Ryan had the vision to create a travel blog, hoping to help other disabled veterans experience the life-changing impact of travel. The article by Hannah Scott in The Chicago Journal beautifully portrays Ryan’s journey and highlights the healing influence of travel. We felt it was important for us to share this story of a Veterans’ Restorative Journey on Wanderers Compass. Our hope is that Ryan’s story will inspire and benefit others as much as it did for him. It is a reprint of the original article.
The original article was published online in The Chicago Journal. It is here in its entirety, and no changes have been made.
By: Hannah Scott
Adjusting to civilian life after military service can be an uphill battle for many veterans, often needing a lot of therapy and support.
But there’s an unexpected and thrilling remedy making waves—world travel. This surprising solution is helping veterans uncover new perspectives and reignite their sense of purpose.
For veterans, travel is more than a getaway; it’s a recalibrating adventure. The act of scouting new landscapes and immersing themselves in different cultures leads to some massive psychological shifts. It builds adaptability and empathy and forges strong connections to a world beyond their past experiences.
Ryan Slough
Ryan Slough, a veteran and co-owner of Wanderers Compass, explains, “Ultimately, traveling gave me the chance to figure out who I am beyond the uniform. Each time, every new place taught me something different and brought a bit of healing that I just couldn’t find in regular everyday life.”
Together with Joelle Machia, whom he first met through Soldiers Angels during one of his deployments, Ryan uses their online travel blog, Wanderers Compass, to promote authentic travel experiences. Based on Ryan’s positive experiences, the duo encourages other veterans to see travel as a path to rehabilitation, reintegration, and healing.
Central to their mission is the idea of “restorative travel.” Moreover, this idea strikes a chord with veterans battling PTSD and other service-related traumas. It taps into the familiar military elements of planning, camaraderie, and adrenaline rushes—yet in a safer and more exploratory way. As a result, this unique setting allows veterans to step out of their comfort zones, uncover hidden strengths, and discover new purposes.
Ryan is a living example of this. As a matter of fact, as a decorated Army Reserve Master Sergeant in a First Sergeant position who has served tours in Afghanistan and other regions, he has faced intense challenges of military life. Despite this, battling several disabilities from his deployments, Ryan turned to travel as a means of healing. Through this journey, by exploring new landscapes, he has found a way to cope and build a hopeful future.
Beyond personal growth, travel also provides a vibrant social experience, giving veterans the chance to connect with diverse cultures and people.
Veterans Immerse
These interactions can, in turn, melt away feelings of isolation and foster a sense of belonging in the broader world. Moreover, as veterans immerse themselves in different cultures, they can shed their combat identities and, consequently, embrace a new, global community. This process, therefore, enriches their lives with newfound connections and understanding, ultimately paving the way for deeper personal growth. As a result, they can expand their perspectives and strengthen their sense of self.
Joelle, in this context, shares, “Watching Ryan dive into different cultures and mingle with people from all walks of life has been nothing short of amazing. Furthermore, witnessing his growth through these experiences has been truly inspiring, as it highlights the transformative power of embracing diversity and new perspectives.
He’s sharing meals, swapping stories, and embracing traditions that are so different from his own. It’s been incredible to see how this has helped him heal in ways we never imagined. We’re hoping that by sharing his journey, other veterans might feel inspired to embark on their own transformative adventures.”
Travel
Travel also brings significant physical benefits that enhance veterans’ overall well-being. Activities like hiking, biking, and swimming in new environments not only boost physical health but also support mental health improvements. This healthy lifestyle makes physical activity a natural and enjoyable part of a veteran’s healing journey.
But getting fit is just the beginning. Wandering the globe brings an unexpected bonus: photography. As Wanderers Compass shows, snapping photos on the go not only adds an exciting new dimension to the adventure but also breathes life into the stories of travelers. Moreover, it helps veterans ground their journey, offering a tangible way to capture moments that might otherwise be forgotten.
For many, photography evolves into a powerful means of self-expression and reflection. It serves as an emotional outlet, easing stress and pain, while also providing a visual record of their experiences. Through this lens, individuals can capture the beauty of new places and, in doing so, reflect on their journey. Ultimately, this process also allows them to track the progress of their personal healing, transforming each snapshot into a milestone of emotional growth.
Overall, travel is more than just a trip for veterans; it’s a journey to recovery and self-discovery. Veterans like Ryan show that the world is a vast canvas for healing and hope.
So, whether it’s wandering through the streets of unfamiliar cities, climbing the peaks of towering mountains, or finding solace on quiet shores, travel helps veterans find the peace and purpose that often combat clouds. As platforms like Wanderers Compass advocate for travel as a form of healing, society may, in turn, begin to approach veteran rehabilitation in a new light. Consequently, this shift could lead to more holistic methods of support, emphasizing not just physical recovery, but also emotional and mental well-being
Published by: Holy Minoza
Reference Citation
Veterans’ restorative journeys: Exploring W/ wanderers compass. (2024, July 10). The Chicago Journal. https://thechicagojournal.com/veterans-restorative-journeys-exploring-w-wanderers-compass/
Check out Ryan’s profoundly personal reflection on how travel transformed his life
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