In this special Veteran’s Day episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell and Jose sit down with Cody Fongemie and Dustin Spilman from the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Armed Forces Initiative (AFI) for an in-depth conversation about veterans, mental health, public land access, and the irreplaceable role outdoor recreation plays in healing after service.Throughout this episode, Cody and Dustin share powerful stories about:• The challenges many veterans face transitioning into civilian life• Why hunting, fishing, and time outdoors can reduce anxiety and depression• How the camaraderie of outdoor communities restores purpose• The real-world impact AFI has on active-duty and former service members• Training veterans to become conservation-minded leaders• How public lands serve as therapy, community, and identityJose and Russell dive deep into how AFI works at the ground level — from local chapter leadership and mentorship programs to group hunts, fishing trips, conservation projects, and volunteer outreach. Cody and Dustin explain why public access is critical for America’s servicemen and women, and what happens when that access begins to disappear.We also explore:• How outdoor skills translate into resilience• The importance of structure, discipline, and shared suffering• How hunting ethics and conservation reconnect veterans to mission and purpose• The long-term benefits of mentorship in the field• Ways everyday citizens can support veterans OUTSIDE of politicsWhether you’re a veteran, active duty, a military family member, an avid outdoorsman, or someone passionate about conservation — this episode will educate, inspire, and challenge the way you think about access to the wild places we all depend on.🎧 Enjoying the podcast?Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and leave a comment telling us how outdoor recreation has impacted YOU.👇 Want to help support veterans?Find a Backcountry Hunters & Anglers chapter near you, donate time, gear, or mentorship, or learn how to advocate for public lands in your state.Outdoor recreation isn’t just a hobby — for many veterans, it’s survival, therapy, purpose, and community.AFI Website: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/get-involved/take-action/armed-forces-initiativeBucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com00:00 Welcome and episode introduction02:15 Meet guests Cody Fongemie and Dustin Spilman05:10 What the Armed Forces Initiative actually does09:45 Why public land access matters for veterans13:20 Outdoor recreation and mental health benefits17:55 The struggle veterans face transitioning to civilian life22:30 Hunting and fishing as therapy27:40 Stories from the field and community impact33:05 The importance of conservation education38:10 Suicide prevention and veteran isolation42:25 How AFI builds purpose and belonging47:00 Real world success stories51:45 How listeners can help support veterans55:30 Final thoughts from Dustin and Cody58:40 Closing message and call to action#WildLifeOutdoors #veteranmentalhealthoutdoors #publiclandaccessforveterans #outdoortherapybenefits #veteransandconservation #hownaturehelpsPTSD #veteransuicidepreventionoutdoors #veterantransitionchallenges #healingpowerofhuntingandfishing #veteransoutdoorsrecovery #outdoorprogramsforPTSD #ArmedForcesInitiative #BackcountryHuntersandAnglers #VeteransDaypodcast #veteransupportprograms #veteranadvocacy #veteranhuntingstories #veteranshelpingveterans