Disabled veterans to tackle the Grand Canyon
TUCSON, Ariz.,-- 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.