The Hero’s Journey

In March of 2013, a group of combat veterans and first responders from all over the United States arrived at Heartland Center in Parkville, Missouri for Class 003 of Warriors’ Ascent’s Academy of Healing. Warriors’ Ascent is a non-profit organization based in Kansas City, started by combat veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

“80,000 Veterans take their own lives each decade. As a community of Warriors, we can’t stand by while that happens.” That’s part of the opening salvo on the Warriors’ Ascent website.

Many people who have served under traumatic conditions, forever changed by their service, return to life as they left it. Most lack the opportunity to process, heal and even recognize the need for healing. Warriors’ Ascent aims to be the guide and helper for these men and women as they move toward healing.

Photographer Chase Castor followed Class 003 through the academy.

Awaiting the Warriors. Each participant gets a water bottle, journal, and lacrosse ball used to massage trigger areas on the body.

Awaiting the Warriors. Each participant gets a water bottle, journal, and lacrosse ball used to massage trigger areas on the body.

Awaiting the Warriors. Each participant gets a water bottle, journal, and lacrosse ball used to massage trigger areas on the body.

Day 1: Warriors arrive. Many bring their dogs. Animals are therapeutic and welcome at Warriors' Ascent.

Day 1: Warriors arrive. Many bring their dogs. Animals are therapeutic and welcome at Warriors' Ascent.

Day 1: Warriors arrive. Many bring their dogs. Animals are therapeutic and welcome at Warriors' Ascent.

Former Navy SEAL and therapist, Walt Disney, discusses how the brain can heal itself and sets up a safe environment for discussion for the rest of the week.

Former Navy SEAL and therapist, Walt Disney, discusses how the brain can heal itself and sets up a safe environment for discussion for the rest of the week.

Former Navy SEAL and therapist, Walt Disney, discusses how the brain can heal itself and sets up a safe environment for discussion for the rest of the week.

Bill W., an Iraq War veteran who was wounded in action, takes notes on how trauma affects the brain.

Bill W., an Iraq War veteran who was wounded in action, takes notes on how trauma affects the brain.

Bill W., an Iraq War veteran who was wounded in action, takes notes on how trauma affects the brain.

Participants join in a discussion about how the dualities in life work together, and how to embrace both body and mind.

Participants join in a discussion about how the dualities in life work together, and how to embrace both body and mind.

Participants join in a discussion about how the dualities in life work together, and how to embrace both body and mind.

Bill W. uses lacrosse balls to massage trigger points in the body as a way of relieving stress and creating balance.

Bill W. uses lacrosse balls to massage trigger points in the body as a way of relieving stress and creating balance.

Bill W. uses lacrosse balls to massage trigger points in the body as a way of relieving stress and creating balance.

David J., a combat medic walks the Chartres Labyrinth.

David J., a combat medic walks the Chartres Labyrinth.

David J., a combat medic walks the Chartres Labyrinth.

Everyone joins in the middle in silence acknowledging each person who completed the journey.

Everyone joins in the middle in silence acknowledging each person who completed the journey.

Everyone joins in the middle in silence acknowledging each person who completed the journey.

Warriors will climb the pole and jump toward the ball hanging at the top. This is a metaphor of jumping in faith away from a hindrance in their lives toward hope and healing.

Warriors will climb the pole and jump toward the ball hanging at the top. This is a metaphor of jumping in faith away from a hindrance in their lives toward hope and healing.

Warriors will climb the pole and jump toward the ball hanging at the top. This is a metaphor of jumping in faith away from a hindrance in their lives toward hope and healing.

Participants embrace after one warrior returns to the ground.

Participants embrace after one warrior returns to the ground.

Participants embrace after one warrior returns to the ground.

KCPT’s Lindsey Foat spent time with Army veteran Andrew Potter, a participant in the Warrior’s Ascent program who now helps guide others through the process.

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This photo essay and accompanying profile are part of KCPT’s project Veterans Coming Home, an innovative cross-platform public media campaign that bridges America’s military-civilian divide by telling stories, challenging stereotypes and exploring how the values of service and citizenship are powerful connectors for all Americans.