Waypoint Vets Inc.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: ZION 2024 The final desert wakeup was bittersweet. The group had united in such an impactful way that no one wanted to trip to end. The group started the day with a silent hike back up to “pride rock”. Once at the top, the group circled up and was led into some gentle yoga and morning breathwork. Once back at camp, the group would begin the work of tearing down campsites and preparing for the final circle and drive back to Vegas. The final circle was full of laughter, tears, and gratitude for the last 4 days. The staff recognized all the hard work the veterans did and handed them their certificate of completion and challenge coin, officially welcoming them into the Waypoint Alumni family. It was a moment full of pride and endearment - we now possessed a shared knowing of the healing impact that's possible in Zion. It was time to head back to Vegas and begin the journey home. Our goal is to empower our veterans through adventure, and it is safe to say the mission was accomplished on this trip. The hugs were long as tears were shed and farewells were said. The staff and the participants came together and made core memories out in the desert that will carry them through as they return home and nestle back into their routines. We are eternally grateful to all our sponsors and donors who help make these trips possible. Together we are creating a ripple effect of unity and healing throughout the veteran community!???????? #WaypointVets #HonorTheFallen Thank you to our trip specific sponsors: Zion Guru Cineres Creative LLC Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park Alexis Park Resort Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Special Thanks to our Ongoing Supporters! Your continued contributions are making these opportunities of healing and camaraderie possible for our Veterans! Hot Shot's Secret Gold Eagle Company Friends and Family CVMA TN 18-1 Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Tn Rolling Thunder TN 4 Gallatin Elks Lodge 2547 American Veterans Department of TN Ella Ride by Gallatin Roughnecks Roughnecks MC - Lebanon TN Cedar City Crew Chapter Women In Trucking Association Wreaths Across America Caterpillar Inc. Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport 4WARD PROJECT Polk County Chamber of Commerce Archer Van Rentals

MISSION UPDATE 3: ZION 2024 The chills of a late October desert morning were met with a beautiful sunrise and hot coffee.? The group ate a protein-packed breakfast, packed lunches, and hiked from camp to Lambs Knoll. This climbing site features stunning 360-degree views wherever you look and is a perfect climbing route to get the adrenaline pumping. The group hiked to a place the locals have coined “pride rock.” It is a serene flat top rock with views of Zion for days. The group was led into gentle yoga and breathwork to mentally prepare for what lay ahead. After that, the group hiked, rappelled, and down-climbed through slot canyons until reaching the highest rappel of the day, which sat at 200 feet. This repel has significant meaning to our founder, Sarah Lee, and after completing it, the group understood why. The entire group completed this very emotional and mentally demanding rappel, and the feeling of accomplishment could be felt through the canyons.? ? The afternoon brought on the warm desert sun and part two of our adventure for the day: Rock Climbing. The group left camp and hiked down to the ridgeline, where they would take on a 70-foot rock wall. This was a familiar challenge for some, and for others, it was a new one to unlock. The group learned how to properly tie ropes, belay their climbing partner, and get uncomfortable challenging their minds and bodies in new ways.? ? The group headed back to camp exhausted in the best way possible and ready for dinner and evening by the fire, and the day concluded with dinner, and a fireside reflection circle under a blanket of stars. ???????? #WaypointVets #HonorTheFallen Thank you to our trip specific sponsors: Zion Guru Cineres Creative LLC Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park Alexis Park Resort Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Special Thanks to our Ongoing Supporters! Your continued contributions are making these opportunities of healing and camaraderie possible for our Veterans! Hot Shot's Secret Gold Eagle Company Friends and Family CVMA TN 18-1 Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Tn Rolling Thunder TN 4 Gallatin Elks Lodge 2547 American Veterans Department of TN Ella Ride by Gallatin Roughnecks Roughnecks MC - Lebanon TN Cedar City Crew Chapter Women In Trucking Association Wreaths Across America Caterpillar Inc. Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport 4WARD PROJECT Polk County Chamber of Commerce Archer Van Rentals

