Vietnam Veteran, Tim Keenan, started his thru hike of the AT on March 28, 2009 and finished on Katahdin on September 16, 2009. Tim began preparing for his thru hike when he was 62, many years after returning home from combat in Vietnam, unlike most Veteran thru hikers who begin preparations soon after they return home from combat missions.

Tim Keenan returned home from his service in Vietnam with severe PTSD and was afraid of the woods and being alone outside. In his book, “The Good Hike: The Good Hike: A Story of the Appalachian Trail, Vietnam, PTSD, and Love” he wrote after completing his thru hike, he explains his thoughts and feelings while preparing for his thru hike. He described the woods as, “I’m no longer comfortable in the woods. Since Vietnam I’m no longer comfortable there. I take a step into the woods and feel the crosshairs. I break a sweat. My heart pounds. I could never shake the feeling that enemy lurked. I can’t help but wonder if the journey I’ve always dreamed of will be stifled out by past horrors.” These thoughts filled his head as he prepared for his coming thru hike. 

Tim Keenan decided to thru hike the AT as a way to deal with his fear of the woods and get perspective on his wartime experience. Tim Keenan wrote his book on his experiences in Vietnam, the AT, and how he found healing and peace. Perhaps his severe fear of the woods is why it is rare to find information on Vietnam Veterans who have hiked the AT.