V.E.T. in the News
Veterans Exploration Therapy is honored to share stories of our mission and the powerful impact of our outdoor programs as featured across various media outlets.

Denver veterans' organization promotes healing through adventure
CBS Colorado reports on Veterans Exploration Therapy (V.E.T.), a Denver-based nonprofit that helps military veterans and their families find healing through outdoor adventure and community support. The article highlights personal stories of veterans who have benefitted from the organization’s activities, including hot air balloon flights and other transformative experiences, and features insights from founder Deke Letson on the mission to foster purpose, resilience, and connection beyond traditional therapeutic settings.
Learn More
Colorado veteran uses outdoors as medicine for PTSD
KDVR reports on a Colorado veteran who turned to outdoor activities as a form of healing from PTSD after conventional treatments fell short. The article highlights how his experiences in nature inspired him to found Veterans Exploration Therapy (V.E.T.), a nonprofit that uses wilderness‑based activities such as camping, hiking, and skydiving to help fellow veterans build resilience, community, and purpose.
Learn More
Veterans go to Denver Aquarium for shark cage diving
9NEWS reports on a Veterans Day event where Veterans Exploration Therapy took military veterans to the Denver Aquarium for a shark cage diving experience, giving participants an opportunity to face fears, build confidence, and support mental health through adventurous activities.
Learn More
Free balloon adventures for Colorado Veterans with PTSD
KRDO NewsChannel 13 reports on a Colorado Springs–based nonprofit that provides free hot air balloon flights to military veterans as part of its efforts to support healing and mental health, particularly for those experiencing PTSD. The story highlights personal experiences of participating veterans and features insights from Deke Letson, founder of Veterans Exploration Therapy (V.E.T.), outlining the organization’s mission and impact within the local community.
Learn More
#218 Deke Letson: Founder of Veterans Exploration Therap
This powerful interview features Deke Letson, a veteran and founder of Veterans Exploration Therapy (VETx). He shares his personal journey of healing from PTSD by transitioning from traditional VA treatment to wilderness and adventure therapy. The organization he now leads helps other veterans find recovery through transformative outdoor experiences like hiking, rock climbing, and snorkeling, providing critical support outside the conventional system.
Learn More
Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell | #50 Deke Letson: Healing American veterans through adventure
This podcast episode features U.S. Army veteran Deke Letson discussing his personal healing journey, which led him to found Veteran's Exploration Therapy (VETx). The organization uses outdoor adventure experiences to help fellow veterans and their families recover, find purpose, and build community.
Learn More
13 Minutes: From a 9mm in His Mouth to Saving Veterans' Lives | Deke Letson's Journey
Army veteran Deke Letson shares his raw journey from a moment of ultimate despair—holding a 9mm to his mouth—to discovering a profound purpose for living. He recounts how founding Veterans Exploration Therapy (VET), a nonprofit that uses adventure and the outdoors, became his path to healing and now helps other veterans and their families do the same. This powerful conversation on the 13 Minutes podcast tackles invisible wounds, breaking generational cycles, and turning pain into a mission that saves lives.
Learn More
LIVE with Deke Letson, Founder and Executive Director of V.E.T.
A live podcast-style interview aired on K4CO Radio, with Deke Letson, Founder and Executive Director of Veterans Exploration Therapy (V.E.T.). The conversation explores his personal journey, the mission of V.E.T., and broader topics related to veteran support, mental health, and community advocacy. The program is presented in an informal, long-form interview format.
Learn More
Deke Letson - Veterans Expedition Therapy | Cam & Otis Show Ep. #268
Veteran Deke Letson shares how outdoor adventure can heal the mind and why committing to lasting change requires a strong support system. He founded Veterans Expedition Therapy (V.E.T.) to provide this critical path for fellow veterans and their families to reconnect with purpose through nature.
Learn More
MMM - Stories of Pursuit in the Military, Mountains, and Mortgage Industry: Deke Letson - Founder of Veterans Exploration Therapy, US Army Veteran
This episode chronicles Deke Letson's powerful journey from hitting personal rock bottom, finding sobriety, and bouncing back to a profound purpose. He shares the story of founding the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Veterans Exploration Therapy, an organization dedicated to serving veterans and their families through the healing power of outdoor adventure. Drawing from his own experiences, including Army service with tours in Iraq, Deke's mission is to help others reconnect, heal, and build a new community.
Learn More
The People's Patriot Project - We Got Your 6@6
This episode of The People's Patriot Project addresses the urgent mental health crisis and high suicide rates among veterans and first responders, focusing on practical solutions. The discussion highlights how outdoor recreation and organizations like Veterans Exploration Therapy (VET) provide critical therapeutic pathways and bridge service gaps for those in need.
Learn More
V.E.T. group from Denver visits Orange Skies Free Fall Center in Fort Morgan
The Fort Morgan Times reports on a group from Veterans Exploration Therapy (V.E.T.) based in Denver visiting Orange Skies Free Fall Center in Fort Morgan, where participating veterans took part in an indoor skydiving experience. The story highlights how adventure-based activities are used to promote healing, confidence, and camaraderie among veterans through the nonprofit’s programs.
Learn MoreContact Us To Volunteer
Become a volunteer and support veterans through adventure and community.
Support Our Mission
Explore our upcoming events and discover how you can connect and contribute.
Join Our Community
Connect with us and stay informed. Drop your email below to stay up to date on our events, resources, and more.
