Who we are
We harness the credibility, experience, and trusted voices of veterans and military families to protect America’s public lands, continuing a tradition of service by defending the places that belong to all of us.
Jeff Buchanan
Arizona
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Gregg Bafundo
Washington
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Nick Borrelli
California
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Michael “Chappy” Chappell
Arizona
U.S. Navy Veteran
Patty Collins
Virginia
U.S. Army Veteran
Taylor Galadyk
Florida
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Jaimie Lusk
Oregon
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Brad Noone
Colorado
U.S. Army Veteran
Jonas Rides At The Door
Montana
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Paul Wilson
Colorado
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
DJ Wright
Georgia
U.S. Army Veteran
Get Involved
For generations, veterans have helped protect America’s public lands.
From exploring and mapping the West to serving as park rangers, conservation leaders, and advocates for our national parks, forests, deserts, and coastlines, many of us have continued serving our country long after we took off the uniform. For Native veterans—who serve in the U.S. military at some of the highest rates of any community in America—these lands often carry an even deeper significance, connecting generations through culture, history, and sacred traditions. We know these places are part of our national heritage. They belong to all of us, and they are worth preserving.
Today, that tradition continues. Our public lands do not stay protected on their own. As these places face growing threats, we have a responsibility to show up once again in service to something larger than ourselves. At a time when trust across the board is declining, veterans remain among the most trusted voices in America. That trust carries both credibility and responsibility.
Veterans for Public Lands (VFPL) brings veterans together to put that trust to work—speaking up for the places we love, helping our communities understand what is at stake, and ensuring that America’s public lands remain protected, accessible, and enduring for future generations.
Events
Connect with fellow veterans who share a commitment to service, adventure, and stewardship.
Veterans in Outdoor Recreation Summit – Park City, UT – October 2026
The Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit (VORS) is a premier gathering designed to unite leaders, practitioners, and advocates dedicated to advancing veteran well being through outdoor recreation. The summit creates a dynamic environment for learning, collaboration, and action; equipping attendees with the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to expand impact within the veteran community.
VORS brings together a diverse cross-sector audience, including veteran serving nonprofit leaders, outdoor industry professionals, land managers, policymakers, researchers, healthcare providers, and community builders. This intentional mix fosters meaningful dialogue and shared problem solving around some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities at the intersection of veterans, health and wellness, and the outdoors.
Whitewater Rafting – Brown’s Canyon, CO – July 2026
Twenty-two veterans came together at Browns Canyon National Monument for whitewater rafting, connection, and training to become stronger advocates for public lands. On the river and off, we shared our stories and explored how our service can help protect the places that belong to all of us. The trip marked the beginning of Veterans for Public Lands’ next chapter, building a community ready to speak up and serve.
Our Heritage
The story of veterans defending public lands did not begin with our organization. It stretches back more than a century.
Before he was president, Theodore Roosevelt served as a cavalry officer, hunted and ranched in the Dakotas, and developed a deep appreciation for the American landscape. As president, he protected roughly 230 million acres of public land—national forests, wildlife refuges, monuments, and parks. He did not see conservation as separate from patriotism. He saw both as forms of national service.
Long before the National Park Service existed, veterans were helping care for America’s most treasured places.
Connect With Us
@ veteransforpubliclands . Nov 2
“When I go out into the natural world, I become my true self—and that’s a feeling I thought I’d never get back after my time in the military. So when I say public lands saved my life, I’m not exaggerating. And I know I’m not alone.
There are so many veterans who feel the same exact way. For a lot of us, these places gave us something we struggled to find when we came home: a sense of purpose, a space to heal, and the freedom to feel like ourselves again.”
This is Brad Noone, U.S. Army Veteran and Veterans for Public Lands Program Manager. Hear his story.
🎥 @directedbynatelee
@ veteransforpubliclands . Oct 31
Are you spooked too? Take action via the link in our bio.
@ veteransforpubliclands . Oct 30
Words we live by: Be real. Know the country. Throw yourself at it.
Veterans for Public Lands t-shirts, hats, and stickers are available to shop now on our website.
[email protected] | P.O. Box 11559, Portland, OR 97211 | (202) 670-3602
