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No Barriers, Raytheon select 2018 Veteran Wilderness Expedition team
Disabled veterans to tackle the Grand Canyon
TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NSYE: RTN) and No Barriers Warriors today announced the 2018 Grand Canyon Veteran Wilderness Expedition team. Disabled veterans from Alabama, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas will participate in the Raytheon-funded expedition Oct. 19-27 in Arizona.
The expedition is designed to push participants physically with long-distance hiking and rafting, and mentally, while providing a foundation for stretching goals, facing adversity and leading others.
"When our brave men and women in uniform return from the battlespace with physical, mental or emotional injuries, we want to help them overcome their challenges and rebuild their lives," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "Partnering with No Barriers Warriors on these challenging expeditions is one way Raytheon gives back to soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have sacrificed so much for their country."
Participants in all No Barriers programs face challenges ranging from emotional and physical trauma to impaired senses and chronic pain. Some experience combat flashbacks and survivor's guilt, while others struggle with readjusting to civilian life. Post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury are common injuries among the warriors.
The 2018 Grand Canyon Veteran Wilderness Expedition team includes:
- Justin Ballard, U.S. Air Force, Arizona
- Christopher Byrne, U.S. Army, Texas
- Mark Edinger, U.S. Army, New Mexico
- Tracy Garcia, U.S. Army, Texas
- Magdalena Gradkowska, U.S. Army, Arizona
- Bobbie Holland, U.S. Army, New Mexico
- Craig Lashley, U.S. Navy, Alabama
- Javier Colon Mendoza, U.S. Army, Texas
- Candice Muir, U.S. Army, Arizona
- Robert Nuttall, U.S. Army, Texas
- Ronald Pugh, U.S. Marine Corps, Alabama
- Jeremy Spruce, U.S. Army, Arizona
- Tamara Turnbull, U.S. Air Force, New Mexico
- Alumnus Coach - James Bishop, U.S. Army, Texas
This is the fifth year Raytheon and the non-profit No Barriers USA have partnered for a Veteran Wilderness Expedition. Previous journeys took teams to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wind River Range in Wyoming.
About No Barriers USA
No Barriers improves the lives of veterans with disabilities through curriculum-based experiences in challenging environments. Our experiences serve as both an opportunity for growth and a catalyst for change as these brave men and women stretch physical and emotional boundaries, foster camaraderie, pioneer through adversity, and step up and serve others. Through experiences that are one part adventure, one part curriculum and one part physical challenge, we show veterans that what's within them is stronger than what is in front of them. The mission of No Barriers USA is to unleash the potential of the human spirit. Through transformative experiences, tools and inspiration, No Barriers helps people embark on a quest to overcome obstacles, live a full life and contribute their absolute best to the world. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2017 sales of $25 billion and 64,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 96 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5ITM products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter.
Media Contacts
Raytheon
John Patterson
+1.520.746.2107
rmspr@raytheon.com
No Barriers USA
Jaime Donnelly
+1.970.484.3633, ext. 316
jaime.donnelly@nobarriersusa.org
SOURCE Raytheon Company