When Richard Schmuckal set off into the mountains of Colorado with 15 strangers, he knew that this was going to be an adventure of a lifetime. In August of 2023, Richard participated in the No Barriers Warriors program for disabled veterans. The program is made possible at no cost for Cherryland members like Richard with the help of another cooperative, CoBank. Through this adventure, he learned, grew, and created lasting connections while building a support system across the country.

The journey, or phase one, for these veterans began with an application, along with some doctors’ visits to ensure each veteran was cleared to participate. From there, Richard met the team he’d be embarking on this adventure with and got a full rundown of the program’s expectations. Richard explained, “You were not supposed to speak about where you served or why you were disabled.” This is also where each element of the program’s core beliefs were laid out so that they could be discussed throughout the experience. No Barriers uses the 7 life elements of “Vision, Reach, Alchemy, Pioneer, Rope Team, Summits, and Elevate” to help veterans break through their own challenges and live a driven, purposeful life.

Phase two of the experience began when Richard stepped foot off the plane in Colorado. Upon arrival to Fort Collins, a 65-mile drive from the Denver Airport, the luxuries of normal life had been left behind. Richard recounts, “We were assigned to a tent and it was the wilderness. There was very little, and at most times, no cell service.” Richard and his fellow veterans were told to watch for bears, moose, and even rattlesnakes. Everything they did, they did as a team, and each team received a code name. For Richard, it was Phoenix. Each tent group was assigned to different chores like cooking meals and clean-up.

Each day, all 15 veterans and their instructors would set off to conquer different activities. While Richard notes that he declined to climb up the pole, similar to those that make up our electric system, he did opt to go hiking up a mountain at an elevation of over 9,000 feet and tackle rafting down rapids and rivers. Both were adventures with plenty of excitement to pull him out of his comfort zone. Beyond the physical obstacles that many faced on this journey were also the mental hurdles. Moving outside your comfort zone is an important step of this process. A common theme for No Barriers and the warriors they take on these life-changing journeys is, “What’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way.”

Many evenings were spent around the campfire, where participants would reflect on the topics they were introduced to in phase one. “We’re going to discuss our experience with reach, an instructor would say” recounts Richard. Even though Richard admittedly “observed more” than he shared, these moments were not without their own valuable impact. As one participant shared a particularly emotional memory, Richard was moved to comfort her, which ended up being a moment of connection for the two when she thanked him the next morning. Moments of connection and reflection are key to the success of this program.

The Colorado adventure, and phase two of this program, came to a close with a special ceremony where each member gave a medallion to someone they admired or who left an impact throughout the program. Richard gave his medallion to a fellow veteran named Joe. “I told him that being forward and verbal about his experiences influenced me, and that he is not a follower,” Richard said. Much like the foundation of the No Barriers program, that is not where Joe and Richard’s story together ends.

Even after everyone returned home, there were many continued weekly calls facilitated by No Barriers as part of phase three. The veterans used this time to continue to reflect and put those reflections to work in their lives. Joe and Richard built such a connection, they continue to talk to this day. “Sir, you’re a unique individual and I am so blessed to have met you,” writes Joe in an email to Richard. “That’s what the program is, that’s the best way to put it.” said Richard.

No experience through the No Barriers Warriors program is alike, but there is always an impact that ripples into the lives of each participant. “I just like being around other veterans because it’s a bond I’m not often able to have anymore,” said Richard. “That’s what I was hoping to find.” Many veterans who have participated in this program have found things they were looking for, and more importantly, sometimes things they weren’t.

When asked what he would say to other veterans who are thinking of applying, Richard said, “Apply for it. You’ll learn. It can help you. Maybe just with yourself; we all struggle.” Cherryland Electric Cooperative and CoBank believe in the impact of the No Barriers Warriors program, and with the help of CoBank’s initiative, there are no monetary barriers to the program.

If you are a disabled veteran or you know of a disabled veteran in our community who would like to participate in the No Barriers program, please apply by June 15th, 2024 directly at nobarriers.tfaforms.net.

If you have questions about the application process or need assistance filling out an application, please contact No Barriers at: [email protected] 970-484-3633, ext. 305.