HIGH COUNTRY VETERANS ADVENTURES
Mission
High Country Veterans Adventures is a State and Federally recognized 501(c)(3) Non-Profit charitable organization. We were founded and incorporated in April of 2016 in Summit County Colorado and received Federal Internal Revenue Service recognition as a non-profit in September of 2016.
We are driven and committed to serving the U.S. Veteran. This small slice of the population has selflessly sacrificed in service to our great nation. Their commitment comes at a great cost to the Veteran, who must endure sacrifices and hardships along the way. We recognize that not all wounds are visible and we have found a great way for Veterans to enjoy some time off, reconnect with nature, and socialize with fellow Veterans. Our initial goal is to provide the Veteran a tailored outdoor adventure at no cost.
Take a look below at our passionate team.
Meet The TEAM
Directors
Austin Breuninger
I am the founder and current Board of Director President for HCVA. I found great value in exploring our great nation and want to share these adventures with my fellow veterans!
Brandon Rozario
I’m retired military and now serve our veterans as the Board of Director Vice President for HCVA. Communing with nature’s rich offerings is powerful and grounding, sharing this with others is our mission.
Naiomi
Schware
Executive Guide
Naomi is based in Denver, Colorado. After completely her active duty in the military, Naomi herself discovered the healing benefits of the wilderness and decided to direct her efforts to getting veterans out in nature together. In 2018 her and her climbing partner became the first all female veteran self guided ascent of Denali in Alaska. Naomi now works as a photographer in the outdoor and military tactical industries.
I have been a part of the Summit County community for 9 years. I moved from Fort Collins after earning an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science from Colorado State University. Since arriving in Breckenridge, skiing and ski mountaineering have become my passions. I have completed my NREMT certification, AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and 2 certifications, an AIARE Avalanche Companion Rescue certification, and a Technical Ropes Certification from CMC. This season I will also be completing coursework in Alpine Rescue and Wilderness Emergency Medicine. When I'm not skiing you can find me mountain biking, rafting, climbing, or playing the violin in the Summit County Community Orchestra.
Alexandra Gorham
I am a Masters level psychologist, veteran, and currently work as a crisis responder for the Veterans and Military Crisis Line. Helping others and preventing suicide is not only my job, but my sincere passion.
Founding Members
Brock
johnson
After graduating Kansas State University with a degree in Economics, I relocated to Summit County Colorado. My passion for the outdoors kept me here, and I currently reside in Silverthorne, CO. I work for an outdoor retailer at Keystone and spend as much time outdoors as possible. You can find me chasing my husky dog (The Bandit) through the forest, up the mountain, and down the river.
robert
Johnson
I have been married for 36 years, proud father of three adult children and three grand children. Licensed as a Clinical Marriage & Family Therapist (LCMFT). Thirty years of continuous mental health work experience, 100% work with military families since July 2009 to present. Prior service in army Guard, 1972 to 1978.
I'm willing to roll up my sleeves for confidential support of any veteran/families with trauma derived as a result of military service to this great country.
Guides
When I am now serving as a board member and handling the financial documents for HCVA, I serve as guide for our trips. I have been a part of the Summit County community for 8 years. I moved from Fort Collins after earning an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science from Colorado State University. Since arriving in Breckenridge, skiing and ski mountaineering have become my passions. I have completed my NREMT certification, AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and 2 certifications, an AIARE Avalanche Companion Rescue certification, and a Technical Ropes Certification from CMC. This season I will also be completing coursework in Alpine Rescue and Wilderness Emergency Medicine. When I'm not skiing you can find me mountain biking, rafting, climbing, or playing the violin in the Summit County Community Orchestra.
Austin Finnell
I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran who moved back to Colorado to pursue a career in the outdoor industry. I studied at the University of Colorado-Boulder before my time in the Marines as an Infantry Officer and Light Armored Reconnaissance Leader. I currently work as a ski patroller and hunting guide in Summit County, CO. I am a certified Wilderness EMT, an American Avalanche Association Professional Level 1 and Recreational Level 1, and Avalanche Companion Rescue certified. When I'm not taking courses to improve my knowledge, I spend the majority of my time in the backcountry.
I am a United States Coast Guard Veteran who moved to Colorado for a new life challenge. I am currently a student at CMC Leadville persuing dual degrees in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Outdoor Education. My certifications include: Wilderness First Responder, AIARE 1, 2, and Rescue, LNT, and Mental First Aid. When I'm not taking courses to improve my knowledge, I spend the majority of my time volunteering or practicing outoor skills.
I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran who moved to Colorado to pursue a career in the outdoor industry. I am pursuing a degree in Outdoor Recreational Leadership at CMC in Leadville. I have trained as a mountaineer and worked as a raft guide and when I am not volunteering or doing school work, I can be found leading teens on backcountry trips in summit county. I have a Wilderness First Responder, AIARE 1, LNT, and mental first aid certification. When I'm not taking courses to improve my knowledge, I spend most of my time exploring and planning trips.