These Peaks
September 2, 2025
- (970) 414-0148
- info@hutsforvets.org
- P.O. Box 1780 Carbondale, CO 81623
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Behind every Huts for Vets experience is a committed team of staff and volunteers who believe in the healing power of the outdoors and human connection. Their passion and care help make each retreat meaningful and memorable.
Erik is an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now a husband and father of three, he serves as the Executive Director for Huts for Vets. He takes ownership of the organization’s mission and shapes it to serve his fellow veterans best and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Erik is an avid mountain biker who enjoys hiking, trail building, hunting, and reading.
Chris Joyce a Marine Corps veteran, serving from 2007-2011. He has been with Huts for Vets since 2018 and is a dedicated servant to veterans by showing them the incredible healing power of nature and community. Chris loves anything outdoors, earth building/DIY projects, film, writing, and contributing to his communities. Originally from Sacramento, he has laid roots in southern Arizona living on his self-built superadobe off-grid homestead after 4 years of nomadic living in a van.
Jen Patronas retired from the Air Force in 2019 after serving for 20 years. She was a medic and later became a technical training master instructor for the Community College of the Air Force and a military training instructor (a.k.a. ‘drill sergeant’) for basic military training. In 2019, Jen was looking for ways to connect to other female veterans when she discovered Hut for Vets. She believes the trip allowed her space to reconnect with nature and other women with similar experiences.
Ramon served in Iraq, Haiti, and Post-Hurricane Katrina.
After his time in service, he began a holistic health journey to manage PTSD. He enrolled in the Rodale Institute Farmer Training Program, where he learned about the soil health to human health connection. In 2023, Ramon attended his first hike with Huts for Vets, where he was able to take time to reflect in the mountains with new friends. He credits the power of outdoor therapy for saving his life and for strengthening his relationship with his family. Ramon aims to use multimedia to reach other veterans and encourage them to find their community, passion, and purpose.
Angie Zugay served in the Army for eight years, first as a Kiowa Warrior Scout Pilot, then as a Psychological Operations Officer. After military service, she joined a federal intelligence agency for an additional six years. She has many deployments into the Middle East and Africa. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, a Masters in International Studies and an MBA. Angie currently runs an Executive Coaching company in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. She has been serving in Huts for Vets for many years as well as serving in the local Food Bank and acting as a volunteer business advisor for local companies.
Blake is a Navy veteran and Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice serving veterans, first responders, and the general population throughout Denver and Colorado. He earned his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regis University and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Northern Colorado. As a veteran himself, Blake brings firsthand understanding of the unique challenges faced by service members and has dedicated his career to supporting the veteran community. A lifelong Colorado native, Blake has spent much of his life exploring the state’s majestic landscapes—hiking, biking, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. He cherishes the restorative benefits of time spent outdoors and prioritizes connecting with nature during his free time. Blake is a previous participant in the Huts for Vets program, an experience that profoundly shaped both his personal healing and his commitment to giving back. Inspired by the support he received through the program, Blake is passionate about creating opportunities for veterans to heal, grow, and connect with one another.
Ken is a retired Army Combat medic/Flight medic veteran. He served with the 1st Infantry Division during Operation Desert Storm and has also deployed to Central America and South Korea. He enjoys adventure seeking and spending time in nature, whether it be hiking in the desert or mountains, rafting, and kayaking the Colorado River. He is a husband and father of three and a caregiver of an adult son with disabilities. He sees his purpose as supporting other veterans journey to wellness. Ken’s motto is “You only live once, make the best of it.”
Miko Ketchin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Mental Health Therapist in private practice in Durango, Colorado. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Smith College, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont. She uses a varied approach to assist people, blending self-inquiry, body-centered, and mindfulness techniques to help people feel more at ease, connected, and alive. She is married to a retired Army Sergeant First Class, and has experience working with military service members and their families. She is also a coach for a women-specific mountain biking and guiding program. She is honored to be a part of the Huts for Vets team and to assist others in connecting with themselves and with others through shared experiences in the natural world.
Huts for Vets was founded in Aspen, Colorado in January 2013 to provide, at no cost to participants, wilderness and communal experiences as therapeutic healing for U.S. veterans and active-duty service members.