Last night I attended a presentation by 2014 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Jesse “The Viking” Swensgard. Jesse is a USAF veteran who thru-hiked via the Warrior Hike “Walk Off The War” program.
The idea behind Walk Off The War is to assist combat veterans transition to civilian life through the therapeutic nature of long-distance hiking.
Warrior Hike accepts applicants who are combat veterans of any US war. In 2014 hikers included veterans from WWII through current conflicts.
Warrior Hike currently fully supports hikers on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Florida Trail, and Ice Age Trail. During the Q&A Jesse suggested veterans contact Warrior Hike if they are interested in assistance hiking other long-distance trails.
For more information or to support the Walk Off The War program contact Warrior Hike at http://warriorhike.org/