A Veteran's Story
Hiking for Hope and Healing
‘it is not ease but effort – not facility but difficulty that makes men… sweet indeed are the uses of adversity… they reveal to us our powers… without difficulty we would be worth less… the road to success is steep to climb.’ -
Samuel Smiles, 1859
Welcome to My North Carolina High Country Adventure!
My Sand Ridge Trail Adventures
Hitting the Appalachian Trail April 1, 2026
This site is NOT a crisis response hotline. I am a US Marine veteran who has made two suicide attempts in his life. The mission behind Trail to Transformation: Hiking for Hope and Healing is to give attention to the issue of suicide, especially its impact on US Service members, the US Veteran community, and their families.
Disclaimer
If you are thinking about hurting yourself or are having thoughts of suicide, call the
Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988.
a few words about me
Read My Story
I am a US Marine Combat Veteran. Having survived two suicide attempts and one heart attack, I'm here to tell you: "Make each day count!"
Trail to Transformation is part of the Walking the Path story. Since my second suicide attempt (2021) & my heart attack (2022), I have been on a mission to redesign my life. I now live a life of meaning and purpose. And I want to share these attributes with you.
I wrote Walking the Path - A Leader's Journey from the need to make sense of my life. Wrapped within the context of leadership, the book focuses on personal development within six core principles: Accomplishments, Alignment, Collaboration, Intent, Sustainability, and Values. Together, these principles create the personal character that defines who you. By knowing who you are, you can design the life you want to live and how you want to life it!
This site is NOT a crisis response hotline. I am a US Marine veteran who has made two suicide attempts in his life. The mission behind Trail to Transformation: Hiking for Hope and Healing is to give attention to the issue of suicide, especially its impact on US Service members, the US Veteran community, and their families.
Disclaimer
If you are thinking about hurting yourself or are having thoughts of suicide, call the
Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988.
a few words about Jody
Read My Story
I am a US Army Disabled Combat Veteran supporting Dr. Keith's mission to help At-Risk veterans.
Major Jody Holeton is a retired U.S. Army Signal Corps officer and distinguished paratrooper with the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Additionally, Jody is a disabled combat veteran. He holds a Master’s Degree in Cyber Security and is recognized as a published AI researcher, blending his military acumen with strong victim advocacy. As a VR (Virtual Reality) entrepreneur, Jody pioneers immersive experiences for dating, live events, and travel, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to innovation and leadership in both military and technological domains.
Changing the Conversation Around Suicide
The Mission is Clear!
Eradicate suicide by fostering communities, nurturing connections, and transforming the conversation around holistic well-being.
Since 2021, Dr. Keith McNally has been actively building a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about helping others.
To help end the problem of suicide in the U.S. Veteran and U.S. Service Member community, we all need to take action. Even if that means buying some coffee, it all goes to good use!
Watch the videos below and learn how suicide has effected these people. Everyone has a story!
Carroll's Story
Shauna's Story
Deborah's Story
Mitch's Story
Ghulam's Story
Looking for a Grief or Wellness Coach
Walking the Path - A Leader's Journey
Don't Give Up!
Suicide is a Societal Problem
You are Not Alone
Walk the Appalachian Trail
With Me!
We are looking for section hikers and local supporters to keep us
equipped and motivated throughout the hike!
Creating the Ultimate Life-Changing Experience - Live or Virtual
read testimonials
What People Are Saying
Life has meaning and purpose - let's find that purpose together!
Join the Community
Frequently Asked Question
What is Trail to Transformation: Hiking for Hope and Healing?
Trail to Transformation is my effort to find purpose in my life. Since writing the book, Walking the Path - A Leader's Journey, I wanted to find a way to make the journey real. The fable within the book focuses on a young man who needs to transform his life. If John remains where he is, he feels he will lose himself. To find himself - to find his purpose - he must cross over the mountains that surround the valley which he calls home. Trail to Transformation is my journey to find purpose past suicide. In so doing, I want to help others find their purpose too!
How Will My Appalachian Trail Thru Hike Transform My Life?
Every core principle behind Walking the Path - A Leader's Journey will help me successfully complete the Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike. These core principles are: Accomplishments, Alignment, Collaboration, Intent, Sustainability, and Values. I will need all these principles, working together, to successfully complete the hike. Each step is important, both on and off the trail! Alone I can accomplish little. Together we can accomplish much!
How Can I Help?
Anyone can support the mission. You can support the hike directly through GoFundMe. Or, with every $12 purchase of coffee through the Coffee Platoon, you help me walk a mile across the Appalachian Trail & support the effort to employ US Military Veterans. You can also purchase the book (Walking the Path - A Leader's Journey) directly from Amazon. Of course, sponsors are welcome! We will need gear, food, and supplies along the way!
Can I Walk With You?
Yes! Most people can't make the thru-hike, and that's okay. But I welcome all section hikers! Whether you walk 1 mile, 2 miles, or 10, it's all good. And I appreciate the company! Strap your rucksack (or backpack) on and walk with me! The more, the merrier (I hope). A 2,194-mile hike across 14 US states is a long walk to do by myself.
Learn How I'm Preparing for the Appalachian Trail Thru Hike!
Subscribe to My YouTube Channel! Like and Comment on My Content, too! Thanks!
