About 8% of veterans will have PTSD at some point in their lives, and 11% will experience depression, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Rodger Mount moved to Flagstaff over a decade ago. He served during the Vietnam War, so challenges and change were nothing new to him. However, he spent most of his days in his apartment -- until Justin Youngman came into his life.
"He's been a Hallmark in my life as far as bringing me out of my shell, being open to different scenarios in my life," Mount said.
Justin Youngman's grandfather and father served, and while his life took him down a different path, he found solace in Flagstaff's nature. So he wanted to help veterans like Rodger experience it as well.
"Well, the biggest thing is I think for the mental health of ourselves is getting outdoors period," Youngman said. "I've always liked to talk to people, and I love the outdoors, so it was perfect for me to just start grabbing guys and saying, 'Hey, let's go do it.'"
He created Changed By Nature Outdoors, which holds over 50 events a year with dozens of veterans. They do everything from hunting to kayaking to gold panning and more.
According to Stop Veterans Suicide, veterans are at 72% higher risk of suicide than those who haven't served.
For Eddie Duff, who served 12 years, the outdoors was a bonus.
"Getting outside is great, but when you're doing it with other veterans, you know you just have this bond already," Duff said. "You almost don't have to even know them."
Youngman said they hope to continue to grow and are always looking for more volunteers to take veterans on these adventures and connect with them.
"Sometimes we're down and out and we just need that little bump," he said. "Someone to say 'Hey man I care about you, I love you, you know you are cared about we need you.'"