18 Month Transformation from Soldier to Civilian

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thank you for watching! 🫡 My Amazon Store - All my Clothing, Gear & Tool's ⬇️ www.amazon.co.uk/shop/jakesjourneymate?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_aipsfshop_aipsfjakesjourneymate_Z4J2F750P4C2WDPAM7AB AMAZON WISH LIST www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2I8LSUJZMHW0T?ref_=wl_share Support me directly, keep the van or bike moving 🏍🚐🤙 paypal.me/JakesJourneymate Buy me a Coffe/ beer ☕️/🍻 www.buymeacoffee.com/jakesjourneym8 Become a Patreon & get behind the scenes updates!🤘 www.patreon.com/jakesjourneymate

[@hatfieldmccoy0311]

Brother I did 12 years in the US Marine Corps after 6 deployments I got out and tried to be ok, but I got out and had things that I had never dealt with from the wars, so one night I put a pack on my back, grabbed my bow and arrows and my dog and took off walking the 700 miles back down to the mountains I grew up in. Just had to walk and think, when I got there I went back to the deepest part of the mountains and lived for two years in a tipi. I wouldnt change that time in my life for anything, I did alot of healing and enjoyed being completely free and living with the world on its cycle not on man made time.

[@erikaswinburne1233]

Thank you for your service. My Dad did one deployment in Vietnam and he honestly never recovered. Mental health was never really talked about back in those days. I think these days we understand the importance of it. I’m so glad that trip and time was healing for you 🙏

[@Sanya252NC]

Bless You and Thank you for your Service ❤

[@justinbennett1739]

Thank You In the USA and Jake in British army thank you for your service and story! I wish peace and Love, Justin in Australia

[@user-nb5qo6yb3l]

Stay frosty my friend. The forest has a way of bringing us back down to earth .

[@michellejenkins5922]

My son has been living in a van for the last 6 yrs.After his marriage failed he rented a room in a shared house and loathed it. Even thou he has a very good paying job he couldn't afford to rent a house, pay maintenance and house bills. Yes now upgrading it. He and his girls love it.

[@fahrunsnachhause1942]

I randomly stumbled across your channel not long after you started it mate and it's absolutely mega content! Was actually attached to your old Regiment in Estonia for 6 months last year and after 12 years in myself, I'm fully aware of how daunting it is to leave the Army in general - never mind going from Soldier to Nomad, so I take my hat off to you lad👏🏼 All the best for your future travels and looking forward to seeing more great content.

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Legenddd! Cheers mate! Hope you had a good tour with my boys! Appreciate the support! Stay low move fast brother 🤟

[@greggtilghman6349]

I’ve often wondered with Romani people living in caravans think of UK Van lifers that choose to live the traveling life. I’ve heard there was a curse on the Romani because they were the ones that supplied the iron nails for the Crucifix and if they stop traveling, their guilt catches up with them. For the most part, I don’t believe in curses. I think they are just an un-wanted people, considered undesirables and they got no choice. I’m sorry Jake, I hope you don’t mind me fast forwarding this video 15 second intervals, I’ve seen every video as you put them out and loved and clicked like and commented on most. You’re a hero of mine and only half my age, I so wish I could live life like you but I’ve chosen my path long ago and it includes a daughter and a granddaughter who have absolutely stolen my heart. So today on my 59th birthday (I was born July 23, 1964) I am headed to Raleigh to spend time with my grand daughter and her mom and we are going to eat supper at The Big Easy in Raleigh, their jambalaya will make your forehead sweat but I wanted to spend these few minutes with you.

