Tim McFarland was raised in Stratford, Connecticut and graduated from Central High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1999. After two years studying Psychology and Sociology at the University of Connecticut, Tim was unsure about college and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in May 2001 as an Infantry Rifleman. Several of his family members had prior service from all eras, sparking curiosity about the dedication to country and the immense challenge.
In four deployments over four years, Tim experienced many countries and cultures of our beautiful planet in both training and combat roles. He is a veteran of Operations Iraqi Freedom II and Enduring Freedom Philippines. While with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, his company provided security for President George W. Bush in Bali.
After completing one enlistment, Tim returned to college and earned a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts in 2008 from Southern Connecticut State University. He used the arts to help him process his experiences after finding little support for veterans elsewhere. He began to struggle with the challenges of adjusting to civilian life and losing too many brothers-in-arms by their own hand in the years following.
In 2012 Tim answered a fellow Marine’s call to provide maritime security for a cargo ship in the Red Sea, successfully protecting it from pirates as a civilian contractor. In 2018, Tim hiked the majority of the Continental Divide Trail with the same Marine who called on him to help in the Red Sea. He experienced the good people and wilds of this great nation on foot starting at the Mexican border and hiking north to Big Sky, Montana before his funds ran dry.
The wide range of international and domestic work experiences has made the transition to the Wyoming branch feel like home. Today Tim is excited to be a part of Boulder Crest Foundation and to assist those who will Struggle Well. Tim enjoys hiking, kayaking, growing food, photography, painting, sculpture, and many other “zen” activities.
