Wesley Steenhoven talks about his Florida Keys Sailing for Veterans program.
Tell us about your background.
I joined the U.S. Navy Seabees from 2002-2007 and was deployed 4 times..Guam…Japan…Korea… and Iraq. In 2007-2012 I attended college and graduated from the University of Montana Western with a Bachelors degree in Health and Human Performance. Meanwhile, I did wildland firefighting in the summer. Since 2013 I have been with the Alaska Air National Guard.
How did you hear about Outward Bound?
I heard about Outward Bond from another Vet that went on the course.
Why did you select a sailing course?
I live in Alaska……Florida seemed like a nice escape in February and a great skill/challenge to learn.
What was the best part of your course?
The warm weather and making new friends!
What was the hardest part of your course?
Leaving friends and 80 degree weather.
What bonding experience did you have with others on your boat?
Our military experience bonded us in ways that civilians do not understand…and this helped us to work together and bond on a number of levels.
What impact has the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School had on your life?
Outward Bound impacted me by helping me realize that numerous Veterans are fighting some of the same battles I have — and overcoming them.
What would you say to a fellow Vet considering an Outward Bound program?
I would say the to the Vet that it is a great experience that you can do similar team building experiences that you do in the military and have a amazing adventure at the same time, while learning some good new technical skills.