[@robnoble9570]

Oh forgot to add from one ex serviceman to another thanks for your service and look forward to being with you every step of the way

[@davidbarber9892]

Oh wow 18 months, I remember the episode when you had to paint your wall before leaving. Loving the journey and honoured to be taken along. Hopefully I’ll bump into you one day and be able to say hello 👍

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thanks so much! That wall painting proved harder than the entire van build 😂😂

[@kylewynne8232]

That was top notch mate! Ex soldier myself. My life went a complete different path to yours but this was the exact same path I wanted to take when I left .I’m glad someone from the same background gone and done that. Making a small documentary was a cracking idea . Hopefully one day I will get there do it and experience that freedom and journey you have taken. Keep up the good work mate looking forward to future videos 🤙🏼

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thank you mate! Hope you get round to it one day! Much respect brother 🫡🤟

[@paulfollows9776]

Never to late fella

[@tonykirk1966]

My sentiment exactly. Served 5 years and wish life had taken a different direction. Never to late though 😊 all the best to you, life is all too short!

[@shropshireladoutdoors743]

It only seemed like yesterday when you started your journey but the van and you have come a long way since then you have both grown and developed into what you are now may your journey continue to give you what you want and need all the best

[@Highlander3749]

Been watching since you first left the army. Good to see the journey, always great to watch you 🤟🏻

[@stephena1639]

I'm ex air force myself of 13 years, three divorces since 😅. I'm just sourcing my van, and then I'm off with my dog Owain for our adventures. You are never too old to start that life. Best of luck with the rest of your journey, life is what you make of it, and you definitely have the right attitude. Thank you sharing.

[@xanthefarrell6558]

Hi Jake...Great to see how far you've come since leaving Army. As always interesting and beautiful vlogs. Thanks for taking us with you. Wishing you the best for your continued journeys....😊

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thanks so much mate! Really appreciate your constant support! 🙏

[@steveffuksake]

Being English and living in a van for many years I wish you all the best and proud of you for your service

[@JonathanMariskovic-vm4ut]

I can't even tell ya how much I like this bloke! I can't watch freedom/camping/backpacking/hiking/off grid living channels on KZbin from folks who's personalities I find annoying. Cheers from Orlando Florida! I really enjoy the shows! Thank you for your service! Now enjoy freedom, don't forget but never look back.

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thanks so much mate! Such kind words! :)

[@richardcashmore2578]

You are an inspiration young man, loved watching this video. You should be proud of yourself and enjoy your van life. Thanks also for your service

[@pat.carey789]

I’ve just joined not long ago. Now I have a lot of binging to do lol. :-) I very much enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing!

[@tropikwolfyt]

Thx u for ur service mate 🤘🏻 just came across ur channel a minute ago i love ur content already cheers from across the world 🍻

[@topendgold9284]

Just found ya channel mate! Love it. Im ex Aussie Army, 8 years para. I did something similar to you after I discharged as well! I can relate so much, and you will look back at this with so much pride. Im 54 years old now, and still feel young. My story is before you tube, but I travelled from job to job for 8 years. Ended up doing some life changing stuff, from cleaning hotel rooms on a resort island, to doing crocodile shows and zoo keeper stuff, to working on a landing craft in the torres straight islands, to oil and gas, to my current job....i still have the adventure streak in me, now its gold prospecting. I have a couple of clips, top end gold. Keep doing your videos mate, im really enjoying them. You are doing an amazing job on the van btw, one of the best ive seen! Cheers, dave, Australia.

[@JakesJourneyMate]

This is inspirational man! You’ve lived a right adventure! Good on you mate! Sounds awesome! Thank you for the support! 🤘🤘

[@matthewboyle2263]

What a fantastic transformation you’ve went through in such a short space of time. I did 24 years and have been retired now for 12 and only just beginning to adjust but I’ve been contracting between Afghan and Iraq during that time. You are a complete inspiration mate and clearly the army has lost a great one in you. Onwards and upwards brother and enjoy every minute of it. You’ve now got a fan ❤

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Big love mate! Thank you so much for the support! Stay low move fast brother 🫡

[@robnoble9570]

Loved this catch up of Beau and you transforming......content is awesome and keep it going

[@danthestuntman]

