From Morse Code to Mountain Trails: Jennifer's Journey Back to Herself
Some people find nature. Others find themselves in it. For Team RWB Eagle Expedition Guide Jennifer Bauer, the outdoors wasn't just a hobby she picked up after leaving the military. It became the foundation of a whole new chapter.
Jennifer grew up in Ohio, served 10 years in the Army as a Morse Code interceptor, then transitioned to the Air National Guard working in Flight Records until retirement. When her service ended, she didn't slow down. She bought an RV, worked seasonal outdoor jobs across the country for seven years, and eventually found her home in Alaska. The mission mindset never left her. It just found new terrain.
Her entry point into the outdoor lifestyle came through a Sierra Club program offering Veterans a chance to attend guide school and wilderness first aid training. "At the end of training I was hooked," she says. That's all it took.
When Eagle Expedition Guide positions were first advertised, Jennifer jumped. "I was excited for an opportunity to get Veterans outside." She applied, was accepted, and has been leading ever since.
Over the last two years she's guided backpacking trips, and this year she's adding a cycling trip and a rafting trip to the lineup. Her favorite activity? Cycling. Her most prized piece of gear? A Brooks saddle. And always in her pack: a wooden spoon carved by a close friend.
The moments that stay with her aren't the summits. They're the ones where camaraderie is on full display. On one expedition, a Veteran was struggling to carry the load. Rather than push through quietly, Jennifer called the team together. She shared a story she'd heard from Brene Brown about honesty and shared responsibility. She asked, “Who can carry more?” The team redistributed the weight and finished the trip together.
"I think it really bonded everyone to trust in each other and be honest about their capacity."
That's what Eagle Expeditions are. They aren't casual day hikes. They're designed to take Veterans into backcountry environments without cell service, without visible signs of human activity, without the noise of everyday life and challenge them. On one trip, Jennifer's group saw only eight other people over four days. That kind of space requires a lot of trust and builds resilience.
"When Veterans get outside together, they're quickly reminded of the camaraderie of their time in service. They often quickly form a team and are able to relax and be authentic."
For Veterans who think the outdoors isn't for them, Jennifer's advice is simple: start small. A barefoot walk around your yard. Birds. Sunlight. Your own two feet on the ground.
"The healing power of time in nature is unparalleled."
And if you're ready for something bigger, her first recommendation is Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico: a short hike to the river, camping under a dark sky, the sound of water moving all night.
The outdoors didn't fix anything for Jennifer. It reminded her of what was already there.
"I found so much healing outdoors, and it's a gift to share that with other Veterans. Reminding them how strong and resilient they are, and showing them what they're capable of, is so rewarding."
Eagle Expeditions help Veterans do exactly that.
