Five Million Steps: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail after Three Decades of Service to Our Nation

by Jason France

From a rough childhood to a distinguished United States Air Force career, Jason France’s life has been a whirlwind of sacrifice, service, and personal struggle. But it has also been filled with amazing opportunities and incredible experiences. After retiring from serving over three decades in uniform—and holding one of the highest enlisted leadership positions in the military—Jason embarks on a solo trek to hike the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail.

His five-month journey to rediscover himself and fulfill a childhood dream turns out to be far more than he imagined. As he traverses mountains, forests, and deserts, Jason rediscovers the joy of living in the present moment, connects with people from around the world, and builds a deeper sense of gratitude for his life experiences and the people around him.

But his journey doesn’t come without challenges. Jason faces forest fires and record temperatures. Amplified by the solitude of the trail, the demons of his past revisit him, forcing him to confront the haunting memories of war, struggles with mental health, and the sacrifices of military service. Each step forward is a battle against his limitations and a test of his physical and psychological resilience. But growth and opportunity come with each step.

Jason’s story is more than just a memoir about a hike. It’s a testament to the power of the human spirit, the healing power of nature, and the courage to face our deepest fears. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking adventure, self-discovery, and the strength to overcome their own challenges.

216 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Jason France is the owner and founder of Elevate Leadership Solutions. He is a leadership consultant, professional development expert, and executive coach. Following a distinguished 31-year career in the United States Air Force, retiring as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the United States Transportation Command, one of the highest enlisted leadership positions in the US military, he leverages his passion for people and experience in leading complex organizations to help individuals and teams reach their optimal performance.

Outside of work, he enjoys challenging himself with outdoor adventures. Since retiring from the Air Force, he has hiked thousands of miles, completing three of America's National Scenic Trails: the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, the 486-mile Colorado Trail, and the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail. His passion for pushing his limits translates well into his teaching, mentoring, and coaching approach.

In his book 'Five Million Steps—Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail After Three Decades of Service to Our Nation,' Jason shares his insights and experiences from his five-month hike from Mexico to Canada. This book is not just a memoir of a hike, it’s a must-read for anyone seeking adventure, self-discovery, and the strength to overcome their own challenges.

Reviews

[Sab Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute pleasure of hiking around Meat Grinder for the majority of the PCT in 2021. His silly remarks, high energy and joie-de-vie always made me super stoked when I turned a corner to see him there.

We only got to connect for short periods of time and generally in passing - leaving not that much time to get to know his whole story. It's so special getting the opportunity to read about such an accomplished and deeply in tune with themselves person. Even more special knowing him in person - laughing while reading some of the stories I got to hear first hand, empathizing with similar experiences and crying with the emotion felt through his powerful words detailing what shaped who is is today.

This is my favourite book I've read about the Pacific Crest Trail because it's fully real and not just about walking. Thank you Meat Grinder for sharing who you are with this community. I wish you all the best in every step on your next path.

[Monica France · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason France's Five Million Steps offers a captivating blend of personal memoir and adventure narrative. A veteran of the United States Air Force, France recounts his solo hike of the Pacific Crest Trail as a transformative experience. His journey is not just a physical challenge but a deep exploration of self. Through his encounters with the wilderness and the people he meets along the way, he confronts his past, and ultimately finds a sense of peace.

Five Million Steps is more than just a hiking tale. It's a story of resilience, perseverance, and the human spirit's capacity for growth. France's vivid descriptions of the trail, combined with his insightful reflections on life and service. Five Million Steps is a testament to the power of nature and the human spirit. It's a story of resilience, redemption, and the enduring beauty of the natural world. This amazing book is a compelling read for anyone seeking inspiration or adventure. I LOVED this book!

[Robert Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book and one of the best personal journeys I’ve read in a long time. I really identified with the story prior to Jay’s military service. He overcame a lot only to find his way in the Air Force… the camaraderie, the recognition, the emotional pain and successes along the way. I love how Jay wove in personal stories of his time in the military while taking us on the PCT. His ability to learn about, rely upon, and trust strangers at many stops is a reminder of the faith in humanity and that everyone has a story. I thoroughly enjoyed this Five Million Step journey from Chief France to Jay France. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[Jessica Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by an awesome character and Chief Master Sergeant I crossed paths with while stationed at Scott AFB outside St. Louis. At the time, he was 3 months out from his retirement and he was most excited about being known as “Just Jay.” It’s been a wonderful read to hear about how ‘Just Jay’ has been since his retirement and his journey hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (2,653 miles) while reflecting on his impressive career spanning over 30 years with the United States Air Force! I feel very blessed to have met him and I’m impassioned by the stories he shared.

