Pack to Purpose (P2P)
Pack to Purpose: Mission and Vision
Mission Statement
Pack to Purpose empowers Veterans to transition from military service and heal through the therapeutic power of the outdoors. By providing small-group hiking retreats, ultralight gear, and connection to community resources, we create transformative experiences that allow
veterans to decompress, reconnect, and rediscover their purpose.
Our mission is to start small—one hike, one group, one step at a time—while building the foundation for a future that supports long-distance journeys and greater outreach. Every Veteran carries their own story, and we’re here to help them lighten the load, both on the trail and in life.
Our Story
Pack to Purpose was born out of a deeply personal journey. Joshua Acey, and like many veterans, return to civilian life was one of the toughest battles he'd faced. After serving as a Military Police Officer with the 113th MP Unit, including two tours in Iraq, Acey came home
carrying more than just a rucksack—he carried the mental and emotional weight of those experiences.
For years, he lived in a constant state of fight-or-flight, struggling to adapt and connect. His inability to process these challenges cost him relationships, left him feeling like he had failed as a father, and brought him to the edge of despair. At his darkest moment, Acey reached for help and found a lifeline—a two-month mental health treatment program he jokingly called "summer camp."
After completing the program, Acey stumbled upon the Florida Trail. What began as an improvised hike became a life-changing journey of over 1,200 miles. Out there on the trail, stripped down to the essentials, he found clarity. Hiking taught him the value of carrying only
what’s necessary—on the trail and in life.
Acey walked alongside other Veterans, sharing stories, struggles, and moments of camaraderie that brought a sense of purpose back into his life. It's at that moment, Acey realized the trail wasn’t just a path through the wilderness—it was a path to healing.
The Vision
Pack to Purpose is built on the idea that Veterans don’t have to walk their journey alone. By starting with small-group retreats on trails like Alabama’s Pinhoti Trail, we’re creating spaces where Veterans can decompress, connect with others, and rediscover their resilience.
Every retreat includes:
Gear and Guidance: Ultralight equipment that symbolizes letting go of unnecessary burdens, paired with skills and preparation for the trail.
Camaraderie: Shared experiences with fellow Veterans who understand the unique challenges of military service and transition.
Resources for the Mission Home: Access to local support networks, nonprofits, and Veteran services to continue the journey of healing beyond the trail.
Our long-term vision includes supporting Veterans on transformative through-hikes and expanding into additional activities, inspired by programs like Warrior Expeditions.
Why It Matters
Many Veterans return home feeling lost and overwhelmed, unsure where to turn. Mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all, and sometimes, the answers aren’t in an office or a textbook. Sometimes, they’re found on the trail, one step at a time.
Pack to Purpose is about creating those opportunities—for Veterans to breathe, to connect, and to heal. Whether it’s a single retreat or a life-changing through-hike, we’re here to help Veterans carry their load with purpose and resilience.