The world-famous Pacific Crest Trail is not for the faint of heart. A test of sheer will, grit and determination, this 2,650-mile hike challenges all those who attempt to complete it. Retired U.S. Marine Sergeant Bronson Mak is no stranger to hard-fought battles. He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 18 and would go on to serve for seven years and seven months, including two tours overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
In April 2021, Bronson will embark on the journey of a lifetime - setting out from the U.S.-Mexico border in California and trekking through the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, before finally reaching his destination at the Canadian border in Washington. Bronson intends to make the hike even more challenging by donning body armor and ballistic plates, adding 15-20 extra pounds of weight. Although it may seem odd to forego a lighter load, Bronson has higher aspirations that transcend this physical challenge. He intends to take some very special people along with him.
Bronson says, "I'm wearing the armor in honor of my brothers and sisters who did not make it home. I wanted to take them on this journey with me and let them enjoy the beautiful sights they didn't live long enough to see. For those of us who who do make it home, many of us still struggle with visible and invisible battle scars. That's why I'm also doing this hike to raise money for Warrior Foundation Freedom Station."
"Just like the very first word in the name of this nonprofit, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station always puts the warrior first. Without Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, many of us who had to end our military careers early would have fallen through the cracks and faded away with the passing of time. Warrior Foundation Freedom Station has been the bedrock and pillar of support that we veterans need."
Bronson medically retired from military service as a Sergeant in 2014. That's when he first connected with Warrior Foundation Freedom Station and moved into the foundation's transitional housing residence, Freedom Station.
Reflecting on that time, Bronson says, "I had heard the term 'transition' used many times during the separation process, but I truly had no idea what it meant. How do I transition back into civilian life if I was already a civilian before I enlisted? Is this process different if I’m being retired for medical reasons? Service members typically navigate this process by themselves. I was fortunate to have Warrior Foundation Freedom Station on my side to support me through my journey in transition and recovery."
Supporters will be able to track Bronson's progress at www.operationpct.com. For all who will be following his journey, Operation Pacific Crest Trail is steeped in patriotism, honor and meaning - a very fitting reflection of the warrior spirit.
"For me, this 5-month journey is a way to unplug from society, reflect on my life experiences, and find peace and understanding. When I remove the body armor at the end, it will have a dual meaning. Not only will it symbolize that my military brethren completed this journey with me, but it will also represent lifting off the things that have weighed me down in life off my shoulders."
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