Just discovered your journey mate. I remember when I left the army back in 1996. You remind me of myself at that age and my best mate. Never stop adventuring and discovering. I have owned two vans and work globally now in film. If you are ever in South Africa get in touch. Magical place for adventure. Loved the video and had a laugh at your terminology and commentary. Dan

[@peepresc8002]

As an Ex Reg I watched your videos from the start, you have done really well. I left in 88 after 5yrs, I went straight to my local TA and completed a further 12yrs. On leaving the army I joined the Prison Service I needed a disciplined job, and to have ex squaddies round me. I then did 8yrs as an instructor with the ACF. I am now retired due to ill health. If asked would have done things differently? The answer would be yes. I would what you are doing. Live the dream life is to short, make life your adventure. All the best from Pee ex Kings Regiment.

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thank you mate! Appreciate it! Hope your health improves! Much love brother 🫡

[@bigbaz9310]

Well done mate , loved your journey. You've made me realise life is what you make it if you put the hard work in. Hope your happy and healthy. Stay cool ..

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thank you mate! Means a lot! You too! 🤟

[@tracymac1111]

Fantastic little film. Great story, very well told. The Van is beautiful, brimming with soul and character, just like Jake. It’s a pleasure to be here, along for the ride. Thanks for your service in our forces and thank you for sharing the next chapter of you life…what a dude!

[@KDad514]

Epic build out. Spent 12 years in the US Navy and it took me 20 years to start on our 36 acre off grid homestead. Now that it is built enough to function we're going to do a build of our own on a pull behind camper. Your build has given me some great ideas. Best wishes from a new subscriber. Sending positive vibes from Live Life Farm in the US brother.

[@lenrice7482]

awesome video and respect for taking the time to film all the footage brother!

[@woolleycodwanderers4833]

Cracking video Jake 👏 and a cracking build 😉👍 ... ❤👵🐾🐾🐾🤠 x

[@kevinsmith2994]

First of all thank you for your service to our great country, we should never take our armed forces personnel for granted......This vlog is so interesting to follow, I just know you are going to knock it out of the park. Looking forward to seeing many more of your adventures.

[@diannemarshall7473]

It’s absolutely amazing what you have achieved in 18 months. Well done buddy. You should be proud of yourself. Good luck in your lovely home on wheels.✊👏👏👏

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thank you so much! ☺️🙏

[@emilynunn9245]

I came across this video, exactly 3 months after coming out of the military myself, and I have always wanted to do up my own van to live in, you have made me want to do it so much more. The inspiration and motivation. Keep going mate you're doing amazing.

[@mikeoffgridspain496]

Im not sure what i like the most? The grate job you have done with your beautiful van or the happiness in your eyes.... Well done :-)

[@BugoutBushcraftUK]

Great video and a great journey mate

[@johnguest1849]

Absolutely blown away is all I can and will say!!.. Well done Jake and thank you for your service brother..

[@pleaseleave2live]

Nice story man, I'm glad you chose your happiness. I also left South African Police (CSI) 3 years ago and I am planning to live a van life here in South Africa, traveling the entire African Continent for 2years and your video just gave me a boost man.

[@thetoymanator7723]

Greetings from Sydney Australia. Your van build and change in lifestyle is an inspiration. As I get older and friends and family drop off this mortal coil, I realise that we're not here for a long time, but a good time. It's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years. I hope that when my time comes I can look back and say "no regrets". I'm sure you'll keep on making memories and you've set yourself up for not only UK adventures, but Europe and the rest of the world. Hey, you might even get down under one day! You're only a spring chicken so lots of adventures ahead. Keep good.

[@wolvolad25]

Can you go into more detail on the electric and heating system please

[@onzlobucket]

Well done Jake it looks great,you’ve made a cracking job of your van. Enjoy your life in everything you do. There’s a 71 year old guy here that’s very envious of you & the brilliant life your leading. Keep up the good work with the videos, thank you. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Flynn410]

Wow, class video Jake 👏

[@asaandthemarchharepart2903]

And it's been a fabulous journey. Oh the time has flown by. Right back from the very start. And it's all been brilliant. Keep Loving the Adventure Jake. Keep Going Forward 💪 🙏👊

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thanks so much mate! Big love! 🤟

[@danieltporter959]

Your Home looks fantastic! Great Job Jake!

