Join Steven & Friends TONIGHT for "From GORP to Glam, Think YES I AM!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)
- Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
Join our Volunteer, Air Force Veteran, Peer Support Specialist, and Writer/Author Steven Bates TONIGHT for "Mid-Week Musings!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).
We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.
TONIGHT's Topic: "From GORP to Glam, Think YES I AM!"
"When it comes to thinking about ourselves, we normally have one of two speeds: either we think of ourselves as wondrous and unique, full of talent and energy, or we think of ourselves as just ordinary persons, no special skill sets or glorious ambitions that set us apart from everyone else. I want to think we are both, and more. From the time you started reading this, how many of you knew ahead of time what GORP meant? How about GLAM? In the purest definition, GLAM is short for Glamour, meaning a thing that is exciting or attractive in a special way.
GORP, on the other hand, is just the opposite, as it stands for, believe it or not, Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts! Trail Mix to be exact! Plain, simple, basic nutrition for field expedient energy requirements! Not much on taste and certainly not glamorous as a Filet Mignon, but it gets the job done for your basic energy needs.
This is how we, as veterans and humans, are. We are complicated and glamorous when needed, but also simple, efficient, and effective when that skill set is needed as well. Whatever is needed, we need to be able to tell ourselves that YES I AM what I need to be, whether it be Glam or GORP. So, how do we do that? How do we convince ourselves we are Glam when we think of ourselves as just GORP? Likewise is true as well."
The contrast between GORP (Good Ol' Raisins and Peanuts, a term for functional outdoor gear and rugged experiences) and Glam (glamorous camping/luxury, emphasizing comfort and amenities) can be related to Veterans and First Responders through their differing approaches to wellness, recreation, and the transition from high-intensity service to civilian life.
GORP Approach: Rugged Functionality and Challenge
The GORP approach emphasizes functional, no-frills outdoor activities that focus on self-reliance, physical challenge, and a return to basics.
Relevance to Veterans & First Responders: This approach often resonates with the values of military and first responder culture, which prioritizes function, utility, resilience, and adaptability in challenging environments. Many programs for veterans and first responders use this method to facilitate healing through demanding activities like rock climbing, kayaking, and long-distance hiking.
Benefits: It can help participants build confidence, re-establish a sense of purpose, and foster camaraderie through shared, demanding experiences, mirroring the team-oriented environment of their service. These activities can provide a structured way to manage stress and trauma by focusing on the immediate challenges of the outdoors.
Glam Approach: Comfort and Restoration
The Glam approach prioritizes comfort, modern amenities (like comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, and electricity), and a more relaxed, restorative experience in nature.
Relevance to Veterans & First Responders: This approach appeals to those seeking a less physically demanding form of relaxation and stress reduction. After enduring rigorous duty and potentially traumatic situations, some individuals prefer a gentle transition that allows for mental and physical recuperation without the added pressure of a challenge.
Benefits: It offers an accessible way to engage with nature for those with injuries or disabilities, or simply those who prefer a more relaxed environment. It focuses on passive mindfulness, providing a safe and comfortable space for reflection and connection with family or peers without the "survival" mindset often associated with traditional camping.
Interplay
The "versus" is less a conflict and more about providing a spectrum of options to meet diverse needs:
Personal Preference: Just as in the general population, individual preferences vary. Some veterans thrive on the physical and mental rigors of a GORP experience, while others benefit more from the restorative comforts of a Glam setting.
Holistic Wellness: Both approaches can be part of a comprehensive wellness strategy. The GORP style helps rebuild resilience and a sense of mission, while the Glam style offers a setting for passive self-care and relaxation.
Program Design: Many organizations that support veterans and first responders are offering a blend of activities (e.g., intense daytime activities followed by "campfire time" for sharing stories, or options for different levels of accommodation) to cater to the full range of recovery and reintegration needs.
Ultimately, the best approach is one that is tailored to the individual's specific needs and preferences as they navigate transition and wellness.
Join Air Force veteran, author, and Peer Support Specialist Steven Bates with the Warriors for Life Mid-Week Musings peer support group as we discuss how to be both GORP and Glam and think YES I AM!
Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mid-Week Musings!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Wednesday (TONIGHT), December 17, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87440882846
Thank you,
Steven Bates
Air Force Veteran, Writer/Author, Peer Support Specialist, &
Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc.