Community Stories: Akuna Hikes

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Hailing from New Orlean's Louisiana Will Robinson, enlisted in the US Army at age 22. At the time, serving was his life line, a way out of trouble. After 5 years of service in Iraq Will was discharged with injuries sustained to both knees a fused wrist and severe PTSD, deeming him unsuited for service. "I returned broken." He admits.

Upon retuning home, Will felt completely isolated and hopeless. After 12 years of suffering; alcohol abuse, medication and therapists Will finally broke the cycle. " At times I contemplated grabbing a hand gun and pulling the trigger, if I didn't do something drastic, it wasn't going to go much further." He explains.

That's when Will took up hiking, and began on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016. Since then, he hasn't stopped walking. This summer he finished the Appalachian trail, walking a cumulative 3,800 miles on his road to recovery. Up next, The Continental Divide Trail spanning 3,100 miles between Mexico and Canada. His goal is to heal and promote healing and thru hiking for anyone else who's suffered the effects of emotional and physical trauma.

Executive Producer: Lindsey Hagen ( @linze3 )
Director: Jessica Colquhoun ( @jessicacolquhoun )
Director of Photography / Editor: Christopher Naum ( @chris_naum )
Production Company: Stept Studios ( @steptstudios )
Brand: Merrell ( @merrell )

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