Fort Collins, CO, Oct. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- No Barriers and Allstate Insurance Company today announced the team of veterans with disabilities selected to participate in the 2018 No Barriers Warriors Gila National Forest Expedition. The expedition will take place in the spectacular canyons and vistas of the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico, from October 2–10.   

“To reinforce our commitment to serving military and veteran families, Allstate is partnering with No Barriers to provide veterans with the tools and resources necessary to overcome barriers and help them achieve their hopes and dreams”, said John O’Donnell, Western Territory President, Allstate.

No Barriers Warriors program helps improve the lives of veterans with disabilities through transformative, curriculum-based expeditions in challenging outdoor environments. Each expedition is designed to push veterans mentally and physically in some of nature’s most incredible wilderness settings. Through experiential offerings, No Barriers Warriors encourages veterans to look beyond personal barriers to reach new heights and give back to the community.

A team of veterans and four experienced expedition leaders will spend nine days in the Gila National Forest, including seven days of backcountry hiking. The expedition includes off-site preparation and a 31-mile wilderness trek, designed to push participants while providing a foundation for stretching goals, facing adversity and leading and serving others. The program includes a service project with the Heart of the Gila, an organization which seeks to preserve New Mexico’s watersheds. Expedition participants will have the opportunity to give back as they partner to work on trail maintenance.

Veterans selected for the No Barriers Warriors face life-altering injuries ranging from emotional and physical trauma to impaired senses and chronic pain. Some experience combat flashbacks and survivor’s guilt, while others continue to struggle with readjusting to civilian life. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are common injuries among the warriors. Despite these challenges, this team of veterans from across the continental U.S. believes in their ability to overcome barriers. They realize the expedition represents more than a climb and physical trek; it represents the opportunity to impact the world as a leader who serves. The program — seven days of backpacking bookended by two days of barrier-breaking activities — is structured to remind veterans that what is within them is stronger than what’s in their way.

The 2018 No Barriers Warriors Gila National Forest team includes:

• Rolando Alejo – California – U.S. Air Force
• Heather Boling – Ohio – U.S. Air Force
• Jason Carey – Idaho – U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force
• Lawrence Carlin – Florida – U.S. Army
• Kevin Coombs – New Mexico – U.S. Marine Corps
• Brian Danker – California – U.S. Army
• Naomi Hart – Washington – U.S. Navy
• John Pulido – California – U.S. Marine Corps
• James Toczko – Virginia – U.S. Army, U.S. Navy
• Jon Webber – Colorado – U.S. Army
• Troy Wynn – California – U.S. Army

John Toth, No Barriers Warriors director and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, knows that veterans of all abilities can do amazing things in their community when given the chance. He is excited to help this group of veterans dig deep in order to realize that they are stronger than the barriers in their way.  

“We are honored to guide these incredible veterans as they overcome barriers and experience tremendous growth together, says Toth. “Recognizing the significant challenges they face, it is heartening to known this team has the support of Allstate and its associates. We are proud to work with company that shares our passion for those who have given so much for our country.”

To learn more about the expedition team, its leaders and the No Barriers Warriors program, visit https://www.nobarriersusa.org/allstate

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About No Barriers
What barriers do you face? This question lies at the heart of our organization. Whether in our personal lives, at work, or in our communities, we all face challenges that can prevent us from reaching our full potential. At No Barriers, we believe that what’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way. No Barriers empowers people of all walks of life to overcome obstacles, live a life of purpose, and give back to the world, all through our ground-breaking curriculum, the No Barriers Life. Learn more about No Barriers at NoBarriersUSA.org.

About No Barriers Warriors
No Barriers Warriors is a program of No Barriers USA focused on improving the lives of veterans with disabilities through transformative, curriculum-based expeditions in challenging outdoor environments. Each No Barriers Warriors expedition is designed to push veterans mentally and physically in some of nature’s more incredible wilderness settings. We create a safe space and encourage them to reflect on their past, recognize where they are in the present and then look with positivity to the future. The experience serves as a catalyst for change as veterans stretch their boundaries, innovate through adversity, and build lifelong rope teams. No Barriers Warriors programming is provided free of charge to veterans with disabilities serving in any of the armed forces from any era of service.