Help a veteran get outside, get stress relief

Growing up in Indiana, I learned my love for the outdoors by exploring Indiana's outdoor treasures, like Turkey Run. When I completed my time in the U.S. Marine Corps, I returned to the outdoors to find sanctuary in nature, the crisp air and the companionship of my friends.

Statistics show that nearly 20 veterans commit suicide every day, and many of those are veterans afflicted with post-traumatic stress syndrome, traumatic brain injury and depression. Our veterans are suffering, and we need to do something about it.

In my travels through nature I found my sanctuary among trees, crisp mountain air and the companionship of my friends. It is stressful enough trying to assimilate back into civilian life with no wounds, but the wounded veteran's journey is more difficult.

Do something different this Veterans Day. Find the nearest walking trail in the dunes and help a veteran heal outdoors.

- Mark Lemke, Washington, D.C., U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Crown Point Native