided a pivotal moment in the trip with a silent walk initiated by Travis, a participating Veteran. Each member of the team was challenged to walk a portion of the trail alone without anyone else in view. It was a time to let everything go and take on the future with confidence, strength and power.
Through the physical challenges of the arduous Art Loeb Trail, the Veterans finished the expedition fully embracing each other as a team. The established bond of camaraderie would push them forward in their own lives to conquer daunting summits the No Barriers way.
The potential downstream effect of this program is significant, as the positive impacts through the program effects more than just the Veteran, but also their immediate loved ones and friends. This year, you can be an integral part of the work of No Barriers by helping to fund two expeditions for Veterans who live right here in beautiful Western North Carolina by participating or donating to the No Barriers Outdoor Classic, presented by Wicked Weed Brewing at the Cliffs at Walnut Cove from September 9-10.
You can golf, hike and play tennis alongside No Barriers Warriors alumni, hear about their life changing experiences, and enjoy an inspirational gala dinner with No Barriers Warriors alumni and No Barriers Ambassadors. To reserve your spot now or to make a donation register online at:
https://give.nobarriersusa.
To learn more about this event contact Mona Hover at (904) 472-4584 or mona.hover@nobarriersusa.org
Don’t miss an unforgettable weekend and the opportunity to change a Veteran’s life right here in your local community. Your impact could be the catalyst for someone else’s big moment.