Bosnia or bust! The Travelling Veteran's 3,000-mile Mission of Remembrance, Resilience and Charity
From Northampton to Sarajevo, an Army veteran's extraordinary European road trip proves that the spirit of adventure, friendship and helping others is still very much alive.
What started as an ambitious road trip across Europe became an unforgettable journey of remembrance, determination and fundraising, as Northamptonshire Army veteran Dean Griffin, better known as The Travelling Veteran, helped lead the Veterans Honour Rally 2026 – aptly named "Bosnia or Bust."
The rally saw participants embark on an extraordinary adventure through Europe, travelling thousands of miles, crossing international borders and facing the challenges of the open road, all while raising money for charity and promoting awareness of veterans' welfare.
By the time the teams returned home, they had each covered more than 3,000 miles, with the event raising an impressive £2,778.75 for charity, including Gift Aid.
But this year's rally was about far more than mileage and money.
From Military Service to a Mission of Giving Back
For Dean, a former British Army Royal Logistic Corps soldier who served in Bosnia and Iraq, the journey carried a deeply personal significance.
Having served in Bosnia in 2000, Dean had long wanted to return to the country where he had spent part of his military career.
Twenty-six years later, the Veterans Honour Rally provided the perfect opportunity.
Dean, who was medically discharged from the Army in 2004 after developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), has dedicated much of his life to volunteering, fundraising and supporting others, particularly fellow veterans experiencing difficulties after military service.
Through his growing social media presence, The Travelling Veteran, he shares his adventures, encourages people to explore the world and demonstrates how travel, friendship and new experiences can play a positive role in mental wellbeing.
His message is simple: life doesn't have to stop because of the challenges we face.
Six Days, Thousands of Miles and Just Three Finishers
The Veterans Honour Rally officially began in Calais, France, with teams following an adventurous route through Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia before reaching their final destination in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Along the way, participants experienced breathtaking scenery, historic European cities, challenging mountain roads and the camaraderie that comes from undertaking such an ambitious journey together.
However, this year's event was not without its difficulties.
Of all the teams that started the rally, only three successfully reached the finish line in Sarajevo.
For those who completed the challenge, arriving in the Bosnian capital was an emotional and rewarding moment, marking the culmination of months of preparation and six demanding days on the road.
Adding to the occasion was the presence of Northampton MP Mike Reader, who met the rally participants upon their arrival in Sarajevo.
Dean was delighted to meet the MP, a supporter of veterans' welfare, and hopes their shared commitment to supporting former service personnel will lead to further opportunities to work together.
Mike said "The commitment and determination shown by Dean and the team is excellent. It was an honour to meet him in Sarajevo on the eve of what was billed as “the most complex election in the world"."
A Journey Back Through Time
For Dean, reaching Sarajevo was only part of the story.
During his return to Bosnia, he revisited the former Banja Luka Metal Factory, where he had been based during his military deployment in 2000.
The site, now an industrial estate, brought back memories of his time serving in the country, including his duties as a military driver and escorting international peace envoys.
He also travelled to Mostar, where he witnessed something he had never seen during his original deployment – the city's famous Old Bridge standing proudly across the Neretva River.
The historic bridge had been destroyed during the Bosnian War and was subsequently rebuilt, becoming an internationally recognised symbol of reconciliation and recovery.
For Dean, seeing the restored bridge after 26 years was a particularly poignant experience.
Another deeply moving part of the journey was a visit to the Srebrenica Memorial Centre, where thousands of victims of the 1995 genocide are remembered.
Standing among the graves provided a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and why remembrance remains so important.
Dean hopes that sharing these experiences through his Travelling Veteran YouTube channel will encourage other former service personnel to revisit places where they once served, reconnect with their experiences and, where possible, find some personal peace.
Overcoming the Challenges
Although the rally successfully raised money for charity, organisers acknowledge that participation and fundraising were not as strong as in previous years.
Several external factors contributed to the difficulties, including rising fuel prices linked to tensions between Iran and America, which increased the cost of undertaking such a substantial European journey.
The rally also coincided with the popular Ride to the Wall event, an important occasion in the veterans' calendar, which may have affected the number of participants able to attend.
Despite these challenges, the determination of the teams and the generosity of supporters ensured that the event still made a meaningful contribution to charity.
For Dean, the success of the rally cannot simply be measured by the number of vehicles crossing the finish line.
It is also about the friendships formed, the memories created, the awareness raised and the people who will ultimately benefit from the money collected.
Forty Years of Helping Others
The Veterans Honour Rally is just one part of Dean's longstanding commitment to supporting his community.
Having started volunteering at the age of just ten, 2026 marks his 40th year of volunteering.
Over the decades, he has supported numerous organisations, including the Royal British Legion, The Veterans Charity, Veterans Community Network and Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
His dedication has earned recognition through several awards and nominations, including a Bronze Award at the 2026 English Veterans Awards.
Yet Dean maintains that the greatest reward comes not from trophies or recognition, but from making a genuine difference to people's lives.
His work through The Travelling Veteran continues to combine his passions for travel, military history, remembrance and helping others.
Looking Ahead – Veterans Honour Rally 2027
With the dust barely settled on Bosnia or Bust 2026, plans are already underway for next year's adventure.
The Veterans Honour Rally 2027 will introduce an exciting new format, with a European circuit route starting and finishing in the United Kingdom.
The proposed journey will begin in Hull, travel through several European countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France, before finishing in Margate, Kent.
Adding a distinctly British twist, the 2027 event will feature an Only Fools and Horses theme, with entertaining challenges and themed visits along the route.
The rally will once again raise money for charity and, importantly, will be open to everyone, not just military veterans.
Further details about the route, dates, challenges and how to participate will be announced soon.
More Than Just a Road Trip
For those involved, Bosnia or Bust 2026 was never simply about driving across Europe.
It was about challenging themselves, remembering those who never returned from conflict, supporting people in need and demonstrating the strength of friendship and community.
For Dean, returning to Bosnia after more than a quarter of a century was an experience he will never forget.
And while the 2026 rally may have reached its final destination, The Travelling Veteran's journey is far from over.
With new adventures, fundraising projects and opportunities to help others already on the horizon, one thing is certain – there are plenty more miles still to travel.
As Dean always says: "KEEP TRAVELLING!"
FIND OUT MORE AND GET INVOLVED
The Travelling Veteran: Follow Dean's adventures, military history visits and fundraising activities on YouTube:
Veterans Honour Rally: To find out more about the September 2027 rally, visit the Facebook group Veterans Honour Rally.
Support the fundraising: Donations can be made at:
The Veterans Honour Rally welcomes people from all backgrounds who share a passion for adventure, friendship and supporting worthwhile causes.