MISSION UPDATE 2: ZION 2024 The group was up well before the sun, and the excitement was in the air for day 2. The group loaded up in the vans early and headed into Zion National Park to hike the acclaimed “Narrows”. The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. It is a gorge with thousand-foot-tall walls, and the river is sometimes only twenty to thirty feet wide. This hike is one of the most popular sites of Zion National Park.? ? They started with some stretching and deep breathing, then entered the river with the warm sun shining down and the coolness of the water hitting their breath. It was a day filled with history lessons from the guides, silent moments to reflect and soak in the power of nature, and disconnecting to connect with one another. After a full day, the group returned to camp? feeling both exhausted and energized from what they had just experienced together.? ? That evening back at camp, the group enjoyed another nutritious dinner and camaraderie around the fire. The day concluded with a beautiful reflection circle. As the sun set, the warm glow of the amber flames took over. No words can properly articulate the beauty of today. ???????? #WaypointVets #HonorTheFallen Thank you to our trip specific sponsors: Zion Guru Cineres Creative LLC Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park Alexis Park Resort Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Special Thanks to our Ongoing Supporters! Your continued contributions are making these opportunities of healing and camaraderie possible for our Veterans! Hot Shot's Secret Gold Eagle Company Friends and Family CVMA TN 18-1 Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Tn Rolling Thunder TN 4 Gallatin Elks Lodge 2547 American Veterans Department of TN Ella Ride by Gallatin Roughnecks Roughnecks MC - Lebanon TN Cedar City Crew Chapter Women In Trucking Association Wreaths Across America Caterpillar Inc. Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport 4WARD PROJECT Polk County Chamber of Commerce Archer Van Rentals

Our team at Waypoint Vets would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Bob Perry and all who participated in the 22x22 Pushup Challenge! Thank you for your relentless dedication to promoting health and a higher quality of life within your industry and for veterans nation-wide. Thank you for bringing awareness to our staggering veteran suicide rate, and caring so deeply about our Mission and community. For this final push, please consider becoming a Waypoint Vets Core Contributor through our monthly giving campaign. As a thank you gift, all new recurring donors will receive a personalized In Memoriam dog tag from our Founder, Sarah Lee. Details: https://lnkd.in/eV7MuAkM #KeepPushing #BetterTogether #UnitedWeMend Bob Perry #HonorTheFallenByLiving #WaypointVets

MISSION UPDATE 1: ZION 2024 Our group set out into the wilderness of Utah, eager to be immersed and disconnected in nature for the next 4 days. We stopped by our adventure guide sponsor, Zion Guru, to get fully outfitted for our activities.? Zion Guru has been a massive system of support for Waypoint Vets by providing gear and guides who ensuring our Southwest adventures run smoothly and safely every single time. We are incredibly thankful for their dedication to our mission and unwavering support for over 4 years now. ? Once at camp, it was all hands on deck getting supplies unloaded and base camp set up. Our operations team lead gave a quick tutorial on what individual camp setups should look like, and the participants set off to scout their perfect “home” for the next few days. After lunch, the group settled into our introduction discussion circle. Our admin leader then handed each veteran their In Memoriam dog tags. This symbolic act sets the tone for the trip and why we all gather to Honor the Fallen by Living. The group grabbed their backpacks and adventure gear and headed to the canyons for their first canyoneering experience. The camaraderie within the group was felt for miles, and this bond would create a belay of trust as they conquered tight spaces, small cliffs, and high ledges high above the sand. The pride of accomplishment as the group trekked back to camp echoed through the canyons for miles. It was indeed a day to not be forgotten and would only strengthen this group.? ? The evening was capped out with a spectacular sunset and fire. At the same time, the group all replenished their bodies with a healthy dinner prepared by our logistic coordinator, conversation around the amber flames, and starry sky. It was hard to believe that it had only been about 36 hours that 12 strangers would bond and blend so effortlessly. ???????? #WaypointVets #HonorTheFallen Thank you to our trip specific sponsors: Zion Guru Cineres Creative LLC Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park Alexis Park Resort Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Special Thanks to our Ongoing Supporters! Your continued contributions are making these opportunities of healing and camaraderie possible for our Veterans! Hot Shot's Secret Gold Eagle Company Friends and Family CVMA TN 18-1 Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Tn Rolling Thunder TN 4 Gallatin Elks Lodge 2547 American Veterans Department of TN Ella Ride by Gallatin Roughnecks Roughnecks MC - Lebanon TN Cedar City Crew Chapter Women In Trucking Association Wreaths Across America Caterpillar Inc. Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport 4WARD PROJECT Polk County Chamber of Commerce Archer Van Rentals

