We apologize for the delay in sharing our Veterans Day message. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our communications team was unavailable last week. We appreciate your understanding and are honored to recognize and thank all veterans for their service. If you missed it, we encourage you to read Jason’s first article with us: A Journey of Mental Health on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Photo provided by Jay France.
Earlier this week, we honored Veterans Day, a day to thank and remember all —living and departed— who have served courageously in the United States military, in wartime and in peace. It’s a time to thank veterans for their service, acknowledge their contributions to our national security, and underscore that all who serve have sacrificed and done their duty.
As a veteran who is passionate about the outdoors and has hiked thousands of miles across our nation since my time in uniform ended almost four years ago, I’d like to share some reflections on my hiking experiences in honor of my fellow veterans.
Photo provided by Jay France.
I was privileged to serve in the United States Air Force for over 31 years. My Air Force journey allowed me to do and see things that many people only dream about. I was stationed at 14 different bases around the world, visited 35 countries and made my way through the ranks, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant and the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the United States Transportation Command, holding one of the highest enlisted leadership positions in the military.
Standing at my retirement ceremony, countless memories flashed through my mind, none of them about promotions, positions, or awards. Instead, they were about more meaningful aspects of my journey, the people I shared it with, and the memories we created together: the connections and life-long friendships.
Photo provided by Jay France.
Just before I gave my speech, I thought, “Man, I’m going to miss this.”
Two weeks after I walked off the stage, I started my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, and for five months, I was on yet another incredible life journey. Similar to my Air Force career, the people I shared my thru-hike with and the memories we created together were the best parts. It took a while for it to sink in, but I realized there were a lot of similarities between my hike and my military life.
I connected with people from all walks of life on the PCT who share similar interests and passions. We created incredible experiences together, celebrated milestones and accomplishments, and leaned on and helped each other through difficult times. We learned from each other; I poured into them, and they poured into me. We faced things together that challenged us physically, mentally and emotionally, and we shared the growth that came from conquering those challenges. We were members of a community, a team that had each other’s backs.
Photo provided by Jay France.
As someone who enjoys solitude as well as camaraderie, my time on the PCT allowed me to disconnect, decompress, reflect, find clarity, and, in some cases, achieve closure on certain military experiences with no distractions.
Today, as I remain connected with people I served with and other fellow veterans, as I coach transitioning service members preparing to separate or retire, and when I speak with veterans who have long been out of the service, our conversations often turn to what we miss the most; the people we served with and the experiences we shared. I tell them about my PCT journey and all I gained, encouraging them to embark on their own journeys.
My advice to you is the same. I encourage you to get outside and explore the beauty our nation has to offer, especially in the areas where most people won’t travel, the places where only a trail, long or short, can take you. Some of the things you miss the most are there waiting for you.
Photo provided by Jay France.
To my fellow veterans, thank you for serving our great nation.
I wish you all the best on your path, wherever it may lead.
Jason France is an author, speaker and executive coach. He is a United States Air Force Veteran and retired after serving over thirty-one years in uniform. He thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2021, the Colorado Trail in 2022, and the Tahoe Rim Trail in 2023. Jason is the author of Five Million Steps – Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail after Three Decades of Service to Our Nation.