How the great outdoors is helping veterans counter PTSD

(NewsNation) — When Jim Milam left the Army after 17 years, he was left with wounds inside and out. In addition to a shoulder injury that rendered him unable to do some of his favorite hobbies, he struggled with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury. He rarely left his home.

But then a friend of his invited him to a dinner with a Florida-based nonprofit called Soldiers Freedom Outdoors. He got to know the group and eventually went on a retreat that the organization holds for veterans that includes a range of outdoor activities - from hunting and fishing to horseback riding.

"I just felt at home," Milam said, recalling how the retreat eased his mind.

He chose to start volunteering regularly with the organization and eventually joined its board of directors so he could help other veterans explore "ecotherapy:" the healing power of the outdoors.

In recent years, ecotherapy and Read Entire Article