Modern Day Marine’s Post

On all versions of the wilderness expeditions I lead, on the final night the participants gather around the fire and share the one thing they are going to burn and leave on the mountain. We set this up the first day by asking them to consider something about their life they want to be different. What is the one thing, that if they left it on the mountain, would make the most difference in their life? On the afternoon of the final day in the wild, we block a period of time for reflection and journaling. At this stage of the expedition, as they gather around the fire, people are connected and have a real sense of emotional intimacy with the other participants. Some share intimate details about what they are burning, and others share a general sense before burning their journal entry. This is a powerful and very moving ritual. In the evaluations participants write about the expedition, the closing fire is often their favorite event. Sharing this ritual in a public fashion, with a group to whom they are deeply connected, seems to make them more accountable and increase their #motivation to make a lasting change, and not just words stated on a mountain. Over the years of leading these events I have also learned a powerful tool for ensuring the change sticks, is coaching after the expedition. I have found #ImmunitytoChange, developed by Minds at Work is one of the best ways to facilitate lasting change. I’m excited to share that all of the events sponsored by Veterans in the Wild include coaching as part of the package. https://lnkd.in/gSCiBfuK #growth #personaldevelopment #veterans #wilderness

Sargassum, or Gulf Weed. 🌿 • This species of seaweed is free floating and so doesn't attach to anything, and so it is free to float about the ocean reproducing vegetatively. All was fine until 2011 when vast blooms of this stuff started happening which then started choking many of the coastlines of the Eastern US and the Caribbean. 😲 • In the past, some rowers have found themselves caught in huge mats of this stuff, completely covering the visible ocean, making progress extremely difficult. 😩 • As Mike explains in this video, they're seeing large trails of this weed at the moment, and perhaps they will encounter one of those huge mats. 😬 • All that said, this is a sure sign that they are getting closer to Antigua...and that's very very exciting! 🤩 • The crew are working with the following charity partners to provide #mentalhealth and #wellbeing support for Submariners and their families: • Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity Help - Jim's Story The Submarine Family • If you can support, please donate today at https://lnkd.in/eutwHFkv  • The team are sponsored by: Jacobs Rolls-Royce NSSLGlobal Resilient Nutrition Babcock International Group Gill Marine Team Forces • We are very proud to be working with our incredible outreach partners to inspire the next generation:  SeaCadets Never Such Innocence Reach the World Sir Thomas Lipton Foundation Association of Wrens & Women of the Royal Naval Services • #HMSOardacious #atlantic2023 #atlanticcampaigns #submariner #worldstoughestrow #oceanrowing #oceanrowers #atlantic #rowing #adventure #mentalhealth #chinafleet

You may see me post about Mighty Oaks Foundation a bit on here. It’s because this organization has blessed my family more than anyone could ever know. I only hope that the right person on here sees these posts and is given the motivation to go or motivation to convince their spouse to go (like I did 😅). One thing that I have learned in the decade since my husband got out of the Marines is that when people talk about the transitioning service member it’s rarely mentioned that the transition is an ongoing process. Is there an end date when the veteran is officially transitioned? To my knowledge, no. (Does combat experience play a role in this?🤔) However, while we may experience challenges and obstacles that civilian families look at us all cross eyed over, we also get to experience so many incredibly genuine people who normalize this process and help us find success in careers, mental health, and family. As part of the after care for Mighty Oaks, we were gifted a trip to Monterey to attend the Family Life marriage conference over the weekend. It was a fun, challenging, deep, emotional, fullfilling weekend. I was reminded of the incredible work my guy has done and of how uniquely resilient he is. The success of any military transition begins right here at the core. Supporting him along this journey is the greatest gift. ❤️🤍💙 #militarytransition #militaryspouse #veterantransition #veteran #resilience #militaryspouses #militaryfamilies #veteranssupport #veteranshelpingveterans #montereybay #familylife #weekendtoremember #monterey #montereybay #marriage #marriagegoals #mightyoakswarriorprograms

As a weekend of #remembrance approaches, we have had the privilege to speak to 2 of our staff members, Jill Saint and Michael Laverty. They have both served our country, and through their stories, we have learned how important it is to honour the people who dedicated themselves to protecting our freedoms. Please view our latest blog to read some of the poignant thoughts and words from our #veterans at Collins Seafoods. https://lnkd.in/eTn-MyYP

