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Reflections on the water: Outward Bound veteran expeditions

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rebecca A. Garcia
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD --  Some cultures believe rivers have healing powers; that people can pour out their grief into the river and leave their sorrows behind.

In a land where horses run free and osprey rule the sky, there's a river that runs south to north surrounded by a breathtaking landscape full of basalt rock formations. All of this is the backdrop for the Oregon Whitewater Rafting trips offered to veterans by Outward Bound.

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

Besides rafting, students also could engage in other activities during the program including: swimming the rapids, cliff diving, group fitness, hikes and teambuilding. 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.

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 Class III and IV rapids.

To assess the water, instructors took the would-be raft captains to a scouting point to view the obstacles involved in running the rapid. The first run was described by the instructors as having water passing a large rock creating a "can opener" near an "Oh ... rock." There were downed trees in the water creating a strainer effect. At the scouting point, students noticed a memorial to a woman who had lost her life on these rapids. Although no student would admit to being afraid, everyone tightened their safety vest straps before getting back in the raft.

"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, MCI West, Camp Pendleton. "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 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 Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott A. Fessenden, Marex Boat Det. 813, Groton Sub-base. "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."

Petty Officer Fessenden, a reservist and veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, has deployed five times since 2004.

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.

One student, 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, 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," said Major Renwick. "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."

By the end of the expedition, a mere four days, the experience had helped these veterans open up to themselves and each other. On night four, in the fashion of past native cultures, these nine veterans from varied backgrounds and different services gathered in a circle by the river and poured out their grief. They offered to each other an open heart and a nonjudgmental ear. Each veteran took their turn telling the group about pivotal moments in their life and what they had learned on the river. Some found direction, others found confidence, some found a renewed faith in others, but all discovered something new, a clearer view of themselves and their lives through reflection and the gift of time.

"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 Mr. Doug Mahon, a course director/instructor who has been with Outward Bound for 26 years.

Outward Bound offers a variety of expeditions throughout the year and in different parts of the U.S. These courses are free to veterans through funding by The Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project, a joint partnership of The Sierra Club and The Sierra Club Foundation, The Anschutz Family Foundation, The Disabled American Veterans and other private donors. More information can be found at: http://www.outwardbound.org/index.cfm/do/cp.veterans.  

All costs, including round-trip stateside travel between home and expedition location; lodging en route; food and equipment; lodging while on the course; and instruction, are covered by Outward Bound. The only requirement for attendance is being a veteran of OIF or OEF.

At the end of the course, all attendees took a moment to write a letter thanking the program donors for allowing them to attend the course. More information on support can be found at: https://alumni.outwardbound.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=286.