Mission Therapy on the Arizona Trail | Chappy | Program Director, AZT Veterans Engagement
Mission Therapy on the Arizona Trail | Chappy | Program Director, AZT Veterans Engagement  
Podcast: Hikes and Mics Podcast
Published On: Mon Nov 10 2025
Description: Send us Fan Mail🎙️ A Conversation on Healing, Service & the Power of the TrailJust in time for Veterans Day, Chappy joins us — Program Director for the Veterans Engagement and Trail Stewardship Program with the Arizona Trail Association. After years working outreach for REI, Chappy stepped into the role during a difficult stretch post-pandemic, and has since built the program into something he calls "mission therapy," giving veterans purpose through hands-on trail maintenance and stewardship rather than recreation alone.Chappy talks through the meaning behind carrying the American flag in honor of fallen brothers and sisters in arms, a powerful moment speaking alongside young Marine Vine Bahe at Window Rock on the Navajo Nation, and his favorite stretch of the 800-mile Arizona Trail, the aptly-named Wilderness of Rocks on Mount Lemmon. We also get into Operation Freedom March — a statewide effort running through July 2026 to celebrate America's 250th birthday while getting veterans out on the trail — his philosophy that "the trail may not always give you what you want, but it always gives you what you need," and a full round of season "this or that" questions, including some new backpacking-specific ones.A powerful conversation about healing, service, and hope — and how much the trail truly gives back.Learn more about the AZT Vets Program and support Operation Freedom March, a statewide effort running through July 2026 to honor America’s 250th birthday and empower veterans through the outdoors. Check out the episode links below to get involved, hike a segment, or donate.Episode Links:Chappy on InstagramArizona Trail Association - Vets Program on InstagramArizona Trail Association VETS Program WebsiteOperation Freedom March - Learn MoreThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.