Wisconsin Army veterans Natalie Koffarnus and Jenni Heisz have found a new way to inspire hope in combat veterans during their life after service. Heisz, who served in Kuwait and Afghanistan, and Koffarnus, who served in Kuwait and Iraq, use hiking as a means to stay fit both physically and mentally. The women stated that returning to nature was part of their healing process. It relaxed them and helped them transition back into civilian life.
"I find it kind of hard to be mad when you're out in nature, and the birds are singing, and the wind is blowing through the leaves. It really is calming and relaxing to me," Koffarnus told AOL.
The women are hiking the Ice Age Trail, a 1,100-mile trek across the state of Wisconsin, in partnership with the Warrior Hike program. This program sponsors returned combat veterans who wish to hike the National Scenic Trails as a way to transition from military life. As the ladies make their way across the trail, fellow veterans are providing food and lodging for the pair. Heisz and Koffarnus believe their journey will help them reconnect with nature and move past the traumas they experienced in their military service.