MISSION UNDERWAY: ZION 2024!? Arrival Day: Pre-trip prep in Vegas was a breeze, and the team was ready to welcome participants from all over the country, including Puerto Rico!!? Everyone arrived safely, and we loaded up vehicles for the trek to Virgin, UT. There was a pleasant flow of conversation, and you would have thought this was a reunion of old friends. We were welcomed by the enthusiastic staff of Fairfield Inn, and the first night consisted of a group dinner, issuing of gift bags, and quality time spent together. Right away, you could feel the energy of this group. We all went to bed excited with anticipation for the adventures to come, and to experience the healing power of America's landscapes. ????????? #WaypointVets #HonorTheFallen #EpicHealing Thank you to our trip specific sponsors: Zion Guru Cineres Creative LLC Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park Alexis Park Resort Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park Special Thanks to our Ongoing Supporters! Your continued contributions are making these opportunities of healing and camaraderie possible for our Veterans! Hot Shot's Secret Gold Eagle Company Friends and Family CVMA TN 18-1 Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Tn Rolling Thunder TN 4 Gallatin Elks Lodge 2547 American Veterans Department of TN Ella Ride by Gallatin Roughnecks Roughnecks MC - Lebanon TN Cedar City Crew Chapter Women In Trucking Association Wreaths Across America Caterpillar Inc. Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport 4WARD PROJECT Polk County Chamber of Commerce Archer Van Rentals

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: SMWR 2024 Please join us in congratulating our newest Waypoint Vets Alumni!? These incredibly deserving veterans brought A LOT to this experience for each other, and they've earned everything they gained here. We are SO proud of the openness, kindness, and depth displayed during this experience!? It takes bravery to be yourself, but it sure comes easy when you find “your people”. Welcome, Sisters! We're honored to call you family! To Learn More or Support Waypoint Vets: https://lnkd.in/ej9tWsNp #VetsHelpingVets #BetterTogether #HonorTheFallenByLiving #WaypointVets #UnitedWeMend THANK YOU, TRIP SPECIFIC SPONSORS! Tuckaleechee Retreat Center Archer Van Rentals Great Smoky Mountain National Park Cades Cove - Great Smokies Special Thanks to our Ongoing Supporters! Your continued contributions are making these opportunities of healing and camaraderie possible for our Veterans! Hot Shot's Secret Gold Eagle Company Friends and Family CVMA TN 18-1 Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Tn Rolling Thunder TN4 Gallatin Elks Lodge 2547 American Veterans Department of TN Ella Ride by Gallatin Roughnecks Roughnecks MC - Lebanon TN Cedar City Crew Chapter Women In Trucking Association Wreaths Across America SL Resources Zion Guru Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park Cineres Creative LLC Caterpillar Inc. Clean Harbors Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport Dave Nemo Show 4WARD PROJECT

MISSION UPDATE 3: SMWR 2024 It was breakfast served, into the vehicles, and out the door in record time to the Laurel Falls trailhead in the Smoky Mountain National Park! Heather led morning movement stretches in the parking lot, proving we can stretch and strengthen our bodies just about anywhere. Colorful trees towered overhead as the veterans blazed their way up this challenging trail to a gorgeous waterfall. Knowing this is the last full adventure day makes the time even more special and to be treasured. Water continues to be a central theme in this trip. After a shared lunch surrounded by fall colors and forest sounds and smells, we discussed how the water continues to push forward, refusing to be stopped, around obstacles that still remain upstream. Our veterans have obstacles in the past they’ve had to overcome, and some they are still working through. Knowing they have trusted sisters who understand, and resources available to help, makes a huge difference in choosing to move forward. Our last night together was made even more memorable under the stars by staff member Tina Penny, who taught us how to use our cell phones to capture the Milky Way and Atlas comet. Together, we stood amazed, looking up, sharing the beauty of the night sky and each other, bonded. ???? #VetsHelpingVets #BetterTogether #HonorTheFallenByLiving #WaypointVets #UnitedWeMend THANK YOU, TRIP SPECIFIC SPONSORS! Tuckaleechee Retreat Center Archer Van Rentals Great Smoky Mountain National Park Cades Cove - Great Smokies Special Thanks to our Ongoing Supporters! Your continued contributions are making these opportunities of healing and camaraderie possible for our Veterans! Hot Shot's Secret Gold Eagle Company Friends and Family CVMA TN 18-1 Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Tn RollingThunderTN4 Gallatin Elks Lodge 2547 American Veterans Department of TN Ella Ride by Gallatin Roughnecks Roughnecks MC - Lebanon TN Cedar City Crew Chapter Women In Trucking Association Wreaths Across America SL Resources Zion Guru Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park Cineres Creative LLC Caterpillar Inc. Clean Harbors Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport Dave Nemo Show 4WARD PROJECT

