Fort Bragg, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/07/2014 -- Healing veterans through exploring the wilderness is the goal of a new program project called Veterans Healing Veterans. It was created by veteran and outdoor enthusiast Ryan Holt, known to some as Yukon.
A Marine veteran who served for eight years, Holt said that some of the toughest obstacles that he has experienced were his tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. But nothing could have prepared him for the battle he would have to fight to move forward and rediscover himself and his purpose after returning home. However, he found success in nature.
“Following my 2,184-mile Appalachian Trail journey, I discovered a deep connection to our earth, the healing powers within and levels of peace, happiness and freedom that I did not know existed,” said Holt.
It was with this in mind that Holt created Veterans Healing Veterans.
“My experience was so profound that the idea of how I could share this wisdom with as many people as possible in my lifetime consumed my every thought,” said Holt.
To help others, Holt wants to offer wilderness experiences for other veterans transitioning out of the armed forces suffering with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as outdoor enthusiasts.
The process to bring this program to life has already started. Holt has invested his own money to purchase a 42-acre area in southwestern Maine near the Appalachian Trail to build The Human-Nature Hostel.
Currently, Holt is looking for people who are interested in investing in this project. To do so, he started an indiegogo.com fundraising campaign to fund the work that he has started.
According to Holt, all of the financial support received will go toward completing this project, including building costs for creating a community dome and satellite bedrooms.
The fundraising campaign runs through May 18, 2014 and looks to raise $30,000.
Holt added that people can also help by spreading the word about the campaign.
“There is nothing more that I want from this life than to contribute my time, knowledge, wisdom, and my existence to provide this healing space,” said Holt.
About Veterans Healing Veterans
Veterans Healing Veterans is a program designed to help veterans who are returning from combat to find peace and meaning in their new lives through wilderness retreats. For more information, please visit http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/wilderness-education-hostel/x/2337546.