A Source of Calm

Growing up in the Midwest, I had limited exposure to National Parks. I visited my first National Park—Hawai’i Volcanoes—at age 23, a few months before deploying to combat in Afghanistan.

Entering the National Park-to-Park trip in 2020, I have never peered over the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, nor marveled at Old Faithful’s majestic spout, nor meditated on the beauty of Yosemite Valley.

But, after being severely wounded in combat, outdoor recreation became a major part of my recovery. I hiked hundreds of miles to promote bone growth in a broken leg that took two-an-a-half years to fully heal. I took up surfing as a low-impact cardiovascular activity that stimulated my mind and soul. And I became a dedicated practitioner of yoga, finding peace in my physical endeavors.

I understand the value of natural settings as places for healing and reflection, and I hope that my first glimpse of our nation’s most majestic places will afford me the opportunity to share these experiences and encourage others to seek similar outlets.