MISSION UPDATE 2: SMWR 2024 Rested and ready, our sisters arrived at Heather’s morning movement to learn and practice Yin Yoga; deep restorative stretches that offer emotional and mental benefits. The Sugarlands Nature trail along the West Prong Little Pigeon River offered more stunning views and opportunities to absorb the peace and tranquility of the forest. We chose a serene spot to enjoy our lunch, then Tammy, our mental health coach, led a group discussion to help our sisters explore how nature fits in with our mental health and helps to ground us. After days of basking in the beautiful fall leaves, it was time to paint one. Using the knowledge they learned from the first watercolor lesson, they let the water and paint work its magic: Red, orange, gold and green intermingling to create stunning paintings of leaves. Participants felt their stress lift and were able to totally engage in the process. We filled our stomachs with another healthy meal and circled around a crackling fire. For dessert, it was roasted fresh pears drizzled with a bit of honey and walnuts. The fire warmed our bodies as we ate and talked, and were serenaded by screech owls and coyotes calling into the night. Connections and bonding with one another are deepening as trust builds with one another when vulnerabilities are shared. This is Waypoint Vets. ???? #VetsHelpingVets #BetterTogether #HonorTheFallenByLiving #WaypointVets #UnitedWeMend THANK YOU, TRIP SPECIFIC SPONSORS! Tuckaleechee Retreat Center Archer Van Rentals Great Smoky Mountain National Park Cades Cove - Great Smokies Special Thanks to our Ongoing Supporters! Your continued contributions are making these opportunities of healing and camaraderie possible for our Veterans! Hot Shot's Secret Gold Eagle Company Friends and Family CVMA TN 18-1 Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Tn Rolling Thunder TN4 Gallatin Elks Lodge 2547 American Veterans Department of TN Ella Ride by Gallatin Roughnecks Roughnecks MC - Lebanon TN Cedar City Crew Chapter Women In Trucking Association Wreaths Across America SL Resources Zion Guru Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park Cineres Creative LLC Caterpillar Inc. Clean Harbors Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport Dave Nemo Show 4WARD PROJECT

MISSION UPDATE 1: SMWR 2024 Our first full day started with morning movement (meditation and stretching with Wellness Coach Heather), followed by a healthy breakfast, packing our lunches, and loading into our vehicles. The pleasant hum of conversation filled space and hearts as the veterans got to know each other and found shared interests and connections. After a scenic fall drive, we arrived at Cades Cove. This 11 mile one-way loop is notorious for black bear sightings, and it did NOT disappoint! Continuing on, we immersed ourselves in the forest on the Pine Oak Nature trail, led by staff member Tina Penny, also a National Park Ranger and nature photographer. Bonds deepened on the trail as we walked and talked, observing nature and sharing experiences. Lunch tastes so much better sitting by a new friend, quietly on a log, surrounded by bird calls and the smell of a forest. We headed back to our lodge at the Tuckaleechee Retreat Center to let our creativity literally flow with a watercolor lesson by staff member Carrie Dugovic. We learned how paint goes where water flows, and the various techniques to create a beautiful Smoky Mountain painting. Water is becoming one of our central themes this trip as we learn more about ourselves and each other. ???? #VetsHelpingVets #BetterTogether #HonorTheFallenByLiving #WaypointVets #UnitedWeMend THANK YOU, TRIP SPECIFIC SPONSORS! Tuckaleechee Retreat Center Archer Van Rentals Great Smoky Mountain National Park Cades Cove - Great Smokies Special Thanks to our Ongoing Supporters! Your continued contributions are making these opportunities of healing and camaraderie possible for our Veterans! Hot Shot's Secret Gold Eagle Company Friends and Family CVMA TN 18-1 Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Tn RollingThunderTN4 Gallatin Elks Lodge 2547 American Veterans Department of TN Ella Ride by Gallatin Roughnecks Roughnecks MC - Lebanon TN Cedar City Crew Chapter Women In Trucking Association Wreaths Across America SL Resources Zion Guru Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park Cineres Creative LLC Caterpillar Inc. Clean Harbors Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport Dave Nemo Show 4WARD PROJECT