Cross the Divide

10/20/2026

Our Tennessee chapter recently brought together 15 veterans for the 2026 Hiawassee Veteran Hunt, an experience filled with fellowship, friendship, and connection through God's great outdoors. More than a hunt, this gathering offered veterans an opportunity to share stories, build lasting bonds, and find peace in nature.

Special thanks to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Whitetails and Heroes for partnering with Cross the Divide Tennessee to make this meaningful experience possible.

10/16/2026

Cross The Divide is grateful for the Pacific Power Foundation’s support of our Oregon Veteran Wellness & Growth Programs.

CTD Oregon programs bring together veterans, guides, families, donors, and community partners in support of veteran well-being. These experiences demonstrate the value of community partnerships in making meaningful outdoor programs accessible to veterans and their families.

10/14/2026

The warmth of the flames, the crackling wood, the stars overhead, and the conversations that seem to come a little easier when there's nowhere else you need to be.

For veterans, a campfire can offer something beyond warmth. It can create a space for camaraderie, connection, reflection, and sometimes simply the comfort of sitting together in silence.

No expectations. No pressure to talk. Just the outdoors, a shared fire, and the company of others.

"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV)

Sometimes the most meaningful moments aren't about what we say, but simply being there for one another.

What is it about sitting around a campfire that brings you peace?

10/13/2026

On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Continental Navy, marking the birth of the United States Navy. Today we celebrate 251 years of honor, courage, and commitment.

Hooyah, and Happy Birthday, shipmates!

10/10/2026

Every sunrise is a reminder that no matter what yesterday held, today brings a new opportunity for hope, healing, and strength.

At Cross the Divide, we believe in the power of faith, fellowship, and the outdoors to help us find our way forward—one day at a time.

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

May today bring peace to your heart, strength for your journey, and gratitude for the beauty around us.

10/02/2026

There’s something powerful about stepping away from the noise, getting outdoors, and spending time with people who understand the journey.

Our Cross the Divide Women’s Retreat in Colorado was filled with connection, laughter, adventure, meaningful conversations, and time to recharge.

These retreats are about more than getting away. They’re about building community, creating lasting connections, and reminding women veterans that the bonds formed through service continue long after the uniform comes off.

We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this retreat possible and to the amazing women who made it one to remember.

Until the next adventure.

09/28/2026

**The Ty Woods Memorial Hunt is about the people we remember and the bonds that carry their stories forward.**

Tyrone “Ty” Woods, a former Navy SEAL, lost his life while protecting others during the 2012 attack in Benghazi. Each year, Cross the Divide is honored to spend time outdoors with Ty’s father, Charles Woods, remembering Ty’s life, service, and sacrifice.

In 2023, fellow Navy SEAL Toshiro “Tosh” Carrington joined Charles for the memorial hunt. Before Tosh passed away in 2025, he suggested Ret. CPO (SEAL) Mike Champion as a future hunter. This year, Mike joined Charles for the hunt—a connection made possible by Tosh.

We remember Ty, and we remember Tosh. We’re grateful to Mike and Charles for sharing this time together, and to everyone who helps keep the Ty Woods Memorial Hunt going. 🇺🇸

09/20/2026

🌊 **The Healing Power of Blue Space**

Healing in nature doesn’t happen only among forests and mountains. Time spent near oceans, lakes and rivers may also help calm the mind, reduce stress and support recovery from trauma.

Known as **blue-space therapy**, activities such as fishing, kayaking, rafting, sailing or simply sitting beside the water can offer veterans:

• A calming environment away from everyday pressures
• Purposeful activity and renewed confidence
• Connection with other veterans
• Space to reflect, breathe and reconnect
• Support for the nervous system during trauma recovery

Nature provides the setting—but purpose, connection and camaraderie help make the experience powerful.

At Cross the Divide, we believe healing can begin with a trail, a campfire or the quiet movement of water.

**Sometimes the path forward begins at the water’s edge.**

‘Sea cures’ are not new but the idea that exposure to oceans, rivers and lakes can be medicine for the brain is gaining traction

09/20/2026

A peer-reviewed 2026 study found that outdoor recreation helped veterans with service-related PTSD feel safer, sleep better, relax and speak more openly with other veterans. The strongest benefits appeared to come from a combination of:

Being in a calm natural environment
Participating in a purposeful activity
Reconnecting with other veterans
Learning or practicing a skill
Sharing experiences without the pressure or stigma of a clinical setting

The research included activities such as fishing, hiking, sailing, surfing, gardening, rafting and equine programs. Earlier controlled research cited in the study found improvements in PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress and social functioning—with some improvements remaining four months later. Researchers describe nature-based programs as a useful addition to professional treatment, not a replacement for it.

A Green and Pleasant Helping Hand – Examining the Phenomenological Effects of Outdoor Recreational Experiences on Military Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderOriginal ResearchAuthorsMark WheelerGraham CableLeanne AndrewsSheina OrbellGuyan SloaneRichard PhilpotNicholas R. CooperAbstractThi...

09/15/2026

"It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." Sir Edmund Hillary

Few of us will ever have the desire to set as tough a challenge as conquering Mt.
Everest, but most of us set smaller personal challenges for ourselves along
life’s journey.