“Same Outdoors, Different Mission” isn’t just a campaign tagline—it speaks to what defines our purpose. While we typically say it within the context of combating the same elements with gear tailored to a tactical mission set, we also like to use it proudly to describe our commitment to supporting veterans who have put the uniform away and want to continue seeking other goals. Highlighting the same landscapes and backdrops that once tested mission timelines and resolve, and showcase it as a space for reflection, healing, and clarity for what comes next. This Veterans Day, we sat down with our partners at Warrior Expeditions to learn more about how they help veterans navigate the disorienting transition from wartime experiences to a civilian world that can feel far removed from the one they once knew. We had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Revoir – a United States Air Force Veteran who served 11 years with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and now serves as Director of Development at Warrior Expeditions. OR: Tell us a little about how you got here and your role/background. Michelle: I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail with Warrior Expeditions in 2015, prototyped the Mountains to Sea Trail for them in 2016, and became their Director of Development in 2017 after completing a source to sea paddle on the Mississippi River. Before my AT hike, I served 11 years in the Air Force, most of which was as a combat cameraman. OR: Warrior Expeditions was founded on the idea of ‘walking off the war’ - a perspective lost with modern veterans who are often back home mere days after leaving combat zones with little time to decompress. Can you talk about how that early concept became your model for healing and reintegration? Michelle: Earl Shaffer was the first person to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in one go. Our founder and CEO, Sean Gobin, was inspired by his trek and Shaffer’s idea of “walking off the war.” Sean realized the therapeutic value he got from the thru-hike and decided to create a program for combat veterans based on this. The transition from combat to home life is abrupt and pretty much non existent for today’s veterans. These long expeditions give us a chance to really process our combat experience by removing everyday stresses while being in nature. OR: Each expedition you offer - whether it’s the bike, hike, or paddle programs - asks veterans to immerse themselves in the elements for months—covering thousands of miles. Can you go into more detail about each program. Michelle: We currently offer three programs, hiking the Appalachian Trail, biking the Great American Rail Trail, and paddling the Mississippi River. Sean started the program with only the Appalachian Trail as an option - a 2,197 mile foot trail from Georgia to Maine. Starting in Georgia, we meet the veterans and shadow them to their first trail town in Blairsville, GA, where we part ways for them to “hike their own hike.” This is our longest expedition, taking the veterans 5-6 months to complete. Realizing that some veterans couldn’t hike, or didn’t want to hike, Sean added a cycling expedition. The veterans ride the 3,700 mile Great American Rail Trail for approximately 3 months, starting in Washington D.C. and ending in Washington State. Then in an effort to accommodate veterans who couldn’t hike or bike, he added the paddle program. A source to sea paddle on the Mississippi River is 2,340 miles, so approximately 3 months of paddling, so it was a perfect addition. Each program is fundamentally the same: Eat, sleep, hike/bike/ paddle, repeat! OR: What have you found time in the backcountry unlocks that traditional therapy or reintegration programs struggle with? Michelle: Traditional therapy for veterans typically includes talk therapy and medication. These methods are definitely helpful for some veterans, but unfortunately not for all. Being in the outdoors for an extended period and the repetitiveness of an activity allows your mind to reflect on those experiences you would otherwise avoid. At least that is how it was for me. The expeditions are not a cure, but more of a reset. For me, being out there is a reset that helps me get through daily life. OR: When you’re out for months facing unpredictable conditions, gear isn’t just comfort—it’s survival. That reality isn’t foreign for veterans who similarly relied on their gear in their prior profession. How did having the right layers, systems, and technical apparel support you or your team’s success during these expeditions? Michelle: The right gear is extremely important for these types of trips. There’s nothing “comfortable” about being outdoors for weeks on end, it’s more about being comfortable with being uncomfortable. That being said, the right gear can definitely make it more enjoyable. It’s hard to reset your brain if you’re busy fixing broken gear, getting blisters from the wrong shoes, or have clothes that don’t dry out fast enough. The best quote I ever heard about this was from an 80 year old woman at a ski resort who I complained about the weather to. She said, “There’s no bad weather hunny, only bad clothing choices.” OR: We have a similar saying around here! Your program relies on more than just the healing power of nature, it’s the network of local communities and fellow veterans that sustain the journey and make the impact stick. What have you learned about the power of connection and shared purpose through the warrior expeditions model? Michelle: One misconception about our program is that the veterans are out in the backcountry foraging for food and not showering for months. In reality, on trips like these, you’re only away from civilization for a few days at a time. We assist our participants with logistical help by coordinating with local trail angels, veteran organizations, and others along each trail. They provide transportation, lodging, and assist with resupply as needed. This can be a real challenge for many of our veterans, particularly at the beginning of their trip. Accepting the help of a stranger with no strings attached is hard. But by the end of the trip, they realize that there are just simply good people in the world. OR: Warrior Expeditions has helped hundreds of veterans rebuild confidence and purpose through these journeys. As you look toward the future, how do you see the mission evolving, and where can partners like Outdoor Research continue to make the biggest impact? Michelle: Our partnerships are a huge reason why we can provide these programs to so many veterans. By providing appropriate gear for the veterans through partners like Outdoor Research, we’ll be able to stay on our current course with three expeditions and between 30-40 participants annually. I cannot express enough how invaluable these partnerships are and how deeply grateful we are for your support. OR: We’re happy to just be a small part of the journey. Thank you for all that you do for our community! We look forward to seeing how it all grows in the coming years. >>> Learn More about Warrior Expeditions >>> Explore OR Tactical
