Veterans Share Why They Support Protecting California Public Lands
In honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month, we asked California veterans to share why protecting public lands and rivers is important to them. This post will be updated throughout the month.
Andrew Yip, Arcadia
ActiveSGV
Why are the San Gabriels special to you personally? What are some of your favorite memories here?
The San Gabriel Mountains have been a fixed landmark all my life. I was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley so I've been able to see the snow capped peaks in the winter, the green slopes in the spring, and the dusty and sometimes smoky mountains in the summer. My favorite memory is of a solo hike up Smith Mountain in 95 degree weather, where I found cool respite on the top after a long scramble. It provided a 360 view of the San Gabriel Mountains.
How has spending time in nature benefited your health and wellbeing (physical, mental, etc.)?
Research has shown that being in the outdoors is beneficial to mental and physical health. It helps to be in a place of tangible beauty where you can see, touch, hear, smell, and maybe taste (wouldn't recommend). We are in an age of computers and virtual communication, people need to reconnect to nature. Being in a natural setting with trees, plants, and animals taps into the almost primitive psyche of humans; we are a part of this world. It's like taking your shoes off after a long day of walking to feel the grass between your toes.
Why is it important to protect and increase access to public lands and rivers for veterans?
Many veterans experience the trauma of war and find solace and peace in the beauty of public lands and rivers. For the same reasons being in nature benefits our mental and physical health; nature can provide that opportunity to better ourselves. Whether it's fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, biking, outdoor recreation provides different opportunities for people with different needs. Many people joined the military because they want to protect their family, their friends, and their home. Part of our home is the vast natural resources of this country and we want it protected from enemies abroad and within. We need to protect what we have now so that generations after us can still enjoy the same opportunities.
Vitali Mostovoj, Thousand Oaks
My love and appreciation for the therapeutic power of nature began at an early age when in the closing weeks of World War II my family found relief from the anxieties and dangers of the war raging around us in the forests of Czechoslovakia near the German border. I moved to the United States and joined the military to fight for a country that gave me my freedom. After a 25-year career in the U.S. Air Force, I retired to California where I took respite in the hiking trails and wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest.
COVID-19 has underscored the importance of being in nature. Not only is it safer to exercise outside, but the uncertainty of the pandemic and the forced social isolation have taken a toll on mental health which only time outside can cure. Public lands and nature should play a leading role in our efforts to restore our mental health from the everyday stressors that COVID-19 brings.
Michael Seaman, Arden Arcade
U. S. Navy, Vietnam Era Veteran
I was fortunate to serve the public as a land manager in the military and as a civilian. My tour of duty at a Naval Weapons Station taught me the business value of open space. After my discharge I built on that knowledge in grad school and made a career in environmental management. I know our communities and our nation cherish the preservation of open land for recreation, tourism and peace of mind. That's not limited to distant lands. I've been an elected official of a local park district for many years, too. That role has enabled me to protect parks and open space within a heavily urbanized area for the enjoyment of kids, families and individuals. Now I'm retired and teaching skiing and snowboarding. The beauty and serenity of our mountains are a constant reminder of the importance of open space and public land. But it's not just for me. I want future generations, like my granddaughter's, to partake of the joys of recreation and the sense of freedom that our public lands provide for all of us.
Steve Robinson, Mckinleyville
Where do you currently live?
I live in Mckinleyville now, in Humboldt County, but I lived in Somes Bar in Siskiyou County for over 40 years until about a year ago.
Why are Northwest CA's public lands and rivers special to you personally? What are some of your favorite memories here?
The public lands and rivers of this area are special to me because I have been backpacking, hiking, swimming and camping in the area for over 40 years and it is familiar. Public lands were a big reason that I decided to move here from the city. The abundance, beauty and remoteness of public land was a huge draw. I have many memories of being alone or with friends in stunningly beautiful places, without all the distractions of modern life and work. I have memories of being cold, wet, hungry, exhausted and afraid, all of which made me appreciate a warm house and the comforts of home. Being on the top of a wildness mountain with expansive views of forest and streams can take my breath away. It can help me sort out what is really important.
How has spending time in nature benefited your health and wellbeing (physical, mental, etc.)?
Backpacking is obviously a seriously physical workout, but even car camping, swimming, fishing, and day hiking is good exercise, especially with clean air. The mental and emotional benefit of being in nature and the outdoors is huge. It is a reminder that we are animals, with our roots in wild environments. I believe that many mental and emotional conditions are a result of our disconnect with the wild and I have personally experienced the benefits of being outdoors in a natural environment.
Why is it important to protect and increase access to public lands and rivers for veterans?
We all benefit from public land, land that belongs to all of us. Veterans, especially those who have been to war, often have trauma associated with the experience. PTSD is very common among vets, as well as other emotional and physical trauma. I often think of war as the opposite of nature. War is divisive and unbalanced. Nature is inclusive and balanced. Public land use can restore the balance for veterans. Veterans put their life on the line for country and the land. Land that is removed from the public domain is usually gone for good. Public land is our genuine national wealth. Veterans fought for it and need and deserve to have this land protected for our recovery and for future generations.
