 When you connect with nature, you get to get fresh air and peace. There is no traffic, no noise. The air, just the feeling of it is different. I'm not watching my back. I don't feel like I'm in danger like where I'm living all the time I have to watch. And here I just feel like, okay, I can relax. I think it's very important for veterans to get out, especially in parks like this, because they can come out of where they are, and they don't have to stay stuck where they are. I was stuck too, and I feel stuck at times, but then I have an opportunity to come with this group. The leaders going up the mountain are Henry and Lauren, right? And then myself and Provee and Leslie are going to lead the hike that goes around the lake. Sierra Club's military outdoors program is built around one goal, that military members and veterans are able to enjoy the healing power of nature. Has anybody here ever walked the entire lake of the Appalachian Trail? This is beautiful because there's very few places to go in the Bronx without trouble, without problems. Military outdoors programming can be found all over the country, from New York to Alaska. Supporting outings programs is just one way military outdoors works to remove barriers between veterans and the great outdoors. On this fall day outside New York City, the Sierra Club is leading a group of veterans on a hike on Bear Mountain. But getting there isn't easy for everyone. I have to take one bus on 1st Avenue to 42nd Street and 1st Avenue, and then normally I wait 20 to 25 minutes to port the next bus, which is Crosstown from 42nd Street to Grand Central Station. Most of the time it takes me like an hour and a half. An estimated 100 million Americans do not have an accessible park within a 10 minute walk of their homes. A lack of transportation, outdoor experience, or outdoor education, and other barriers prevent many from experiencing the full benefits of time spent in nature. Part of being healthy is being able to be peaceful and to be stress free. Being with nature without the unnecessary things of life is very important. It releases tension even if you had a bad week. It's also good because other veterans participate and they have a lot in common with you. And that's really important.