New partnership with Weber State helps Utah airmen adjust after deployment
OGDEN, Utah — This summer, Weber State University is collaborating with Hill Air Force Base to bring active-duty military members to the university’s Challenge Course, a low-ropes team building experience.
The partnership gives local airmen a unique learning environment designed to test group dynamics, build trust, and strengthen leadership skills outside of their regular routines. 
“To support this group feels amazing,” said Daniel Turner, WSU’s Outdoor Program associate director. “Weber State has so many resources, and being able to connect airmen to that is a privilege.”
The Hill AFB program is called HERO, which stands for Hill Enhanced Reintegration & Orientation. It’s operated through the 75th Force Support Squadron with activities held at the university.
The goal is to help airmen returning from deployment transition from high-adrenaline combat zones to life at home, using adventure-based activities as a safe and healthy way to adjust.
Last week, Turner led the inaugural session with Hill AFB. A group of seven airmen progressed through a series of physical and mental obstacles on the WSU Outdoor Program’s Challenge Course, located just south of University Village in Ogden. Participants ended with rappelling at the Technical Training Center in WSU’s Outdoor Adventure & Welcome Center.
Each session concluded with a debriefing, where Turner helped participants recognize how to translate the activity’s setbacks and successes into insight that relates to their careers or life.
Turner said being active outdoors is the perfect environment to build bonds and grow. He sees it regularly through the Outdoor Program — which offers affordable trips, classes, and gear rentals to help groups get outside — and works to bring those same benefits to more people.
Austin Cordell-Blackmon, part of the 649th Munitions Squadron at Hill AFB, was invited to be one of the HERO program’s first participants.
“It was a great opportunity,” Cordell-Blackmon said. “Anytime I get the chance to be out of the office and in the wild, hanging out with coworkers or meeting new people, I’m always down and ready to go.”
As organizers gather feedback from the first group, they’ll begin scheduling future sessions and inviting more participants to sign up. Turner is hopeful that could mean as many as 1,000 airmen going through the course, gaining skills that can benefit both their professional and personal lives.
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu