A Veteran Hiking for Veterans
Donation protected
Dear Friends
My name is Matthew J. Landis. I am a 48 year old veteran of the United States Air Force and am currently residing at the VA medical center here in Sheridan Wyoming where I just completed a program. I served during Operation Desert Storm in the early 90's and have struggled with PTSD and other demons since. After being stationed in Colorado, I fell in love with backpack camping and spent many weekends in the deep wilderness areas of the rocky mountains. The last several years of my life my PTSD began to catch up with me in many ways and I lost everything I owned and loved. Literally everything. In the process of rebuilding my life, I have been able to find my passion again for the outdoors in the Bighorn National Forest here in Wyoming and found a calling bigger than myself in Christ. Outdoor photography and backpack camping are forms of ongoing treatment for me. They are what I love to do. I have ventured into the deep mountains on many trips and the therapeutic nature of this place is beyond words. I have no clue if what I am about to ask is do-able or even appropriate but it was on my heart to try. My dream is to start a non profit organization here in Wyoming. My mission is to work with other hurting veterans and help them find health and peace again. And I am going to use the outdoors as a pathway to do so. While awaiting my service connected disability and in treatment I have not worked. I am in need of some help to take a major step toward helping other veterans this summer. I am hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Canada to Mexico from July 5th into late fall. I depart Denver International Airport July 4th for Seattle. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to donate to such a cause? I am in need of some important things. Food and first aid, a couple ultra light camping gear items to replace my heavy ones, proper clothing, and some form of recording video.
The purpose of this trip will be to photograph, record and document the entire adventure. Everything will be taken along with my personal story back to the VA for presentations to veterans in treatment. I want to show men and women who have served our country what's possible in recovery, and what it can look like when you have a dream, and the support of other people to accomplish it. This is a link to an article that helped me discover the healing power of the outdoors. https://www.backpacker.com/stories/wilderness-treatment-for-ptsd
One year ago there is no way I could have embarked on this adventure. I struggled with just getting out of bed. It was only because of the relationships that I built that I am now recovering. Relationships with people I now love, hug and miss. And my relationship with Jesus Christ, my Savior.
I struggle with asking for help. I dont like to. Most veterans I know share that feeling. I thought however there might be people out there willing to help if I asked for it. My calling is to help other veterans, and there families. So maybe somehow we could all help each other a little. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to even read this. Thank you so kindly.
Yours Respectfully and Truly,
Matthew Landis
United States Air Force
1898 Fort Road Building 6
Sheridan Wyoming 82801
https://www.gofundme.com/matthewlandis
www.facebook.com/matthewjlandis44
My name is Matthew J. Landis. I am a 48 year old veteran of the United States Air Force and am currently residing at the VA medical center here in Sheridan Wyoming where I just completed a program. I served during Operation Desert Storm in the early 90's and have struggled with PTSD and other demons since. After being stationed in Colorado, I fell in love with backpack camping and spent many weekends in the deep wilderness areas of the rocky mountains. The last several years of my life my PTSD began to catch up with me in many ways and I lost everything I owned and loved. Literally everything. In the process of rebuilding my life, I have been able to find my passion again for the outdoors in the Bighorn National Forest here in Wyoming and found a calling bigger than myself in Christ. Outdoor photography and backpack camping are forms of ongoing treatment for me. They are what I love to do. I have ventured into the deep mountains on many trips and the therapeutic nature of this place is beyond words. I have no clue if what I am about to ask is do-able or even appropriate but it was on my heart to try. My dream is to start a non profit organization here in Wyoming. My mission is to work with other hurting veterans and help them find health and peace again. And I am going to use the outdoors as a pathway to do so. While awaiting my service connected disability and in treatment I have not worked. I am in need of some help to take a major step toward helping other veterans this summer. I am hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Canada to Mexico from July 5th into late fall. I depart Denver International Airport July 4th for Seattle. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to donate to such a cause? I am in need of some important things. Food and first aid, a couple ultra light camping gear items to replace my heavy ones, proper clothing, and some form of recording video.
The purpose of this trip will be to photograph, record and document the entire adventure. Everything will be taken along with my personal story back to the VA for presentations to veterans in treatment. I want to show men and women who have served our country what's possible in recovery, and what it can look like when you have a dream, and the support of other people to accomplish it. This is a link to an article that helped me discover the healing power of the outdoors. https://www.backpacker.com/stories/wilderness-treatment-for-ptsd
One year ago there is no way I could have embarked on this adventure. I struggled with just getting out of bed. It was only because of the relationships that I built that I am now recovering. Relationships with people I now love, hug and miss. And my relationship with Jesus Christ, my Savior.
I struggle with asking for help. I dont like to. Most veterans I know share that feeling. I thought however there might be people out there willing to help if I asked for it. My calling is to help other veterans, and there families. So maybe somehow we could all help each other a little. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to even read this. Thank you so kindly.
Yours Respectfully and Truly,
Matthew Landis
United States Air Force
1898 Fort Road Building 6
Sheridan Wyoming 82801
https://www.gofundme.com/matthewlandis
www.facebook.com/matthewjlandis44
Organizer
Matthew Landis
Organizer
Sheridan, WY