Partnering with the city of Leavenworth Parks and Recreation Department, a nonprofit organization is helping to provide a new mission for military veterans transitioning back into civilian life.

Military veterans are invited to join forces with community members in cleaning and creating trails and camp sites in Leavenworth, Kansas.

The trail creation and restoration work also includes construction of picnic and fishing areas. The program also welcomes volunteer service from active duty military personnel.

Construction is taking place at VA Memorial Park, a 72-acre tract of land located in the wooded area northeast of the Eisenhower VA Medical Center.

The program, Into the Woods, is the brainchild of Chelsea Barto, a former Army combat medic. She said military personnel are goal-minded and mission-oriented. “This is their next mission,” she said. “It gets them involved in their community.”

Barto said the program is associated with The Mission Continues, a nonprofit organization that empowers service members and veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home.

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