[@gloriadavidson8599]

Loved the video your journey to "" freedom "" from your former life is a joy to see 😁😁😁👍👍 looking forward to seeing more 👏👏👏👏 Love from the UK x

[@MarkGaudie]

Love your enthusiasm. I wish I was younger again I’d be so up for this adventure and building my own camper.

[@shaunmccaw2911]

Nice one mate started watching your channel halfway through your build good to see it from the start 👍🏻

[@lenbo69]

Vet myself, but a little older than you, I served in the good old days from '81 for 12 years or so, you have done what I have dreamed of doing, I live and work in Russia at the moment, but planning and buying and building a van. Good luck Brother. (I was in 3rd bn Green Jackets who became the Rifles)

[@ringonotts]

Having been subbed for most of your journey I feel this video is a turning point in your creativity - not to mention a thouroughly interesting and fun watch!! Cracking van build youth - its lovely! Take care, Ringo

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thanks so much mate! That really means a lot! Big love 🙏🤟

[@paulgardner4931]

I remember watching your video back in the day of picking the van up and now this vid has popped up on my YT, it was great to watch how far you've came along with the build, your living the dream mate, enjoy your travels 🤙

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thanks so much mate! Really appreciate it! :)

[@DansDays415]

Just came across this man, and this was such an incredible watch! I wish you all the best in your future journeys!

[@Pootz1000]

It doesn't seem that long since you posted your first video. I'm glad you allowed us to follow you on your journey and it's great to see how you, yourself, have transformed as well as the van but I think the best transformation has to be the hair 😂. Cheers and stay safe

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thank you so much! ☺️🙏 oh aye! The hairs getting there! 😂

[@Outandaboutonashoestring]

Been watching your channel for a while now but only just caught this. Epic mate absolutely epic, even though you make me feel old (I left the Army in '94). Brilliant channel

[@happilyamused3829]

Jake been watching you from the beginning and what a great transformation keep it up live every day to its fullest can’t wait to see what the next 18 months and more brings. Well done you should be proud of yourself, keep it real mate.

[@dontworrybehappy5139]

I remember these old videos from when I got recommended to follow your channel due to my interest in the Ford Transit Connect (it is the only van I could see owning in the city). Your videos almost always make me smile and I've enjoyed following your adventures even after you got rid of Connie. I can't imagine all the work it must take to be recording, editing and publishing videos so often but I certainly enjoy the fruits of your labor and can't wait to see what's next for you.

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thank you so much mate! Really appreciate your support! Always see your comments! 🙏

[@upyursmofo]

Ex military myself I follow Liam Brown and was recommended by KZbin. It looks brilliant dude. I don't have the money to kit out a van but I grin & Bear the city 9 - 5 just to fund getting away when I can & walk on trails. I love watching the sun go down high up on the lake district moors etc

[@frioro]

Great video, wonderful personality, the camper was build very professionally, what else can I say? I’m happy you’re following your dream and that you actually have the courage to F 9 to 5 and do what you like and makes you happy. Just amazing!

[@angelinar.612]

New here, watched all of it! From California...great job! Thanks Took lots of notes.

[@ZoeHannan]

Hey Jake. Just found your channel. I’m a vet too and contemplating the van thing so watching your journey. Excited to see your van life vlogs in the UK.

[@stephenlangton3814]

Leaving the British Army was one of the saddest days of my life - I was made redundant after 12 years well done young man for doing this

[@katzcrow640]

Love your Build an the Story you Shared. You are an Excellent Creator an you are going to do Absolutely Fantastic on Utube. Hope you post more on your New Adventures that await. Thank you for Sharing 🌿👍👍🌿 West Coast Canada 🍁

[@joetaylor7292]

Great video! Not sure what changed more your van or your barnet! Just started saving for a van. Probably looking to do a smaller one like the connect first

[@Tomtek654]

I recall the strange feeling of leaving the Army, handing everything back and leaving with half a car full after seven years. Good to see you living free!

