From the deserts of Afghanistan to the tundra of the High Arctic, combat veteran Aaron Lauritsen views himself as the ultimate survivalist. Now he wants to put that to the test and he needs the public's help.
From the deserts of Afghanistan to the tundra of the High Arctic, combat veteran Aaron Lauritsen views himself as the ultimate survivalist.
Now he wants to put that to the test and he needs the public's help.
Lauritsen, who is from Cochrane, is vying for a spot on Woods Canada's reality show Woods Canada's Greatest Explorer. The show will pit 12 of Canada's most adventurist souls against each other in a number of outdoor challenges.
To earn a spot on the challenge Lauritsen needs public votes to keep him in the top 12 of the 25-competitor field.
He is definitely not lacking in experience. Aside from his military training, Lauritsen also wrote a book about his travelling adventures. Titled 100 Days Drive, it is about his experience road tripping across the US and Canada, sleeping in his van with his dog.
“I know I am an outdoorsman, I'm a trained survivalist with the army, ” said Lauritsen, whose experience includes training missions on Baffin Island in Nunavut and serving as long range reconnaissance patrolman in Afghanistan.
A graduate of the military's sniper training program, a process he described as physically, emotionally and psychologically grueling, Lauritsen believes his indomitable spirit makes him perfect for the show.
“I've got all the skills to do the job. I don't quit and I am very competitive and I don't think anyone can keep up with me, ” he said.
To learn more about Lauritsen check out www.WoodsExplorer.ca. As of Wednesday, he was listed in 12th place with 903 votes.
