Hi All-

I'm helping to facilitate the support for a group of veterans in Sheridan, Wyoming at a Veteran Affairs program being treated for PTSD.

One of the vets in the program is a regular climbing partner (Ryan Bogus) and he is taking many of the vets out rock climbing during their spare time in the program (weekends). I know he has found climbing to be helpful therapy for dealing with PTSD and certainly we can all understand the therapeutic aspects of climbing.

There is an ongoing thread on Mountain Project here with information on the many locations in the Front Range, including the Eldorado Canyon Visitors Center that you can drop-off large or extra large harnesses, rock shoes from sizes 9-13, and any climbing helmets, carabiners, or belay devices in good enough shape to be used in primarily top-rope applications.

We are hoping to have this gear in the mail by June 1 to send to these needy veterans. 

A recent e-mail from Ryan says," We can certainly put all of this stuff to good use.  Everyone that I've taken out has loved it.  All first timers, about 10 vets as of now. However, there are a bunch more that are waiting in line, so to speak.  The shoe and harness sizing situation has been a limiting issue, so this is just awesome!  There are several people who already want to "learn it all."  One guy has already led a 5.6 sport!  Age bracket is from 23-62."

For gear donations in Estes Park, you can contact me at 970-744-4898  or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I'll be glad to pick up any donated equipment.

Thanks to everyone so far who have offered gear and drop-off points for this worthwhile group of military veterans.

Regards,

Eli