Occasionally I think about it but to be honest, not very often. Who maintains those beautiful trails that we hike on? We assume that it’s park service employees, it’s their job and that their paid, and mostly this is true. But next time you hike the North Rim of the Grand Canyon take a moment to thank a Vet.

Recently, a small group of Military Veterans from the Phoenix area volunteered to assist in maintenance and improvement of trails along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in an effort to make this wilderness area more accessible and more public-friendly. In reality, the project accomplished much more than just the trail maintenance that the North Kaibab Ranger District was so thankful for. It brought people together in a peaceful, healing environment.

In a statement for Grand Canyon News, Bill Losh, a U.S. Army Veterans explains, “For my veteran brothers and sisters, this trip was a good chance to push reality and stress aside and enjoy one of this country’s treasures, meet other veterans and make some new friends”.

Our appreciation goes to all who care enough about our parks to devote time and energy and sometimes their lives, to preserving these lands for our future use… but I’m always looking for another opportunity to Thank a Vet, so Thanks, we appreciate you!