Photo by Brandon AlmsKevin Weaver, Leana Pritchett, Klay Weaver, Blake Leitch, Carla Blackwell and Ernie Bywater dedicate their time to The Warrior’s Journey.
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Learn More About the Warrior's Journey
The Warrior’s Journey aims to use warrior-to-warrior connection to heal veterans invisible wounds.
By Karen Bliss
Mar 2024
Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, The Warrior’s Journey is a nonprofit that was created with the intention of helping veterans and their families through mutual connection.
The Warrior’s Journey has been located in Springfield since its founding in 2016. However, they moved into their renovated building in 2023, at 3003 E Chestnut Expressway, Ste 2001.
Kevin Weaver, co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit, says the goal in founding the group from day one was to help heal invisible wounds, the emotional struggles that tend to be harder for veterans to cope with.
“When we kicked this off, what inspired me was, ‘What if we could create an army of people, or a system that allowed trust and engagement between warriors?”’ he recalls. “It just didn’t exist.”
He says the group has connector veterans that volunteer for the nonprofit, also known as “battle buddies,” who are trained to just listen, be a friend and connect with veterans that have similar experiences or have served in similar military branches one-on-one. Then these connectors work with organizers at The Warrior’s Journey to link each veteran that’s in need with the right services for them.
Veterans that walk in the door, or call for help, Weaver says are usually referred to them by a friend or have heard about them through word-of-mouth. He added that The Warrior’s Journey never does cold calls, as it’s up to each individual to be comfortable to ask for help. The group responds within 24 hours, always warrior-to-warrior and 100% confidential, to help provide support, resources and referrals.
He added that those who serve tend to be conditioned through their military service to be tough, and have trouble asking for help with depression, addiction or suicidal thoughts.
“In military culture, addressing the human element is typically not on the radar,” he says. “These guys become very protective, and what we would call internally isolated. If there’s an issue they tend to override it and ignore it.”
John Lanier, who was in the military infantry for a total of 12 years, is currently a veteran connector with The Warrior’s Journey. He says he has gone through post-traumatic stress disorder and has some shrapnel in his face. He says he’s lucky and has had a good support system, but some don’t.
“Sometimes veterans will open up to people that have been in similar situations and have walked in their boots a little bit,” Lanier says.
How To Get Involved
Give to The Warrior's Journey
You can donate a one-time amount or a monthly contribution to The Warrior’s Journey online.
The Warrior's Journey Golf Tournament
Business owners can be a Warrior’s Journey golf-tournament sponsor. The tournament usually takes place in the fall.
Gala
The 5th annual Warrior’s Journey Gala is coming up at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 4, at the Oasis Convention Center. Tables are available for purchase in groups of 10. Sponsorships are also available. This year’s guest speaker is Tim Tebow, a retired NFL player and college football analyst for ESPN.
More
For more opportunities, contact The Warrior’s Journey directly at their office, by calling 417-567-4800 or by filling out their contact us form on The Warriors Journey website.
