VETS Program Empowers Arizona’s Veterans with Outdoor Adventure Opportunities

A newly established initiative by the Arizona Trail Association aims to foster a supportive environment for military veterans. Dubbed VETS — Veteran Engagement and Trail Stewardship — this program connects veterans with each other and the Arizona National Scenic Trail, one of the eleven designated U.S. National Scenic Trails.

Michael Chappell directs VETS and brings personal experience as a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1999 to 2004. He recalls, “When I came home… I didn’t realize that I had a lot of processing to do.” After military service, he transitioned into healthcare but struggled with the trauma he experienced in Iraq.

Chappell’s early career in emergency medical services left him searching for a way to heal. “Every chance I got, I was trying to go outside and recreate,” he noted. Over time, he recognized the importance of addressing veterans’ mental health. While conversations have shifted regarding trauma and PTSD, he observed a lack of accessible support services for those leaving the military.

Under Chappell’s direction, VETS serves as a mission-driven platform for veterans to reconnect and find purpose. “Connection forms as a result. Support forms as a result,” he explained, highlighting the critical issues of veteran suicide and the search for alternative therapies that go beyond traditional medicine.

Nature-based therapy, increasingly recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is part of VETS’ approach. Emphasizing the link between outdoor experiences and mental health, Chappell asserts that these approaches can offer relief comparable to conventional medication.

Chappell’s own journey began right after high school, motivated by the desire for educational benefits that military service offered. “You don’t think about the emotional implications,” he admitted, recalling the paradigm shift that occurred post-9/11. This shift brought about significant changes in military missions and personal outlooks.

Despite initial struggles, Chappell discovered that the outdoors served as a crucial outlet. He narrates a transformative experience when a fellow veteran in a VETS group displayed signs of distress. After realizing the man’s intentions were dire, Chappell intervened. “He told me that if I hadn’t come, he probably would have,” he shared. This incident underscored the program’s life-changing potential.

According to Chappell, nature isn’t just a setting; it’s a healing force. Spending time outdoors aids in reinstating one’s natural rhythms, a process he terms the “Three-Day Effect.” Participants in VETS typically engage in trail stewardship for several days, building camaraderie and resilience through shared experiences.

“I give them the power to create something for themselves,” Chappell stated, referencing the trips where individuals physically connect with the trail. The program operates through federal and state grants, as well as individual donations, and Chappell envisions a future where VETS methodologies are adopted nationally, expanding access to vital support for veterans.