About Us
Pioneers & Veterans Base Camp brings together the pioneering spirit, veteran ethos, the restorative power of wilderness, disciplined Base Camp support, research-informed transition programming, and stewardship of the stories that came before us.
Mission
To harness the transformative power of Alaska's wilderness to strengthen connection, purpose, and reintegration—supporting veterans and partner organizations through wilderness experience, research-informed programs, and grounded Base Camp operations.
Impact & Legacy
We believe transformation should extend beyond the wilderness. By strengthening individuals, supporting partner organizations, stewarding the land, and preserving the stories of pioneers and veterans, we seek to leave people, communities, and places stronger than we found them.
Vision
A modern homestead and operational hub where the pioneering spirit and veteran ethos converge—rooted in land stewardship, service, research, partnership, and legacy, and preparing people for what comes next.
Our Values
- Base Camp First: Safety, clarity, and preparation come before challenge.
- Nature as a Healing Partner: Land and wilderness are active teachers.
- Dignity & Agency: We honor experience without defining people by injury.
- Belonging Through Shared Experience: Connection grows through shared effort.
- Stewardship & Legacy: We leave people and places stronger than we found them.
Our Story
2019: The earliest foundations of Pioneers & Veterans began to take shape around Alaska wilderness, service, and the enduring value of shared experience.
2023: Heroes Healing Homestead deepened the work, providing a place where veterans, community, and Alaska's landscape could come together.
2026: Pioneers & Veterans Base Camp expands that foundation into three connected pillars: Base Camp operations and partnerships, P&V programs, and pioneer-veteran heritage and legacy.
Leadership
Catkin Kilcher Burton — Founder, President & CEO
is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader dedicated to serving veterans, preserving Alaska's pioneer heritage, and strengthening communities. A 31-year active duty Marine Corps veteran, she is the Chairman and CEO of Pioneer & Veteran Base Camp, co-founder and CEO of Eagles' Enterprises, LLC, Trustee of the Kilcher Homestead Trust, President of the Captain Chapter of the Miliary Officer’s Association or America and a member of the Civilian Advisory Board for the Commander Alaskan Command. The youngest daughter of Alaska pioneers Yule and Ruth Kilcher, Catkin combines military leadership with her family's legacy of stewardship, education, and service. She recently earned a Master of Science in Organizational Development from Pepperdine University and continues to champion veteran reintegration, wilderness-based healing, leadership development, and historical preservation throughout Alaska through Doctoral research. She was honored as a 2026 Anchorage ATHENA Society inductee for her leadership and community service.
Atz Kilcher — Co-Founder
A veteran, musician, storyteller, homesteader, and advocate, Atz brings lived experience and a lifelong connection to Alaska's land, history, and community.
Joshua Revak — Board Member
is an Alaska Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and former Alaska State Senator and State Representative. After serving two combat tours in Iraq, where he was wounded in action, he continued his commitment to public service as a military and veterans affairs advisor to Congressman Don Young and Senator Dan Sullivan. Revak later represented Anchorage in the Alaska Legislature, advocating for veterans, public safety, and responsible governance. He holds an MBA from Alaska Pacific University and remains active in supporting Alaska's military and veteran community.
Clyde Burton — Board Member
is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel, businessman, and entrepreneur. After military retirement, he served as the Director of the Alaska Military Youth Academy and later served as a senior logistics analyst supporting 3rd Marine Logistics Group with Booz Allen Hamilton. He is a co-founder of a thriving cabin rental business and supports veterans causes. He is also a past President of the Alaska chapter of Military Officers Association of America. He is a combat veteran of Desert Storm/Shield and of the Iraq War where he commanded Forward Operating Base Bucca, the largest logistics and detention facility in the theater. He holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration.