Huts for Vets Partners with Crewdogs to Empower Veterans
January 29, 2025
- (970) 414-0148
- info@hutsforvets.org
- P.O. Box 1780 Carbondale, CO 81623
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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.
Erica Henkel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Yoga Teacher, and Mental Health Therapist in private practice. She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of St. Thomas, and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Bethel University. Drawing on her education and experience, Erica takes a holistic approach to working with people using the mind-body connection. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to work with veterans and military families. She is excited to be a part of the Huts for Vets team, where she can support vets in connecting with nature, themselves, and a larger community through this experiential program.
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.”
Chris was born in San Diego and raised in Denver. He served in the Marine Corps between 2007-2011 as a Radio Operator with VMU-3 and 1st ANGLICO. Upon leaving the service Chris obtained a BS in Sociology and began a career in finance. He married in 2019 and spends his time sharing his story, hiking and camping, or with family. He believes you should see as much as you can while you can.
Since getting sober in 2016, Chris has sought ways to help and connect with the veteran community. He continues his efforts to advocate for veterans and raise mental health awareness. Chris relies heavily on a holistic healing approach for his own sobriety and believes we can all retrain our brains on how to think and overcome our battles.
Westley Crouch’s connection to the landscapes of Western Colorado runs deep, shaped by a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a profound appreciation for the stories of those who came before him. Growing up surrounded by the state’s rugged beauty, he developed an enduring love for adventure and the shared experiences that define life in the mountains.
His sense of duty led him to serve as a Combat Medic in the Army National Guard, an experience that instilled resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Building on that foundation, he pursued higher education at Colorado Mesa University before pursuing a graduate degree from the University of Denver, where he focused on Environmental Science, Policy, Law, and Management.
Now based in the Roaring Fork Valley, Westley has found both purpose and belonging as a journalist with The Aspen Times. The relationships he has built in Aspen reflect the town’s philanthropic spirit and the generosity of those who call it home. To him, the people of Aspen and the greater Roaring Fork Valley are as integral to its identity as the surrounding peaks and forests.
His deep connection to the region and its community aligns seamlessly with the mission of Huts for Vets. He sees his role on the board as an opportunity to support the organization’s vision, ensuring that those who attend its programs can experience the same sense of renewal and connection that the mountains have long provided him.
Skip is the Senior Director of Development and Alumni Engagement at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Prior to joining Fletcher, he was at the Harvard Business School for twelve years, most recently serving as Philanthropic Advisor, Principal Gifts and International Strategy. He has also served as Senior Director, Principal Gifts at Mass General Hospital and was previously a Senior Major Gift Officer at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In addition to his 20 years of higher education fundraising experience, Skip retired as a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps after completing 28 years of active and reserve service. Skip received his B.A. from Denison University, and his M.A. from the Catholic University of America. He is also a graduate of several military schools including Naval Flight School, Army Airborne School, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Joint Forces Staff College. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Combat Action Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
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.