Veterans in the Wild

“My backpacking trip through the Navajo Nation to Rainbow Bridge National Monument can only be described as life-changing.  Brandon and Anthony are expert guides, not only in traversing trails in the rugged backcountry, but also in navigating and fostering personal growth, resilience, and real connections with oneself, others, and nature.  Their expertise promoted healing, resilience, personal growth, and a sense of belonging.  I am profoundly grateful to Veterans in the Wild for the opportunity to rediscover myself, my purpose, and my “Tribe” along this journey. ”

"My recent journey with Veterans in the Wild, backpacking to Rainbow Bridge through the Navajo Nation, was a transformative experience. The long hikes and rugged landscapes were just the backdrop to something even more profound—deep conversations around the campfire, moments of vulnerability, and storytelling that fostered genuine connection. This trip reinforced the power of shared experiences and the importance of opening up with those who understand the journey of service and transition. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity and for the bonds formed along the way.”bove 

In June 2021, my husband and I had the opportunity to go on what we still consider the retreat of a lifetime. The trip, led by Brandon Harding and his team, consisted of a 5-day camping expedition throughout  Linville Gorge in the mountains of western North Carolina.  My husband and I arrived with feelings of excitement and anxiety and left feeling connected, united, and with a clear definition of what we believed a marriage should be for us. Our emotional and insightful exchanges during the nightly campfires were elicited by Brandon’s masterful facilitation of thoughtful and challenging dialogue. Every task and activity built momentum towards each couple’s unique goals with a curriculum meticulously handcrafted and expertly executed. 

My husband’s decision, at the time an active-duty USMC Sergeant Major, to leave behind his phone, his command and relinquish control for a few days was not one made lightly. On top of having two small girls at home, as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I had my own panel of patients and hesitations about being unreachable. We had only hoped it was worth it. Trust me, it was beyond worth it. Some of the skills learned and agreements made during the retreat continue to play a role in the guidance of us as a couple today as we navigate post-military life. My husband returned from the trip with the confidence that his marriage was secure and recognized the dedication needed to be successful both at home and at work. He was able to convey to his unit that a “good” Marine is not just “good” at work. Back at his command, he worked diligently to incorporate training and family events that highlighted the importance that a Marine must be personally ready to be combat-ready. It has been 3 years for us, and we are still so grateful for Brandon and his brilliance in curriculum, compassion, and 100% professionalism. His ability to take couples from various parts of the country and backgrounds fostering their ability to shine as themselves, as a family unit, and in their occupational environment is truly magnificent. We know how lucky we were to have such an experience and hope others take advantage of Brandon and his expertise for both personal and professional growth!

Just got back from one of the most powerful experiences of my life @veterans.in.the.wild Marriage Expedition a 4-day journey through the wilderness with my wife and four other incredible veteran couples.

We hiked together through breathtaking landscapes, shared deep and honest conversations on the trail, and cold plunged in a crystal-clear river that shocked our systems and woke up something ancient in us. Each night, we circled around the fire pit, and that’s where the real magic happened. The walls came down. We laughed, cried, told the truth, and held space for each other in a way that felt sacred.

The vulnerability, the rawness, the courage was something I’ll never forget. And none of it would’ve been possible without the guidance of our amazing facilitators, who created the perfect container for growth, healing, and reconnection.

If you’re a veteran and married or even just trying to hold it together in the chaos of post-military life, I can’t recommend this experience enough. It’s not therapy in a room. It’s nature and real conversations that go way deeper.

This was medicine.
This was needed.
This was worth it.

I recently attended a marriage retreat held by Veterans in the Wild in beautiful Olympic National Park, Washington. I wanted to personally take a few moments to type this out and express how grateful I am for the opportunity to attend this retreat.

The trip exceeded my expectations regarding the impact it would have on my marriage. Joy and I were able to be together and focus on us without the distractions of everyday life. We took time to reminisce about what brought us together and how we fell in love with each other. I don’t think we could accomplish this in our day-to-day lives with all the distractions we face. Looking back, I regret not making more time for each other. Maybe we forget, or maybe we just feel too busy with “life” to slow down and do so.

Along with all the challenges that come with being a veteran, our families also go along for those rides without always understanding the “why” behind it all. This program gave us a place to work through those things together in a way where, as a veteran, I didn’t feel like I needed to hide those emotions. For the first time, we were able to face them together.

Joy and I also got to spend most of a day completely alone in the wilderness, without anyone else around. During that time, we reconnected in ways I don’t ever recall experiencing before. We even took a couple of dips into the beautiful waters of the Dosewallips River. If you have never been to this area, my goodness, you need to check it out—words cannot do it justice.

This was also my wife’s first time hiking and camping like this, and I am beyond grateful that I got to share this experience with her.

Brooke is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in Relational Life Therapy (RLT) for couples. Her practice is dedicated to helping couples cultivate deeper connection, authenticity, honesty, and intimacy in their relationships. Brooke's extensive global experience, gained while her husband served in the diplomatic corps across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, has given her a unique understanding of diverse cultures and family dynamics. Currently residing in Spokane, Washington, with her husband, Scott, and their eight children, Brooke is passionate about combining her love for the outdoors with her commitment to relational well-being.

Jessica is a licensed professional counselor currently living as a digital nomad in order to spend more time in the wild. She specializes in attachment and relationship issues, using a Gottman- and EFT-informed approach, and has experience working with couples, families, and individuals. She also believes a walk and talk in the woods can be just as therapeutic as any counseling session and would be honored to walk with you. 

Jonathan  has over 20 years in the military; 7 years enlisted and 13 years as a Chaplain. Prior to his time in the military – and intermittently when possible – he loves helping organizations and leaders gain clarity on how to be the best version of themselves. A certified executive coach and leadership trainer, he fuses a variety of methodologies to help others reach optimum performance and results. A certified Wilderness First Responder, he loves spending as much time in the outdoors as possible. He has been married for 23years and he and his wife have 5 children.

Ben is a Northern California–based outdoor enthusiast with a passion for adventure, resilience, and service. A United States Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient, he served multiple tours in Iraq with 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. Following his military service, Ben transitioned into a career in field technology, specializing in complex vertical rope access installations and repairs. Whether troubleshooting technical systems high above the ground or navigating rugged mountain trails, he brings calm leadership, grit, and a mission-focused mindset to every challenge. Ben currently lives in Northern California with his wife, son, and daughter, where he continues to pursue a life rooted in family, service, and the outdoors.