Born from a hike
Built for and by Veterans
About us
Our Story
While on a winter hike in 2022 veterans Bill Hayes and Ryan Leach, both avid outdoorsmen, and native Appalachians were discussing about how they were rarely if ever stressed out while in nature. This got them thinking about how they could leverage Southeast Ohio's natural beauty to reconnect veterans with nature and their community.
Their idea: Bring veterans together in the outdoors, so that they can enjoy camaraderie on the trails and talk to others who understand the unique challenges veterans face.
Fast Forward to June 2024, those two along with veteran Tom Watson formed Boots on the Trail to provide Free Ecotherapy for Veterans.
Our Mission
The purpose of Boots on the Trail is to provide ecotherapy to Veterans, Organize Hiking and Trail Maintenance events for Veterans, and promote Environmental Stewardship and Veteran Wellbeing in Southeast Ohio.
Our Vision
A world where veterans can find peace, healing, and purpose in the great outdoors. A world where veterans are empowered to thrive, and their unique experiences and perspectives are valued and respected.
Our Methodology
Boots on the Trail takes Veterans and only Veterans out on the trails, and accomplishes a task, for us that task is trail maintenance. We have been removing multiflora rose, greenbrier, invasive plant species and downed trees off of the trails every two weeks. Our Veterans also get to enjoy the camaraderie of hanging with their fellow Vets in the woods. By making it just Veterans, it allows us to relax more because we know that the people with us have been through similar life situations and experiences.
Veteran Board Members
Our strength lies in our team of Veterans. We believe in bringing together veterans of all branches and eras of service.
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William Hayes
President of Board
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Ryan Leach
Secretary of Board
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Brandon Zelma
Treasurer of Board
Professional board members
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George Mccarthy
Board Member
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Jean Watson
Board Member