our tribe

We may come from different places, branches, generations, and walks of life, but service is the thread that connects us.

From there, we go further.

Into the mountains. Across borders. Outside our comfort zones.

We travel, explore, recreate, and wonder….together.

78k + Connections Made

Our Instagram, Facebook Group and TikTok are thriving online spaces where LiboRisks exchange resources, share travel tips/stories and build friendships with other service members & vets.

38 events hosted since 2020

In 2020, we had an idea. To host an event and see what would happened! It was a hit and so we've been perfecting how we curate events ever since. This is the heart of what we love to do.

450+ event participants since 2020

Our events bring together anywhere from 10 to 15 participants. We prefer smaller groups to ensure can connect, feel at home and not be overwhelmed by a crowd. Smaller is better!

what is a liborisk?

We welcome any active duty or reserve personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces. And veterans from any branch of service, any era and any stature. Meaning, we do not discriminate based on discharge or disability.

LiboRisk is a military colloquialism derived from the phrase “Liberty Risk.” Used prevalently in the Marine Corps, troops who were coined as “LiboRisks” had to be watched more carefully and were punished more often for mishaps during liberty and leave. Because “LiboRisk” is used irreverently and is associated to a troops “free-time,” we believe this would be the best name for our community.

The boot print is symbolic to all service members and veterans because boots are an issued item of clothing for all troops. Every single one of us has worn a pair of combat boots and they have carried us, literally and figuratively, through the trials and tribulations of military service. Boots are also a common footwear for hikers, explorers, travelers, etc. The boot print is an interchangeable icon for travel and the military.

our ethos

Each branch of service upholds their own ethos and demands every person in uniform to abide by those codes of ethics. Living by the LiboRisk ethos means you are committing to a community, culture and lifestyle that thrives on being better and doing better, regardless of your uniform, rank, medals or deployments. These core tenants are what we thrive on and are the foundations of our “campfire culture.”

Ethos is a Greek word meaning “character” that is used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, nation, or ideology; and the balance between caution, and passion. Imbedded in ethos are values, which help us live with direction and purpose – like a guiding compass. Whatever is going on in our lives, our values can show us a path forward, and help us make better choices.

Below are our ethos that guide how we operate as a company and as a community. Every person that is a part of LiboRisk must be receptive, respectful and of course, risky. This is how we elevate our standards every day.

respectful

Travel is a gift — an invitation into someone else’s world. Each journey allows us to be welcomed into another culture, to taste its food, share in its rituals, connect with its people, and glimpse ways of living beautifully different from our own. To travel with respect is to travel with mindfulness. It means slowing down, observing, listening, and learning. It’s recognizing that every choice we make — no matter how small — ripples outward, shaping our cultural, social, environmental, and economic impact. In this awareness, travel becomes not just movement through places, but a practice of honoring the world we’re privileged to explore.

connecting, educating and inspiring liborisks around the world

In 2019, we created our first online profiles for Instagram and Facebook. We simply wanted to inspire troops to travel and connect them virtually so they could build friendships, share travel stories and learn about resources.

In 2020, we decided to host an event and see what would happen. With roughly 15 service members & veterans, we led a day of scuba diving & kayaking in Southern California. The event was an absolute hit!

It wasn’t until 2022 that we became an official business. Ultimately, we experimented heavily, invested a ton of money and hours to just see if this could become something truly remarkable. Well, look where we have arrived!

As an active duty Marine, LiboRisk truly brings the best out of us. We have all experienced being in the military and regardless of our different personalities, we came together and bonded around a campfire telling funny stories!

I decided to attend this event in an effort to get out of my comfort zone and bond with other veterans/active duty. I took away from this event that every veteran is different and my experience in the Marine Corps is not a reflection of every person in the service. I met so many amazing and friendly people and this has encouraged me to take more steps in the future to getting out into the veteran community.

Libo-Risk is a top-notch, interactive travel service for our Armed Forces and Veterans! I am fairly well-traveled and have never structured a trip in such an organized manner as what was presented. What I loved the most about my consultation was assessment of my travel personality and how the presentation catered to my individuality, and the options in planning tools made it accessible, regardless of their comfortability with or access to technology. I left feeling so pumped to plan a trip and told several of my friends we've been doing it all wrong!

Just book it! You will not regret it. Whatever is holding you back or preconceived thoughts you think you have, they’re all wrong. If you’re already here looking then trust me you need this and the people you will meet the adventures you will have and the healing you will grow through. Jess has created and mastered a genuine way for veterans to reconnect and revive their true self. Just like many experiences we had in the military.. you had to be there to get it so…. Go, so you can get it!

I attended a weekend retreat with a group of 15 LIBORISKS and let me tell you it was a perfect RESET to my busy life. Perfect balance of vulnerability, relaxation, excitement and FUN. Highly recommend sharing with a fellow service member and signing up for the next retreat. DON’T hesitate! Just DO! And thank me later.

The for-profit organization services Veterans and service members through the assistance and hosting of military travel excursions. I recently attended Operation Shred 2024 retreat which consisted of three days of ski/snowboard lessons, a train ride or ice climbing, daily yoga and a day at the hot springs. It was a wonderful experience because it challenged you physically and emotionally to learn a new skill to fostering a community that builds relationships beyond the retreat. It is very genuine and authentic in its approach and really helped me grow as a person. It made such an impact I signed up for two more retreats!

The founder

Hi, my name is Jess and I am the founder of LiboRisk.

Inspired by my grandmother’s adventures, I embarked on my first solo-backpacking trip to Thailand in 2016 and have been traveling ever since.

I served 8 years as a an active duty photojournalist and marketing director in the Marine Corps.

Traveling as a troop is not easy and we have to endure many restraints and prerequisites in order to travel. I wanted to ease that process by fostering a community that educates and inspires members to see every corner of the world.

I built a school bus into a tiny home so I could live as frugally and nomadically as possible. I embody a life of freedom, curiosity and risk, so I can ultimately empower other veterans to take charge of their life and experience life beyond the military.

My time, focus and money is on LiboRisk. This is my life’s testimony – to help others tap into the unknown, grow as individuals and leave a better footprint.

I am a LiboRisk.