It’s an adventure that will change lives.
The nonprofit No Barriers Warriors has selected 13 highly decorated wounded warriors for its Veteran Wilderness Expedition through the Grand Canyon, which takes place Oct. 12-21. No Barriers adventure treks are designed to empower wounded warriors, helping them to overcome obstacles and unleash their potential.
Raytheon is underwriting the expedition. It will push the physical limits of the team, beginning with a seven-day whitewater river adventure and ending with a 7.5-mile hike of the Bright Angel Trail, which gains almost a mile in elevation.
“It’s about helping veterans realize that what’s inside of them is stronger than anything in their way,” said Nick Colgin, who will lead the expedition. Colgin is a wounded warrior who joined No Barriers after participating in one of its treks.
“I know what it’s like to come home from Afghanistan or from war, injured and without a job and looking for purpose — looking for hope,” he said.
More than 2.5 million veterans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many share similar challenges after they come home.
“I want to make sure that every veteran is getting a fair go at it,” Colgin said. “They’re not victims, they’re veterans.”
To support these wounded veterans, Raytheon employees and the Tucson community will walk in their honor at a community hike at Old Tucson on Oct. 17. Visit the event website for more information.
Raytheon sponsored a No Barriers expedition last year in Colorado.
