Jeffrey Huffman, director of Military and Veteran Affairs at University of Central Missouri said, “Anecdotally, when you volunteer to join the military, you automatically have a service heart. You’re literally saying, I’m willing to write a check up to and including my life, for my country.” This willingness to serve comes with costs. It is estimated that 30% of Vietnam Veterans had PSTD, while 20% of Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffered from PTSD. Veterans are using the AT to help themselves overcome their emotional scars from service.

Veterans have begun following in the footsteps of Earl Shaffer and “Walking off the war” as he once did. Many Veterans who complete the trail also volunteer to help upkeep, protect, join clean-up clubs, and monitor the trail. They choose to do this to protect the trail for future Veteran and civilian hikers. Therefore ensuring future generations can gain the same fulfillment as they did on the AT. 

  According to American author Richard Louv, people living in today's world often suffer from "nature deficit disorder", the negative, behavioral consequences of the disconnect of humans from their natural habitat. This is not a new observation. According to studies, our mood improves dramatically when we spend time outside. Studies indicate that urban dwellers with little access to green spaces are more likely to have psychological problems than people who live near parks or those who make regular visits to nature settings. Regular contact with the natural world, whether it is through gardening, contact with animals, nature walks, or nature brought indoors, it contributes to our sense of self-esteem, social connections, health, and general feelings of happiness. The AT is filled with some of America's most love and iconic locations, it's no wonder it helps sooth and heal so many of our Veterans.