[@viv-i-vangoesforth]

Its been an absolute privilage following your Channel Jake. You are a brilliant inspiration and a credit to the military. Thank you for your service 👏 absolute respect- Kenny

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Excellent video mate. You’ve really documented your experience of transforming the van and your life so well. I’m new to your channel and would like to say I’m in! Take care. Nick

[@grantharper6033]

Hey Jack, what a journey! Seems like only yesterday you were collecting the van and you’ve taken me on your journey all the way with you. Thank you for sharing it, you really are a top guy and I look forward to more adventures. Wishing you happiness and health, Grant.

[@marvinandLevi]

nice build mate

[@wolvolad25]

Loved the video mate, well done 👍🏼 ❤

[@martwilman]

Thanks for sharing, Jake. I've really enjoyed following your journey. Keep up the good work and loving life. Best wishes from Switzerland, Martin

[@Theaggressivesalad]

Genuinely a big fan of the videos and seeing how far the build's progressed since leaving the army! I'm just over 6 months away from leaving myself & I'm keen to take on a similar project (albeit with a smaller van) for short breaks and weekends away. Keep it up!

[@trailrunningphil]

Such an epic video. Really great to see the whole van build from start to finish mate. It’s mental how different you looked!! What’s going on with the SWCP mate? Are you going to try and walk the whole thing at some point?

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thank you mate! Really appreciate it! As for the path mate, I came off after 5 days because my head just really wasn’t in it! Currently on a big adventure where there will be multiple other trails though! I’ll be back to smash the SWCP at some point!

[@ianbl67]

Evening Jake, I inadvertently stumbled across your channel a few weeks ago and have to say a few things. 1. Envious, absolutely. 2. Impressed, very much so. I am absolutely loving following you on your journey mate. I wish I had the Nads to embark on such an epic adventure. I'm also a veteran, although from a far superior Regiment 😉 I have Cancer so seeing what you get up to on this fantastic island of ours just fills me with envy & pride. Keep up the great vids brother & if you're ever in the North West give me a shout I'll buy you a pint & some scran brother. 🙏❤️

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Aye up mate! Means a lot Dude! Just happy to inspire & entertain! Even to a man of a lesser reg! ;) Hope you’re well mate & the hopes are looking up! Keep fighting the good fight brother! 🫡

[@BustersBuilds]

Jake, I've been following you from the start, found your channel while out in Estonia. Coming close to leaving service myself. Love the videos mate. Great seeing the change as you set yourself free.

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thank you mate! Appreciate it! Hope it was a good tour! Stay low move fast brother! 🫡

[@kylevicars1207]

Wicked video jake👌

[@vongrimm1421]

Randomly stumbled across this video and loved it. Jake, you absolutely smashed this and it is great to see someone do it differently in civvy street and thriving. Loved all the little echoes of the army (black nasty, issued boots etc 😂). If you are ever back down Tidders way and need a park up, give me a shout. Brews, shower and scran included. All the best pal. 👍

[@susanadam6094]

Best thing you could have done coming out of army on to civvy street. Having this project to occupy your mind smashing it mate smashing it 👏👏

[@ChloeVerse]

Love it! And the fact your ex military. Husbands ex engineer served 7 years too. Keep up the van conversion

[@PhotographyByRune]

Veteran myself, so subscribed 😀 Good luck out here in the world :-D

[@helenTwemlow-mk2ng]

Hi Jake, Fantastic mate, inspired me to go out and done buy a van and follow your steps, well done mate.

