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Outward Bound offering free wilderness expeditions for OEF and OIF veterans

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rebecca A. Garcia
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD (AFNS) --  Through a joint effort between various foundations, servicemembers who are veterans of operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom can receive a free Outward Bound expedition.

Outward Bound offers white water rafting trips, cliff diving and group fitness, hikes and teambuilding exercises. Life on these expeditions is somewhat primitive as well: showers and shampoo are not authorized, students sleep under a tarp supported by oars or sleep under the stars, and food is prepared by students in a field kitchen that the team assembles.

Nine students and four instructors recently set out by raft on the Lower Deschutes River for the beginning of a five-day expedition June 6. The expedition included lessons in geology, hydrology, flora and fauna, raft captaining, field craft and time for reflection.

The rapids were stronger than usual on this expedition due to high water levels, said Justin Russell, a 12-year Outward Bound instructor. After a day full of practice, students took turns assessing the high waters and briefing their teams before captaining the rafts through the strong rapids.

"When I read the information on the Outward Bound website, it said 'challenge' and I wanted a new challenge, something outside of my comfort zone like the military physical challenges involved with being infantry," said Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps James M. Betancourt from Marine Corps Installation West at Camp Pendleton, Va. "I've enjoyed learning about reading the river. It's been a great experience."

Outward Bound students not only raft, but take an active role in the survival of their group. There are daily roles assigned to ensure the group prospers, such as: cook, navigator/ groover, rigger and leader. There are other responsibilities on the trip as well, like, "clean up after yourself. Wash your own dishes. Help out your crew. No one is done until everyone is done," as stated in the Outward Bound Journal that was distributed at the beginning of the course.

"Although there is some challenge involved in participating in this program, we are all here because we want to be," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott A. Fessenden, Marine Exercise Boat Det. 813, Groton Submarine Base, Conn. "It gives perspective. One guy took a bullet to the head; another has been hit twice by improvised explosive devices. It's good to have a chance to share experiences with other veterans in a non-military and informal environment. We're here with a group that has all shared in the war and we're here knowing we are all part of the same team."

Outward Bound courses not only provide skill building, but they are also designed to help veterans get back on track after returning home from a combat zone. There are daily activities designed to build confidence and help individuals strengthen or regain trust in others. Students form frequent circles during the day to discuss plans, review lessons and conduct group activities.

Rick Southwell, was wounded in 2007, just south of Baghdad, when a bullet fragment struck him in the back of the head. Mr. Southwell attended the Outward Bound expedition through the advice of his doctor who thought the course would help rebuild his confidence.

"The old man ain't dead!" said Mr. Southwell, in regard to a steep, team hike to a mountain peak alongside the river. "I did regain some of my confidence on this expedition. Just because I have limitations, doesn't mean I have to give up. I'm going to go home with a better attitude on things."

Maj. Lori Renwick from the 369th Sustainment Brigade, Harlem, N.Y., was another veteran and student on the expedition. She said the program helped her make life changes.

"I would tell all veterans considering an Outward Bound trip to come when they are ready to take a mental trip outside of their comfort zone and when they are ready to potentially make a change. It changed me," Major Renwick said. "It helped me along my journey and helped me with perspective on life's necessities and desires. I now feel I need to 'pay it forward,' not just to nature, but to mankind. The river has a lot to teach."

On night four, in the fashion of native cultures, these nine veterans from varied backgrounds and different services gathered in a circle by the river and poured out their grief. Each veteran took their turn telling the group about pivotal moments in their life and what they had learned on the river.

"The program gives back to the veterans who have given so much to their country. It gives them an opportunity to regain their camaraderie, teaches them technical skills that will allow them to come back to a river and travel safely and gives them an opportunity to enjoy the wilderness and the country that they served to protect," said Doug Mahon, a course director/instructor who has been with Outward Bound for 26 years.

To Enroll: Please call 1-866-669-2362 ext 8387 (VETS) or go to www.outwardbound.org/index.cfm/do/cp.veterans

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