National Parks Help Heal Our Veterans

Parks For Healing

"Being...out in nature, it's just good for the soul. It's cleansing...it gets you outside of yourself. It's my...way to decompress."- Edye Joyner, U.S. Marine Corps and Desert Storm veteran

Many national parks have direct connections to the American military - there are dozens of battlefields, military parks, and historic sites that commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. In addition, every national park is part of our collective identity that defines who we are and where we came from as a nation. They are tactile reminders of the values, the ideals, and the freedoms that our veterans protect.

The majestic landscapes, natural wonders, and patriotic icons that we cherish as a society have also inspired military members through the years. The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few of the national parks that have served as reminders of home to those stationed abroad. On Veterans Day, or any day, honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country with a visit to a national park.

What better way to honor those who served their country than to visit a national park that preserves the places where they fought? Discover the National Park Services sites below, arranged by the war they commemorate - in this case, Vietnam.

Rock Creek Park: Horses And Veterans

Rock Creek Park and the United States Park Police Horse Mounted Unit have partnered with Rock Creek Riders to offer opportunities for DC-area soldiers and veterans recovering from traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorders. Recent studies suggest that therapeutic horseback riding has promising results for these patients, allowing them to improve both their mental and physical abilities.

The park is a perfect setting to get away from the city hustle and find peace and tranquility where riders can let go of daily stress. Members of the US Park Police Mounted Unit provide the guidance and support to build patients' confidence. Rock Creek Riders brings a unique focus on the physical and emotional needs of brain-injured soldiers and vets through The Ridewell Program.

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway: Vets' Fishing Adventure

Public lands bring opportunities for healing and reflection, physical and mental challenges, and rest and recuperation to millions of veterans, active duty service members, and their families. In 2012, a small group of female veterans participated in a canoe trip on the Namekagon River that was organized by staff at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and the Wisconsin County Veteran Services Offices. Park Ranger Branda Thwaits commented that, "Days like this remind me of the power of the river to bring people together."

The following year, Park Ranger Jeff Butler, an Army veteran, began working with the county veterans service officers, the VFW, the Minnesota VA, and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Vets, to coordinate experiential river trips for veterans and their families. Canoe and kayak trips multiplied into other types of river experiences including pontoon honor cruises, camping trips, and fishing trips, all designed to help veterans connect with the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers as well as with other veterans. Rivers of Recovery, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans suffering from physical and/or psychological injuries partnered with the Riverway to offer multi-day trips on the rivers.

The scenic and recreational value of our national parks to the mental and physical health of the military community is unparalleled and almost completely lacking research. Judging by comments from program participants, the river experience can be beneficial. One Sawyer County Veterans Service Officer and Veteran said, "I think the beauty of the river system speaks volumes for itself, but for many veterans and their family members, canoeing and kayaking provided an opportunity to try something new and win the battle over fear of the unknown."

This program would not have happened without the support of many. The America's Best Ideas grants from the National Park Foundation in 2013 and 2014 were instrumental. The St. Croix River Association has been supportive in many ways.

Veterans from all branches of the military have participated in river trips. The Vets on the River program continues to evolve and include more types of experiences. A high adventure program is planned in 2016, funded by a Call to Action grant, for student veterans from nearby universities and a stewardship activity will offer opportunities for veterans to give back.

Wounded Veterans Find Healing At Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Six wounded veterans helped the National Park Service preserve the nation's history and culture at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. At the same time, they found healing.

The vets are part of the Wounded American Veterans Experience SCUBA Project, an organization that helps veterans overcome combat injuries through scuba diving. Just before Veterans Day, they teamed up with the National Park Service's Submerged Resources Center to conduct their first dive within a national park. "We have a lot of precious resources underwater in national parks, and we need to look at them, inspect them and keep track of them," said Dave Conlin, chief of the SRC. His team visits Lake Mead National Recreation Area regularly to assess the multiple artifacts that lie beneath Lake Mead and Lake Mohave.

Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force veterans dove on an aerial ferry that now lies at the bottom of Lake Mohave. The ferry was suspended by cables above the Colorado River in the 1930s and was used to transport cars, people and goods from one side of the river to the other. As the team surfaced from their dive, they bonded at the back of the boat over their experience. They shared their appreciation for diving and how it has helped them overcome their personal battles. Diver Jeff Pickard shares how diving helps relieve pain from a combat injury.

He served 10 years in the Navy and 5 ½ in the Army. During a tour in Iraq, he was shot in the arm and experiences chronic pain from his injury.

"When I dove the Yukon, I had pain relief in my left arm for the first time," he said, adding that a 100-foot deep dive usually provides relief for one week.Pickard and the team conducted multiple dives while at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. He was anxious to see if the consecutive dives would help the relief last longer. "Right now, the pain is gone," he said after his November dive.

Steve Rubin, the executive director and co-founder of the WAVES Project, said his organization started out as a way to support veterans with physical disabilities, but they have found that it's also healing for those suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. He said a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University showed that wounded veterans experienced an 80 percent reduction in PTSD for up to six weeks after diving.

"As America's most diverse national recreation area, we have two beautiful lakes that are ideal for scuba diving," said Lizette Richardson, the park's superintendent and the spouse of an Air Force retiree. "We are honored that Lake Mead National Recreation Area can serve as a healing place for our veterans. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with key education, military and veteran community partners."

Acadia National Park, Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site - Published by permission from Jennifer Norris, USAF, TSgt, Retired

Acadia National Park, Maine

I've always loved traveling. As a matter of a fact traveling was one of the things I loved about serving in the military. I couldn't believe the places I got sent to train and work throughout the years. It was exciting to explore new places, meet new friends, and be a part of something bigger than me. After getting diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) there was a time when I had a hard time leaving the house but traveling to beautiful, isolated places was a saving grace.

One of the first places I visited after retiring was Acadia National Park in Maine. It was here that I learned that I was eligible for a free Access Pass because I was a disabled veteran. (Learn more about the Access Pass, the free Annual Pass for active-duty military and dependents, and other entrance passes.) Of course I got my pass and haven't stopped visiting America's national parks yet. I've been back to Acadia National Park a few times because it's here in my home state but I have sought out other national parks in my travels and have never been disappointed. America's National Parks Help Heal My PTSD