Road Trips for Good: The Roaming Vet

For many veterans finding a sense of identity or purpose after service can be a struggle – often giving way to loneliness and isolation. Fortunately, there are folks like Bri Walston (founder of The Roaming Vet) who’ve taken to the open road to foster community and connection. We were fortunate enough to sit down with Bri and hear her story and the heart behind why it’s important to show up in uncomfortable places.

Can you share a little about your military background and what inspired you to serve?

I was on active duty in the Air Force for 6 years – working on commissioning to be a pilot. Ultimately, I ended up getting medically separated for an injury during deployment; and in that season I felt a lack of passion and purpose. It was abrupt – Something you certainly don’t prepare for. But it allowed me to take time off and travel, where I found a new passion as I began posting about my adventures on the road. But it lacked a sense of community, leading me to create the Roaming Vet – and before long we had over 80,000 community members. 

Wow! Talk about a felt need. Why do you think The Roaming Vet grew so quickly?

Unfortunately, a lot of the military culture is tied to drinking. I wanted to find a community outside of that, promoting healthier habits. A lot of our community members don’t consume alcohol. And our most recent retreat was a dry retreat. But at the end of the day, I was really just trying to find a community through mutual hobbies…It’s been something I created out of what I was searching for myself. 

Can you tell me how your experience as a veteran has shaped your love for travel and getting outdoors?

Well, I grew up outdoors. Every family photo I have on hand is of us hiking, camping or fishing. When I joined the military, I lost my connection with those hobbies – and when you enlist while you’re young, that starts to become your personality.

But after leaving the military and after a really hard season, I started hiking with my dog and started to reconnect with my love for the outdoors. 

Well, clearly you’re not alone. Looks like there are a lot of people who share a similar story.

Definitely. I think of that quote from Into the Wild: “Happiness is only real when shared.” Ultimately, it was that movie, that idea that inspired me to live on the road. So I converted my Subaru for a time, and then eventually I found my dream van. 

I fully realize now that if someone is interested in doing this, it’s entirely possible. And while this lifestyle isn’t for everyone, it is for anyone with the interest and determination. I’ve found it to be the most freeing way to live.

What does “community” mean to you as a veteran, especially on the road?

To me, community means support, connection through shared experiences, or even just learning from your peers. There is so much that we can provide to one another – whether that’s resources, relatability, empathy, compassion, etc. And I think it’s a great reminder that we don’t have to do things alone. While traveling, so many things can go wrong, or maybe you just feel lonely, and it’s nice to find a community where we can bond over mutual hobbies and share stories!

Can you share a memorable moment where you felt particularly connected to the veteran community?

During the events I host, there is always an “ah-ha” moment where I realize everyone has a connection with someone, and you see people starting conversations and making future plans with one another. Or even at the end of an event where people are crying when leaving (myself included). Those moments always resonate with me and leave a profound impact and reminder of why I do what I am doing. 

Any highlights from the road?

Being on the road with my dog, Chandler is definitely a highlight. She’s my best friend. I got her after my deployment. Getting a dog gave me the responsibility I needed to get me through a really dark period in my life. 

What’s your advice for someone struggling with loneliness?

Anything you’re not changing you’re choosing. The reason I say that is because when I struggled with depression, I would choose isolation. As an introvert, putting myself out there was the most daunting thing. But I realized it’s what I needed. Choosing to show up in the uncomfortable is the only way to truly grow.

That’s powerful! On that note, how can we as civilians show up better for those who’ve served?

Just be there for them. Veterans do not want to ask for help. So, if you have a friend or know someone who’s served, you need to show up for them. This could look like coming over and cleaning their apartment, taking them on a hike, etc. The important thing is that they know you’re there.

What advice would you give to veterans looking to explore RV life and the outdoors?

Find people in the RV and outdoor space, ask questions, make plans, learn, and do it. We only limit ourselves by thinking we can’t do something. The easiest way to get out of that is to put yourself in situations where you can learn that you actually can.

Looking ahead, what’s your vision for The Roaming Vet?

My hopes for The Roaming Vet and its impact on the military community is that we can continue to grow and that we continue to reach more veterans, service members, and defendants who want or need to find passion and purpose beyond service and community during their transition out of service. I want to continue to engage, promote, and seek continuous feedback. I believe that by showing care, there wll always be an inevitable connection.

Is there anything else our readers to know?

I really want The Roaming Vet to be a resource for people. We cater to every demographic, and there’s always an opportunity to get involved with our ambassador program. We incentivize through discounts, through retreats, and provide all of the data for people currently serving to use in their performance reports.

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