For many veterans, the transition to civilian life can be challenging, with the loss of purpose and camaraderie felt deeply. This summer, Darion Chambard, a medically retired Army veteran and Beltrami Electric member, found new direction through the No Barriers Warriors program, thanks to the support of his local cooperative and sponsorship from CoBank.

The Path to No Barriers

Darion learned about the program from a neighbor and was soon nominated by Sue Kringen, vice-chair of the Beltrami Electric board. After being medically cleared, he joined a group of fellow veterans in virtual meetings designed to prepare them for their upcoming adventure. These sessions encouraged participants to set personal goals and create vision statements, emphasizing that achieving one's "Everest"—a personal peak—was only the beginning of their journey.

A  Struggle for Purpose

Darion’s military career spanned nearly a decade, during which he served his country with dedication and honor. Living in Bemidji with his wife Danielle—also a retired Army veteran—and their three children, Darion found himself facing a daily struggle to rediscover his purpose. The No Barriers program offered a lifeline, a way to reconnect with that sense of purpose and community he so deeply missed.

The No Barriers Experience

From July 26-30, Darion participated in the No Barriers Basecamp experience at the Mountain Campus in Northern Colorado. There, he tackled physical challenges like a 45-foot "leap of faith", symbolizing his commitment to confronting and overcoming life’s obstacles, The group also undertook a challenging hike up Eagle Point in the Sunnyside Mountain Range, where they pushed their physical and mental limits, forging bonds with one another reminiscent of the camaraderie they had experienced during their military service.

The program’s curriculum, centered around the mantra "What's Within You is Stronger than What's in Your Way," helped Darion and others tap into their inner strength to overcome obstacles.

The Journey Continues

But the journey did not end with the Basecamp experience. The program continued to support Darion and his group with follow-up activities, including reading What’s Within You – Your Roadmap to Living Life with No Barriers, a book by the co-founders of No Barriers USA. Ongoing virtual meetings allowed the group to apply the lessons learned during Basecamp to their daily lives, providing a continued source of support and encouragement.

For Darion, the No Barriers Warriors program was a transformative experience, offering him the tools to overcome personal challenges and the confidence to keep moving forward. It also provided him with a renewed sense of community and belonging, something he, like many veterans, deeply missed after leaving the military. This journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of support systems and the impact that programs like No Barriers can have on the lives of veterans, helping them face the future with strength and purpose.