[J Cyrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a quick read, which provided an incredible breakdown of his post-career trek, embedded with personal stories from his upbringing/life. Incredible story from a leader with an impressive professional background. Many books will get your attention from the author’s past; you may come for the name, but you’ll end up staying for the lessons. Best book by a military author that I’ve read this year.

[Nathan J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Jay years ago on a deployment when we were both very young airmen. His genuine care for people and unabashed vulnerability shine through the words of this book, demonstrating for future generations the need for returning to the source of their why as a way of persevering through tragedy and triumph, meeting each in turn with humility, humor, courage, and community.
- Nate Hogan, Ph.D., Martial Culture in the Lifeways of US Servicemembers and Veterans

[Christopher Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply read it! Powerful message of resiliency and finding what’s important in life. This is a book I will recommend and share with my children, family and friends. It was an easy read and relatable to what so many of us face in life. We all struggle and we can all overcome. Highly, highly recommend this book!

[Nick Henke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I wish I could’ve read it earlier in my military career because the author described many of the issues that plague the senior enlisted. From the constant transactional relationships to the excessive service before self/above all. It spoke to me deeply. Love the fact that he never gave up on the dream of hiking the PCT either. I’d love to be that adventurous.

[Charles Gandy]

I'm currently using Jay's book 5 million steps to help sell a new long distance Trail across Texas known as the xtexas.org
He has done most of the things Cheryl Strayed did in Wild, connecting his mental spiritual and physical experiences along the trail masterfully.
Nice job Chief.

[Scott Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, but a compelling read. After my sons read it I will donate it to the squadron library for other Airmen to hopefully enjoy.

[Brian Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book and Phenomenal story! I had the privilege of following the entire journey on Facebook. It was an honor!

Brian Shearer

[Rick Posada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay my friend! My fellow PCT hiker! My fellow serviceman! My hero. My family man!

You wrote a great book my friend! You took us back to so many things in our own personal life, marine experience, my upbringing, my own PCT hike, my reason for a hike was 32 years in corporate america where i was burnt out completely. Thank you so much for writing the book and for hanging in there terminus to terminus! My hike was combined over 2 years, thank you for allowing the rest of us to hike our own hike!

Once again, enjoyed the book, learned alot about you and appreciated all of it.

You demonstrate in your book that your upbringing, your parents or lack there of, or any other excuses that many people make do not define us and do not determine what we go on to do in our adult life and in the rest of our life. Thank you for demonstrating that for us and achieving so much success in the Air Force with your family and in life in general.

I highly recommend this book to previous long distance hikers, future hikers and those dealing with mental health issues, dealing with obstacles in life and the power that comes from getting outside, taking the bull by the horns and not allowing circumstances to dictate your results.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay’s book is a thoughful and inspiring memoir that is so much more than the physical feat of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. After a lifetime of service, France embarked on this extraordinary journey, transforming it into a profound exploration of self, resilience, and the human spirit.

His candid reflections on life's wins and losses are both heartwarming and thought-provoking. France's ability to find humor and grace in adversity is truly remarkable. He invites readers to join him on his journey, offering solace and encouragement to anyone who has faced difficult times.

This book is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of cherishing every step of life's journey. It is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of how to show grace to yourself and to others.

I laughed. I cried. I loved it. I hope you do too!

[Will Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Million Steps is the kind of book that pulls you in, stirring emotions while also making you reflect. Jason France, after over 30 years in the military, takes on the Pacific Crest Trail, solo. It talks about hiking through heatwaves and fires; and facing his past, from military trauma to mental health struggles. The way he reconnects with himself and finds peace through nature feels powerful and meaningful. It’s some next-level inspiration. If you’re into stories about grit, growth, and finding yourself, this one’s for you!

[Jeremy Huggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hike is secondary to the story for me, the journey is more of a contemplative discovery of self after a life of “Service before self” in the military. Highly recommend setting aside time to read it in one session particularly if you are a recent military retiree. The important underlying message is twofold: you are not alone and others struggle to adapt to leaving the military too. Can’t recommend the book nearly enough. In full disclosure I’ve known the author since 2007 and can attest that he’s a genuine leader that cares for people.

[Ian Dinesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a short read that has some solid leadership lessons, true life experiences of resilience and vulnerability, humility and courage, all from a true life warrior, husband, dad and friend, check out this book. I also recommend making this a reading assignment for your team - nothing like unpacking a solid thought piece with colleagues to develop better ways to work together and improve team performance. Enjoy - I certainly did!

[Dzajic Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this and I really love following Jay’s story. As a retired Airman, it’s great to see the story of such a humble person and the adversity he has faced. Despite that, I love seeing how approachable he remains as a leader, a husband and father. I highly recommend adding this to your list of books to read!