The tranquility of the California desert is "really helpful, particularly for our vets that have post-traumatic stress syndrome [PTSD] and are looking for ways in which to cope with the trauma of war," says Steve Dunwoody, Iraq war veteran and the Vet Voice Foundation's California director. "We care about protecting these areas of the desert as national monuments because we see it as an extension of our service."
Home to stunning landscapes, critical wildlife, and recreation areas essential to the local economy, the California Desert is a unique place that needs to be protected—we owe it to our servicemen and women.
More videos and facts on U.S. wilderness conservation: http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/americas-wilderness