[@Mrandy8895]

Nice looking van. Totally agree with you about building in redundancy re the power being separate from the vehicle. I also had the same regarding the diesel heater. Many have the fuel from the vehicle tank. Two reasons why I didn't do that. 1 - Far less complicated to give it it's own tank. 2- Back when I was doing it. We could use "Red diesel" far cheaper. Although that has gone now. Van lay out? Everyone has their own preference. I started with my cooker /oven at the rear. I seen realised that the best place for the cooker is where you actually have your sink. You are going to learn about condensation (heads up silicon cat litter old socks) cooking especially brewing up puts hugest amounts of condensation in the van. I always opened the sliding door when cooking or brewing. Or at the very least opened the window. Being close the majority of the steam goes outside. Yes the roof vent will help. But nothing g better than the open door.

[@llewellyn56]

You did your job. Now it’s time to enjoy life. Great video. awesome. Safe travels.

[@arronryan1349]

What a watch! Lovely film and journey!

[@JLP1989]

What an absolutely banging video! Very well put together!

[@Betsy387]

Epic channle thank you for your service hope you have a grate sivie life can't wait for more vids

[@jackseals3337]

KZbin recommended your video and I have to say I really enjoyed it from start to finish you kept things fun, real and fresh! Subbed 🙌🏻

[@JakesJourneyMate]

Thank you so much mate! Means a lot! 🫡

[@phil-oq9id]

Totally brilliant 👍👌

[@thefinancialneurologist]

Awesome production quality, would love to see more videos

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

So amazing mate well done you... A dream i would love to do.. but at my age its way to scary

[@olddad67]

Great job my friend. That looks amazing. Seriously, great job. 👍

[@SchussinBoots]

Just catching up on all your vids Jake. This one had me laughing and in tears. I’ve seen a lot of the videos but watching the journey unfold in this story was really moving. Never lose sight of what an incredible achievement it is, to be where you are now. Thank you for sharing the journey in all its inspiring beauty and at the same time, it’s reality. ❤️ By the way, your photography/editing skills are getting better and better with every episode, yet never losing the realism of it. Well done mate! 🙌

[@karenmacdonald2088]

Hey Jake, Wow! What an amazing build. Subscribed! Ive just bought an old Australia Post van and am about to start a build on it. You are so inspiring. Wishing you and Bec safe travels and amazing adventures. Greetings from Collie Western Australia😎

[@twaito]

1st time watcher. Great van mate. Not sure why more people with a fixed bed don't think of storage above it.

[@ronaldyoung2064]

Good video and awesome message. Semper Fidelis...

[@mariamacrae5]

Enjoyed watching this- I love Edden Ram’s van build- definitely the best layed out & beautiful build I’ve seen so far!

[@andrewmackenzie6979]

Thats mega mate! Doing my own van at the minute and enjoying the journey. Former tankie too 🤙

[@graemesaunderson4218]

Great build mate. well worth all the good work that you put into it. ATB.

[@inmobiliariaadolfovillegas7205]

te felicito....un trabajo excelente. espero algún día poder hacerlo. mucha suerte.

[@raw6460]

Really enjoyed this. Well documented, great shots, the time flew by! The carpentry, thinking, planning executing skills, super! The one thing I'd suggest adding is a tool purchase list, like the batteries, the charging pack ect. A time consuming task no doubt, but if set up so you would generate some financial kickback.. Very relaxing and pleasant viewing! 😊

[@growraise-happydays6618]

Stumbled across this video, You have a great energy and vibe. Very engaging watching your achievement from start to finish. New subscriber, so I'll be checking out the rest of your content.

[@DavidJones-jm2ik]

Good for you. Just found your channel. Very impressed.👍

[@louisfranklin4501]

Brilliant video! Brilliant van build! Now I want one! 😂

[@P.J.Thompson]

Congrats mate, really nice rig. Happy for you!

[@nubiasilva2449]

Eres un gran chico y me encanta tu canal. Gracias ❤❤❤❤❤

[@steveford4498]

A remarkable build, your own touches and practical design as you go is a fullfilling progression, being as I've converted my own it's better listening to all that can give you a direction to go in. Have fun on your travels and adventures wherever you all may go.