Steven Fernandez
Army Veteran
“My name is Steven Fernandez. I currently am in Los Angeles California on the edge of the Angeles national forest. I have spent 5 years active duty as an Army Infantryman and am currently in the National Guard. Hiking, camping and just being outdoors has helped me by giving me space away from the daily grind. Sometimes it’s a place to get away from the stresses of work and life, and sometimes it is a place just to get away and think. After taking a few hikes I was hooked. Now I am planning to hike the john Muir trail within the next few years!!”
Line
Juana Rosales
Army Veteran
“My name is Juana Rosales. Los Angeles Native born and raised. Straight out of HS, joined the Army Reserve and now have my own Army of 3 children (23, 16, & 9). My love for the outdoors has been part of my entire life. After several years from not being in the outdoors and being diagnosed with Grave’s Diseases; I decided to revisit Mother Nature to HEAL. Hiking has has been the best outdoors medicine…to heal my mind, body and soul. It has helped me to disconnect from the chaos of the everyday city life and it has helped me to grow spiritually within”
Sean Harris
USMC Veteran
” Hello, my name is Sean Harris. I served five years in the United States Marine Corps with overseas tours to Baghdad, Belgium, and Niamey as a Marine Security Guard. After being honorably discharged I found myself in a limbo, not knowing the exact next step or how to take it. After a couple road trips out west to Arizona, Utah, and Montana, I found hiking and exploring to be such an eye opening and centering experience. I desired this connection and freedom so much so, that I moved from Maryland and landed smack dab in the middle of five National parks. I’m excited to share my adventures in all of them. I hope to inspire anyone who needs that little extra incentive to opt outside and experience the benefits of the outdoors.”⠀
Daniel Alego
Navy Veteran
“My name is Dan, joined the Navy right out of high school, I’m from Philadelphia, but now live in Oregon. Hiking saved me from myself, I discovered a better way of living. I haven’t had a drink in almost 9 years, I thank hiking. I find my peace and calm while in the woods. Hiking led to backpacking and kayaking. I now take people on hikes all the time. I get recharged by showing people nature”
Line
Ryan Richard
Army Veteran
“Army Veteran Ryan Richard, I am a father of three beautiful girls. Served in the Army for 12 years with one tour to Afghanistan for all of 2010. Climbing mountains have provided me a significant amount of therapy. It is my medication and where can I feel free and all my troubles in my head go away. I plan to thru-hike the Long Trail in Vermont to raise awareness for veteran suicide.”⠀
Line
Enrique Irby
Active Duty Army
“There is nothing like hopping on a trail to recharge your soul. I’ve had my share of battles with PTSD and Depression. I felt trapped, then I found nature. Which lead me to Hiking and Backpacking! This became my therapy. Just being in nature taught me how to disconnect from all the negative. Allowed me to be free and be myself! Now every chance I get, Im on the nearest trail!”
Line