A Silverton-based nonprofit founded by a combat veteran is providing holiday assistance to veterans across Southwest Colorado, with funds distributed before Christmas.
San Juan Mountain Adventures began in 2023, founded by Jimmy S. Keene II, a military veteran who moved to Silverton to manage PTSD through outdoor activities.
Keene, a military veteran with three combat tours, said he moved to Silverton six years ago to cope with PTSD after finding relief during summer visits. He described the town as his “happy spot.”
“I was taking six, seven, eight medications a day, and after living here for one year, I was medication free, just because of the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors,” he said.
About two years ago, Keene launched San Juan Mountain Adventures to help other veterans experience similar benefits. “It started off small. We’re growing,” he said.
The organization typically brings veterans to the San Juan Mountains for therapeutic outdoor trips. A highlight of the trips is replacing the American flag on Engineer Pass each summer.
Keene sends the retired flag to a family with military ties as a thank-you gesture.
Recently, Keene said San Juan Mountain Adventures received a $3,500 donation from a Durango business that previously supported homeless veterans. The donor wanted better verification that recipients were veterans in need, so Keene agreed to distribute all funds by Christmas.
One recipient was a Cortez veteran identified as Erik, injured in combat, according to a video posted on the nonprofit’s Facebook page. San Juan Mountain Adventures paid his past-due utility bills and January projection to keep his utilities on through Christmas.
“Thank you a lot. For me, this gives me some freedom and relieves some stress that was very impactful during the holidays,” Erik said in the video to the “silent donor.” “It was sending me down into depression, and relieving this stress … it relieves a lot of pressure and it allows me to really focus on the holidays.”
Another veteran in Grand Junction received a hotel stay for Thanksgiving weekend and restaurant gift cards. After local news reported the story, the Department of Veterans Affairs issued a 60-day hotel voucher.
The group is now helping a 78-year-old Montrose veteran in assisted living by covering vehicle repairs and groceries. Plans are underway to assist two homeless veterans in Durango.
Keene said San Juan Mountain Adventures operates entirely with volunteers. Regular donations cover insurance, permits and activity costs for veteran trips.
The $3,500 holiday fund is tracked separately from operating costs.
Donations for ongoing operations can be made through Zeffy, a fee-free platform, by searching for San Juan Mountain Adventures. Donors receive a tax write-off. Direct donations earmarked for veterans in need are also accepted.
“If a family wants to do something specific, they can reach out to me directly, and I’ll make sure the money goes to that,” Keene said.
Keene can be reached at jimmykeene@sanjuanmountainadventures.com.
