Finding Solace and Connection: Pippy’s Journey with Team RWB’s Eagle Expedition to Maine

In February 2024, a group of Veterans take on Team RWB’s Winter Expedition in Maine.

Life's battles don't always end when we hang up the uniform. For Pippy, a veteran grappling with PTSD and Major Anxiety/Depressive Disorder, the struggle continued long after her service. Despite having a supportive family and reaching retirement, she found herself silently fighting an internal war.

Enter Team RWB's Eagle Expedition to Maine -- a challenging outdoor adventure that offered more than just a change of scenery. For Pippy, it represented a chance to reconnect with herself and find solidarity among fellow veterans who understand the weight of invisible burdens.

This isn't a story of instant transformation, but of small, hard-won victories and unexpected moments of peace. From crossing frozen lakes on cross-country skis to sharing survival skills learned as a SERE Instructor, Pippy's journey through Maine's winter landscape became a powerful metaphor for her ongoing path to healing.

Discovering Healing in Nature

"Living with PTSD and Major Anxiety/Depressive Disorder has taught me that life's challenges are often unseen, yet profoundly felt." Despite having grown children, retirement, and a supportive partner, Pippy grappled with the resurgence of familiar symptoms, silently struggling to maintain a semblance of normalcy. For Pippy, the opportunity to participate in Team RWB’s Eagle Expedition to Maine felt like a vital step towards finding solace and solidarity among fellow veterans who understand these unspoken battles.

Unexpected Connections

One of the most memorable moments for Pippy was crossing a frozen lake on cross-country skis. "Despite the freezing wind, I was well-prepared and found the experience incredibly beautiful and refreshing." The sight of countless stars that night was truly mesmerizing. During daily activities, Pippy appreciated the quiet beauty of her surroundings, especially during a snowshoeing session where she demonstrated her skills as a former SERE Instructor, teaching her buddy how to make an evasion fire. "This interaction not only helped us connect on a personal level but also brought a sense of camaraderie within our group.”

Pippy snowshoeing during Team RWB’s Winter Expedition in Maine in February 2024.

Overcoming Challenges

Pippy faced two significant challenges during the trip. The first was meeting her own expectations while cross-country skiing, a more mentally challenging task than she anticipated. "To regain focus, I paused to appreciate my surroundings and reminded myself of my purpose there, which helped me to be more present and forgiving of myself." The second challenge involved supporting a fellow participant who had recently experienced trauma. Despite feeling emotionally drained, Pippy chose to empathize and stay with them, forming a meaningful connection that lasts to this day. "I chose to empathize and stayed with them, realizing the importance of being there for someone in need. This decision led to a meaningful connection, and we remain in contact to this day."

Personal and Professional Growth

The expedition reignited Pippy’s passion for the outdoors and personal growth. The experience profoundly influenced her personal outlook and goals. Inspired by her time in Maine and a subsequent cohort at the University of Health and Performance (UHP) through Team RWB, Pippy completed the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) course. Now an active Volunteer Leader with Team RWB in Jacksonville, FL, she serves as the Co-Chair of the Team RWB Committee on the Veterans’ Future Foundation (VFF) Board of Advisors, working to connect UHP graduates with Team RWB’s mission. "Combining these experiences has revitalized my sense of purpose,” Pippy said.

Embracing Nature's Healing Power

Pippy found solace in Maine’s natural beauty, from the rugged landscapes to the frozen lake. The experience grounded her, offering a chance to reflect and appreciate the world’s vastness and beauty. "Being surrounded by Maine’s natural beauty in mid-winter was truly transformative. No matter how I felt beforehand, the rugged landscapes, towering forests, and the frozen lake always made me feel refreshed and connected."

Photo captured by Pippy during the Team RWB Winter Expedition in Maine.

Looking Forward

Eager to embrace new challenges, Pippy is ready for future Eagle Expeditions. The outdoors and the thrill of pushing herself drive her to explore new destinations and overcome obstacles alongside fellow adventurers. She encourages others, especially those facing unseen struggles, to seize such opportunities for personal growth and connection. "I encourage anyone, including those facing similar unseen struggles such as PTSD or anxiety, to join expeditions with Team RWB. It’s worth it."

Final Reflections

Participating in the Eagle Expedition kick-started a journey of self-discovery and renewal for Pippy. She is deeply grateful to Team RWB for the opportunity to grow and learn as part of a supportive and inspiring community. "The collective support and unwavering belief from everyone in Team RWB are invaluable to me. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to grow and learn as a cherished member of such a supportive and inspiring community." The lasting impact of this transformative experience is something Pippy will always cherish.

Are You Ready to Write Your Own Chapter of Growth and Discover?

Pippy's expedition through Maine's winter landscape was more than just a physical journey. It was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community in the face of invisible battles. Her experience reminds us that healing isn't a straight path, but a winding trail with its own peaks and valleys.

Our Eagle Expeditions are more than just outdoor adventures. They're opportunities to challenge yourself, connect with fellow veterans, and find healing in nature's embrace