In early August six of our nation’s warriors severed from society for nine days to claim their Rite of Return in the mountains of Eastern Washington. These courageous veterans who had served valiantly to face death every day signed up once again to land home to their true selves and ultimate purpose in a return to true belonging in society. Our warriors traveled deep within to face the hidden wounds of service and life, arriving barefoot on the earth to lay down what no longer serves and officially mark their transition from military service. By doing so, they step into a future worthy of their sacrifice and bring deep, hard-earned wisdom for us all.

A Celebrated Woman, USCG Veteran Jessica Talley

A Wise and Peaceful Elder, Col. Joseph Miller, US Army Ret.

A Grounded Man with a Voice, Steve “LT Dan” Fronckowiak

An Initiated Man of the Wilderness, US Army Medic Dan Medoff

A Statesman in Serenity, USAF Veteran James P. Connors (7 deployments)

A Loving Man of Valor, US Army Veteran Rob Brenizer (Bronze Star, 6 deployments)

We held a ceremony of return universal to all peoples and warfighting cultures since time immemorial, doing only what is ours to do. These initiates continue Mark Oravsky’s vision in bringing this rite of passage to our nation’s veterans to answer Who Am I Now? What is Mine to Do? Where do I Belong? None of this possible without the wisdom, guidance, and witnessing by elders, peers, assistants, and mother nature.

Elder Guides Silvia Talavera and Larry Hobbs

Assistant Guides Sara Benton and Brady Lyles (USMC)

With a clear “I AM” shaking the earth beneath them, the warriors gathered on top of the mountain with a commitment to not let each other go back to sleep over the incorporation year. They elected an anchor initiate to serve again as a connector between them, knowing that they had changed but they were coming back to a world that had remained the same. The road will be full of curves, but they won’t be alone on the journey this time. We’ve already been down that road.

Eight pages of COVID-19 protocols, including twenty-one days of quarantine, COVID-19 testing, enhanced risk mitigation for transportation, wellness checks, food handling, and sanitation could not keep these initiates, guides, and assistants from claiming what was already true within these soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors, and coasties. Because of them more will follow in smaller ceremonies whether or not there is a vaccine in the near future.

When the time is right they will reveal their truth and share their stories, with deep gratitude for the loved ones that supported them in their journey home. Until then, may they keep remembering.

Thank you for claiming your truth Warriors

For yourself

For your loved ones

For our people that never returned

Welcome Home

From our hearts, thank you to all of our donors, supporters, partners, and initiates. Deep gratitude and humility to the Psch-wan-wap-pams (stony ground people), also known as the Kittitas band of the Yakama or Upper Yakama past and present, as well as all people that have tended this sacred land.

Photo Credits to soul man and creative John Crary. We are under your wing.

A bow to Stephen Foster, Meredith Little, and all of the School of Lost Borders family. May we continue to hold this ceremony in a good way in our way.

Big love to Larry, Silvia, Sara, Brady, Susan…and Mark,

Brother Bear