Another day closer to the start, and still a very confused weather outlook! 😕 • On the left of the image you can see the wind forecast for the end of this week. It's pretty much perfect for a launch and to allow the teams to head south west on their way to Antigua. ↙️ • The right hand side shows the forecast for the original planned race start...and it's not great 😬 • Whilst the stronger teams may punch through it, there are a number of solo rowers launching, who can only row for so long until they need to sleep. Once a solo falls asleep, they then drift with the winds, at least to some extent. 😴 • The start date, is one of the major controllables that the World's Toughest Row team have - and ensuring all the teams get off shore and safely clear of the islands is a priority. ⚠️ • All this means that we still do not know when the start date will be. Somewhere between Saturday and Thursday was the thought this morning, but it's changing almost hourly. We'll keep you updated! '🗣️ • The crew are working with the following charity partners to provide #mentalhealth and #wellbeing support for Submariners and their families: • Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity Help - Jim's Story The Submarine Family • If you can support, please donate today at https://lnkd.in/eutwHFkv  • The team are sponsored by: Jacobs Rolls-Royce NSSLGlobal Resilient Nutrition Babcock International Group Gill Marine Team Forces • We are very proud to be working with our incredible outreach partners to inspire the next generation:  SeaCadets Never Such Innocence Reach the World Sir Thomas Lipton Foundation Association of Wrens & Women of the Royal Naval Services • #HMSOardacious #atlantic2023 #atlanticcampaigns #submariner #worldstoughestrow #oceanrowing #oceanrowers #atlantic #rowing #adventure #mentalhealth 

If at any stage you mistook this journey even slightly easy...think again! 😱 • This video shows us exactly how challenging the seas are for the team, and this was filmed just one day offshore! 🤯 • It is monumentally challenging in the first couple of days at sea in a rowing boat, even on the most sedate of years...but this years conditions are already causing challenges and they will push our team every step of the way! 🌊 • As Dan explains, (in verse, of course), there is a bit of sea sickness on board, which the conditions aren't helping. This might sound strange coming from people who work at sea, but the motion in a rowing boat is very different to a ship or indeed a submarine, and even the most hardened of watermen find themselves struck down with the dreaded green monster. 🤢 • The auto tiller also stopped working but Mike managed used his engineering skills to get it fixed and they carried on their way. 💪 • One positive is the wind direction is helping the team to row quite fast, and it is feasible that this will get even faster over the next few days. 🏎️💨 • Hold tight team, keep tied on, and row hard!! 💪 • The crew are working with the following charity partners to provide #mentalhealth and #wellbeing support for Submariners and their families: • Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity Help - Jim's Story The Submarine Family • If you can support, please donate today at https://lnkd.in/eutwHFkv  • The team are sponsored by: Jacobs Rolls-Royce NSSLGlobal Resilient Nutrition Babcock International Group Gill Marine Team Forces • We are very proud to be working with our incredible outreach partners to inspire the next generation:  SeaCadets Never Such Innocence Reach the World Sir Thomas Lipton Foundation Association of Wrens & Women of the Royal Naval Services • #HMSOardacious #atlantic2023 #atlanticcampaigns #submariner #worldstoughestrow #oceanrowing #oceanrowers #atlantic #rowing #adventure #mentalhealth #chinafleet

The United States Marine Corps Commandant, General Eric Smith, presented a great civilian model for #resilience. Great meeting and perfect timing with #IndependenceDay. What will help America move forward and stay ahead? It’s not a “me” mentality on how much can I make, how much can I sell, how much can I buy. General Smith made this abundantly clear immediately as well as wove it through his presentation and answers to questions. Our nation has acted with collaboration in times of #disaster. Post #Hurricane Katrina, the nation (and world) came to the aid of the City of New Orleans to rebuild and renew. How did that happen? People #respond to what matters to them. Though the greater #community deployed with a nation of #service mentality – it’s not just #ArmedForces or #FirstResponders. While we need those who answer that call on a 24/7/365 basis, we need to have everyone thinking about others every day. It can be small as in a small act of kindness – sharing an explanation to a neighbor child on your expertise, giving your old books for a non-profit sale that supports their mission, dedicating time to feed the hungry at an outreach event. (See the trend: in no way is it all about the Benjamins – aka money for my non-American network.) #ForceDesign has many meanings – words are important. It’s how you integrate with others that makes the whole #stronger. While we each have special talents, another recent LinkedIn post about hope used the phrase “it’s a belief in all of us over none of us.” (Amen, Misaha Suzuki Graham.) Another post discussed overcoming horrible circumstances and coming back together “trying different methods and approaches.” (Inspiration and eloquence while recognizing historical pain, Van Jones.) How do you give strength to what makes America different from all other nations and distinguishes our democracy from other models? Thank you, The Brookings Institution, for another thought-provoking inspiring discussion! Visit here to view the replay: https://lnkd.in/gzk2Df42