Don Pugh, Woodside
US Army, Vietnam 69-70
Memories of Vietnam began to emerge in my 30’s. Fortunately I discovered horses and found horse riding in the hills was my salvation. When my horse and I are walking in beautiful forests and hills, the sounds of guns, bombs and death is far away. I feel the cadence of his hoof falls, his gentle breathing, the flick of the ears or tail, and I am at peace with the world.
I started with day trips in our local County Parks and Open Spaces. Then I discovered incredible multi day rides in the mountains. Yosemite Valley from the top, Lake Tahoe from the Rim Trail, the Presidio beach in San Francisco, and Kings Canyon. Later were trips to Tuolumne Meadows, Humboldt Redwoods, Point Reyes, Kennedy Meadows, Lassen and many other parks and open spaces.
I have also spent time over the years working to protect and expand open spaces and improve equestrian access to them so others can enjoy them. I also manage a Foundation that sponsors trail rides and children in the area. More information at www.mountedpatrolfoundation.org.
Chuck Ford, Lagunitas
U.S. Army, 1967-1969
The writer Barry Lopez speaks of a Spanish concept, la querencia, “a place on the ground where one feels secure, a place from which one’s strength of character is drawn.” In Spain, it is most often, and unfortunately, used to describe the spot in the bullring where the bull retreats to gather himself after his initial wounding. The wilderness is my querencia. Since my discharge in 1969, I have probably spent close to four calendar years, mostly in the Sierra Nevada of California and mostly leading groups of young people, out into the wilds. The sheer enormity and beauty of it, and its indifference to me, recenters me and reminds me of my place in the scheme of things. For me, wilderness is psychically necessary.
I have spent the better part of my adult life leading young people out into the wilderness, hoping in my small way to inspire some of them to join the next generation of environmentalists. My youngest grandchild, who lives in Australia, says he wants to backpack with me. He’s a couple years away from that, but I am already plotting a trek along the Overland Track in Tasmania and hoping that at sometime in the not-too-distant future I can get him to my beloved Sierra. It would be nice if it weren’t clearcut and strip mined before he gets the opportunity.
James Barkovich, Mill Valley
“I am a veteran of the U.S. Army 10 years active duty, 4 years reserve duty. Currently residing in Mill Valley, CA.
Being out in nature (hiking and camping in the mountains) rejuvenates my soul after being in cities and suburbs too much. We love climbing to the top of a mountain and looking at nature for miles in every direction! Cities make you anxious and tired; the outdoors rejuvenate your soul!! That is why we have to protect what remains, not just in the United States but all over the world!”
Robert Rogers, Lincoln
USAF (Active Duty 1980-1984, Kadena AB Okinawa,Japan, F-15 Fighter Aircraft Flight Line Avionics Technician, E4 Sergeant)
USAF (Reserve 1985-1989, Travis AFB Fairfield,CA, USAF Aerial-Port Cargo Loading Specialist, E5 Staff-Sergeant)
“Some of the best times I have had with my family have been spent hiking and biking in California State Parks, US National Parks, and US National Forests.
I support public lands and rivers because they provide an opportunity for our people to get outside and spend time with their friends and families while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
Access to nature and our wild spaces gives people the chance to recharge, take a break from the rat-race, and enjoy the natural beauty of our state and country. These public lands are a sacred trust that must be preserved so they can be enjoyed by all future generations.”
Irma Cooper, Covina
Why is the Rim of the Valley to you personally? What are some of your favorite memories here?
The Rim of the Valley is special to me because it allows me to experience the beauty and natural sounds of the land and it's so close to my home. The Rim of the Valley is in my backyard; this closeness allows me easy access to this natural park land. Plus it allows me to enjoy the wildlife, learn the history & culture of the area. I have lived in this area for years and did not know of these benefits. They are precious and must be shared with all veterans and their families.
My favorite memories of touring the Rim of the Valley was visiting Stevenson Ranch and learning the history of this town. I enjoyed hiking the Susana Pass and just imagining how difficult it must have been to travel that road in a wagon or on horseback.
How has spending time in nature benefited your health and wellbeing (physical, mental, etc.)?
As a female veteran who suffers from PTSD spending time in the Rim of the Valley is therapeutic for me. In terms of my mental health it allows me to relax and be in a stress free environment. I can sit, listen to the sounds of nature and just meditate. For my physical health I am able to exercise by walking or running the trails to stay healthy. Having open land so close to home I can view the city from some of the areas and the view is just awesome.The Rim of the Valley is a safe, clean space and I feel comfortable when I am there.
Why is it important to protect and increase access to public lands and rivers for veterans?
It is important to protect and increase access to public lands and rivers like the Rim of the Valley for veterans. Veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and to provide them with natural parks to help with their healing is critical. I support protecting these lands for veterans and the American people, especially the disadvantaged.