“As a veteran who has struggled with finding employment in the past, guide school at NOC was the perfect way to expand my resume and get experience in the outdoor sector.” -- Rebekah Havrilla
Last Friday, a group of veterans travelled to Bryson City, NC to participate in Nantahala Outdoor Center’s [NOC] river guide school on scholarship as part of Military Outdoors’ new employment initiative. Over the course of the week, the class learned how to read whitewater, maneuver and rig rafts, as well as other basic river skills needed to work as professional rafting guides for commercial outfitters.
While many participants enrolled in the course for employment opportunities, others were there for the adventure. Joe, a 57 year old Army veteran, travelled by train all the way from Boston for the challenge of getting out of his comfort zone. Having never been whitewater rafting, Joe wasn’t sure what to expect. By Day Two, it was obvious that Joe had found his calling – the river.