Who has been stationed in #Alaska? Over the years, we have had MBO team members stationed all over the globe. Several have been stationed in Alaska. #militaryfamilies : Your Ultimate Guide to Moving to Alaska! Planning a military move to Alaska? Here's a recap of the attached article - with lots of info for a smooth transition to "America's Last Frontier": 1. Military Bases: Alaska is home to several key military installations, including Clear Air Force Station, Several Coast Guard Bases, Fort Wainwright, and Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson and more. 2. Getting There: You can reach Alaska by flying, driving, or ferry. Winter driving requires special preparation, so consider flying during severe winter months. 3. Cost of Living: While Alaska's cost of living is higher, military members receive increased BAH and COLA. 4. Driving Tips: Invest in a vehicle suited for Alaska's snowy and icy conditions. Engine block heaters are essential in the Fairbanks area. 5. Alaskan Wildlife: Learn about moose and bear safety. Wildlife encounters are common, so stay prepared! 6. Moving with Pets and Kids: Ensure pets have health certificates for travel. Alaska offers children numerous activities and sports and quality educational options. 7. Spouse Employment: Military spouses may face a higher unemployment rate but benefit from efforts to simplify professional licensure transfers. 8. Alaska Lifestyle: Embrace the unique experiences, from endless daylight in summer to the awe of the Northern Lights in winter. 9. Safety Tips: Be prepared for extreme weather and earthquake safety. 10. Bucket List: From Seward Highway, drives to explore Denali National Park, Alaska offers endless adventures! Discover more about each aspect of Alaskan life, including the myths and realities, and start your exciting journey to this beautiful, wild state. #MilitaryMove #AlaskaAdventure #LifeInAlaska

ENSURING THE LEGACY OF THOSE WHO GAVE ALL As Memorial Day approaches, I find myself in a familiar routine: checking on the areas that hold so many memories, both bitter and sweet. Memorial Day is a time for reflection and remembrance, It’s also a time to help those still affected by the wars, to rebuild lives, and to make sure sacrifices were not in vain. My experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan are etched into my mind, from walking through Baghdad, a city that dates back to 762 AD to standing before Alexander's Castle, a relic from over 2000 years ago. Our mission was clear, but the region's history made things complicated. Reflecting on my time there, I often wonder: What is the true cost of war? How do we help those who were affected by the war? Questions not easily answered. The constant danger, losing friends, and the moral challenges of war leave deep scars. These experiences force you to grow up quickly, facing life’s fragility and harsh realities. Philosophically, my journey has taken me from feeling that life is meaningless (nihilism) to searching for personal meaning (existentialism). Seeing the chaos and destruction of war can make life feel pointless. The loss of life and the struggle for peace can make one question everything. In the years after my service, I traveled a lot, looking for something to fill the void left by war. This emptiness is common among veterans, a sense of something missing that civilian life can't fill. For me, the answer was in storytelling. By traveling and immersing myself in different cultures, I wanted to understand people better and to find stories that needed to be told. This journey helped me connect with people from all walks of life, gaining insights that enriched my perspective and gave me a new sense of purpose. I dedicated myself to telling stories, to highlight the struggles and successes of human kind. My experiences as a young Army Ranger have given me a unique perspective, one that I hope can help others understand and appreciate the complexities of human existence. Even if it means helping in the smallest ways, whether by sharing stories, supporting veterans, or advocating for those still affected by the conflicts, every effort counts. It’s about making a difference, no matter how small, and ensuring that the legacy of those who gave all is honored and remembered. #MemorialDay #Veterans #RLTW #NativeAmerican #MentalHealth #VeteranSupport #Philosophy