John Randolph: Embracing a No Barriers Mindset
In a world that often feels disconnected, finding community and purpose can be a challenge, especially for Veterans navigating the complexities of life after service.
John Randolph, an Air Force Veteran, participated in a 2024 No Barriers Warriors Basecamp Program. Through this transformative experience, John not only fostered new friendships but also gained a renewed sense of self-care and adventure.
John learned about No Barriers in an email from the VA and was intrigued by the program’s description. “I had never experienced a program like this before (outside of maybe going camping once in a while with my family),” he recalls. “It sounded like something very unique and something that could be therapeutic on a few different levels.”
The Basecamp program, with its focus on outdoor activities and personal growth, resonated with him. He was searching for something that could provide both challenge and healing, and he found it. “When I finally got there and around everyone, it was an amazing experience all around.”
John forged meaningful connections with fellow Veteran participants. “I have about 15-20 new friends, which is really cool,” he says. The camaraderie and shared experiences were a vital part of the program, reinforcing the importance of community and support.
John was also inspired to set new priorities, sharing, “I haven’t taken the best care of myself over the past few years and was really feeling it during our hiking and the challenge course. I am so inspired to get back into the outdoors. It makes me want to be a better person, to be happier, healthier and to test myself.”
John candidly shares his struggles with depression, highlighting how the No Barriers experience offered a supportive environment to confront this challenge. “I think when you are dealing with something like that, recreating that need for the Rope Team and having that support system around you is so important,” he reflects. John deeply appreciated the “circle-up times”, when participants would first talk and then have time alone to reflect on the discussions.
Alchemy is the No Barriers Life Element that is particularly powerful for him right now.
“I have had a lot of challenges this past year that have tested me,” John shares. “The main thing I try to remember is that it is so important to handle things with grace; the more adversity we have in our lives helps us become better people – that’s when your character comes out.”
He explains how facing challenges with grace can lead to personal growth, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an attitude of gratitude amidst adversity.
John believes that No Barriers plays a crucial role in supporting Veterans in a unique and accessible way. “A lot of veterans have a misinformed view of what programs like this offer,” he explains, stressing the importance of spreading awareness about the life-changing potential of such initiatives.
Asked to summarize his experience with No Barriers, John replies, “It was one of the most challenging but inspiring and empowering experiences I have ever had.”
About. After 21 years of service, John Randolph retired from the Air Force, having served 6 years as a crew chief and 15 as a civilian in various roles. Today he works as a Material Planner for a pharmaceutical company.
In his free time, John embraces a range of hobbies, including being a firearms instructor for the state of Oklahoma and pursuing his passion for music as a part-time professional musician.
John’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, the importance of self-care, and the transformative potential of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
In sharing his story, John hopes to inspire others, particularly Veterans, to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, proving that even in the face of challenges, connection and growth are possible.
Thank you, John, for embracing Alchemy, Reach and the No Barriers Mindset and for sharing your No Barriers story.
Want to help other Veterans with disabilities learn how to live a No Barriers life? Donate today.
