250 & Beyond It's Okay Not to Be Okay" | David Konkler

About this episode

David Konkler discusses his journey from serving veterans to creating a supportive community through outdoor activities.

What does it look like when a veteran heals — and then turns around to help the next one? David Konkler served in the AmeriCorps VETCO program in Tacoma, Washington, supporting veterans transitioning out of military life. But his service didn't stop there. He co-founded Nine Line Veteran Services, an outdoor nature-based peer support program that brings veterans together through hiking, camping, and yes — a beloved event called "Suns Out, Guns Out." David shares what happens when a group of guarded, "snarky veterans" spend a day on a private gun range together. By the end? They're swapping stories, laughing, competing — and opening up in ways they haven't in years. It's mental health support that doesn't feel like mental health support. The most powerful moment: watching a veteran "graduate" from the program and say I want to give back now too. The ripple effect is real. "It's okay not to be okay. But we have to make sure we're doing things to guide us toward the lighter side." — David Konkler #StillGettingThingsDone _______________________________________ 🤝 This episode is part of a special series produced in partnership with 250&Beyond: Our American Story and our partners…

People in this episode

Host: Nicki Fiocco

Guest: David Konkler

Topics covered

• veteran support
• mental health
• peer support
• outdoor activities
• community building

Keywords

• veterans
• mental health support
• hiking
• camping
• peer support
• AmeriCorps
• Nine Line Veteran Services

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: AmeriCorps VETCO, Nine Line Veteran Services, National Museum and Center for Service, Independent Sector

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