It is a brisk morning as Veterans congregate near the fire pit before the challenge begins, unaware of what is about to come. It will be a day of learning and adapting to new challenges presented; a day to learn about communication, trust, personal accountability, and leadership; a day to learn about you and other veterans as a community. The event took place at the Waterhouse Center in Monroe, WA. Amidst the trees, brush, and wildlife was a series of courses which were designed to challenge groups to work together, communicate, and lead one another to face their fears. Veterans from all branches of the military, volunteers who are personally connected to service members, and Vet Corps members participated in the challenges presented.
The River Task required all persons to cross a theoretical alligator infested river by swinging on a rope and all land on the same 3’x3’ platform on the same side. As if this isn’t a challenge in itself, they also had to carry across a full bucket of water without spilling a drop. Fourteen people are difficult to fit on a 3’x3’ platform, especially when they are swinging across on a rope. Leadership was apparent as individuals took charge of the situation to ensure each person arrived safely on the opposing side. Veterans on the platform would catch others and link arms to ensure nobody fell off. The military training and team work allowed the group to successfully complete the task quickly and efficiently.
The goal of the wire challenge was to have every person successfully walk across the wire and through obstacles without falling in less than thirty minutes. This required trust and concern for every other individual at all times. The focus was impeccable and the course was completed in fifteen minutes. This was characteristic of the Vet Corps program. Through the course it was important to move yourself forward, while still helping those behind you. The Vet Corps program is a group of veterans that assist fellow veterans with their transition into civilian life. The veterans work on moving their lives forward to becoming civilians, while having concern and providing help to others just beginning their transition.
Each challenge presented was designed to teach a valuable lesson that can be carried into everyday life. The Dragon Challenge was the biggest obstacle presented. Standing on a 50 foot high platform each member was strapped into cables one by one and asked to jump off and glide to the ground on a zip line through trees and the wilderness. The fear of letting go and jumping was described before-hand by the course leader as a metaphor for a dragon, whose name is fear, that must be accepted before it can be confronted and overcome. Jaime, an AmeriCorps member, stood at the top slowly confronting her fears with encouragement from others. After ten minutes of confronting the zip line, she was finally able to accept her personal dragon and leapt from the platform.
After a long day of challenges and working together the group debriefed on lessons learned. Veterans strengthened communication, leadership skills, and trust. Most importantly, veterans learned to move forward through their struggles and that they need to accept the obstacles before they can properly overcome the struggle at hand. Each veteran learned about their personal skills and how to apply the skills learned into everyday life. They understand where they are at with their transition, but will not forget to help other veterans along their path.
~ Brianne Leimbach
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