Reclaiming the Warrior Within: The Mission Behind Warriors’ Ascent

By Mike Kenny and Matt Hastings

Welcome to the Warriors’ Ascent blog, where we explore how the warrior archetype and ethos can guide anyone—veteran, first responder, or civilian—toward a life of empowerment, ownership, and purpose.

The Call to Rediscover the Warrior

We believe society is losing touch with the warrior archetype—an internal compass of strength, courage, and resilience that everyone possesses. At Warriors’ Ascent, we’re committed to reviving this ancient model of virtue and perseverance through a modern lens.

Drawing from our military experience and our work at Warriors’ Ascent—a nonprofit helping veterans and first responders overcome post-traumatic stress—we’ve seen firsthand how reconnecting with the warrior spirit can change lives.

The Warrior Ethos: A Code for Modern Life

We anchor our work in three core virtues:

• Prudentia – thoughtful judgment and decisive action (mind)

• Fortitudo – grit, resilience, and self-discipline (body)

• Gravitas – commitment, purpose, and inner seriousness (soul)

These values aren’t just for combat—they’re tools for navigating everyday challenges with strength and clarity.

Our motto, "He conquers who conquers himself", reminds us that true strength begins with mastering the self.

Two Journeys, One Mission

Mike Kenny, a retired Army officer and West Point grad, now leads Warriors’ Ascent. Matt Hastings, a former Black Hawk pilot and CW4, first came through the program as a participant. Together, we’ve experienced both the weight of military leadership and the personal cost of post-traumatic stress.

Matt’s story is one of service, disconnection, and rediscovery. After three combat tours and years of high-stakes leadership, he returned home only to face isolation, lost identity, and emotional turmoil. Like many, he tried to “soldier through” before finally seeking help.

That help came through Warriors’ Ascent—a five-day retreat focused on healing mind, body, and soul. What began as skepticism became transformation. Through breathwork, mindfulness, fitness, and peer connection, Matt found a new way forward. Not as a soldier—but as a whole human being.

The Civilian Application: Everyone Faces Battles

This podcast and our mission aren’t just for veterans. The warrior archetype lives in everyone—from the first responder facing danger daily, to the parent advocating for a child, to the individual enduring silent struggles.

We’re here to share tools and frameworks that cultivate strength and peace simultaneously:

• Cognitive and metacognitive strategies

• Fitness, nutrition, and self-care as necessities—not luxuries

• Breathwork, journaling, and mindfulness practices backed by evidence

• Life planning, goal-setting, and purpose-driven routines

  
  

Warrior Wisdom in Action

Our approach is backed by results. An article in the APA Journal of Psychotherapy Integration highlights the statistically significant impact our program has on suicidality, anxiety, depression, and risky drinking. But beyond the data, we’ve seen hundreds of lives transformed—and many saved—across 69 cohorts and counting.

What’s Next

This blog will explore the journey of the Enlightened Warrior—one who leads with courage and compassion, strength and stillness. We’ll unpack everything from trauma recovery to leadership development, blending ancient wisdom with modern science.

At the end of every episode, expect actionable tools—something you can apply immediately to strengthen your mind, body, and soul.

Join the Movement

If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. The warrior spirit is alive—and it’s time we reclaim it.

🔗 Learn more at www.warriorsascent.org📬 Subscribe to our newsletter🎙️ Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn💥 And don’t miss the next blog post or episode of the Warriors’ Ascent Podcast