DELPHOS — Transitioning out of the military is difficult. Going from a
regimented schedule and clear, precise directives to the chaos of
civilian life can leave former soldiers questioning their next move.
Getting out in nature and hiking is a good way to sort one’s thoughts.
Two
veterans, Mei Liber and Preston Hudson, both 31, were treated to a
steak dinner and camaraderie on a stop from hiking the Buckeye Trail on
Saturday. The pair are part of the Warrior Expedition, a program
inspired by Earl Shaffer, who in 1948 told a friend he was going to
“walk off the war.” Shaffer was trying to process what he saw, heard and
lost during World War II. Four months later, Shaffer became the first
person to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia
to Maine.
Any veteran who has served in a combat zone and who has
been honorably discharged is eligible to submit an application to
Warrior Expeditions. Veterans participating in the programs receive the
equipment, clothing and supplies required to complete a long distance
outdoor expedition in addition to community support from veteran and
community organizations located along the route.
Delphos VFW Post 3035 is a stop on the Buckeye Trail for veteran hikers.
“We
invite them to come to the post and enjoy a good meal and be with
fellow veterans for a short while,” Post Quartermaster Dave Edelbrock
said. “It gives us a change to serve our veterans and them a chance to
rest and refuel.”
Liber and Hudson had never met before they started the hike but like most veterans, it isn’t hard to find common ground.
Liber had dreamed of hiking the Appalachain Trail since she was a small girl.
“The
Buckeye Trail wasn’t my first choice but I accepted it because it’s the
opportunity of a lifetime,” Liber said. “I’m exploring my creative side
and thinking about what I really want to do for the rest of my life.”
Liber,
a Virginia native, is still in the Air Force and is undecided if she
will re-up. She joined the Air Force for the same reason most do — to
fly.
“I was going to study engineering and other technical skills
to become a pilot and then I just became an engineer because of the
height requirement,” Liber lamented. “I also joined to contribute to my
country and be part of something bigger than myself.”
Hudson joined the Marine Infantry, his second choice, because he knew it would be hard.
“I
always knew I was going to be in the service. I was originally going to
join the Air Force because I wanted to be an astronaut. I went to Space
Camp and everything,” he said. “My eyesight put a quick halt to that
dream. So I joined the infantry because I always seem to do the opposite
of easy.”
Hudson, who hails from East Liberty, was scheduled to
hike the Appalachian Trail in 2018 through Warrior Expedition but
changed his plans to hike with Liber when her hiking partner was unable
to make the trip.
The pair agreed that hiking is a favorite pastime and both are looking for the same thing while out on the trail.
“I’m
looking for peace of mind,” Hudson said. “Maybe I’ll find it, maybe I
won’t. But I’m definitely getting a better sense of myself.”
Liber agreed.
“My future right now is very uncertain,” she said. “It’s a good time in my life to this and help with the transition.”