FULTON COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) - A new non-profit created by a Bedford County veteran will help the men and women who served our country heal through nature.

In this week's making a difference, Ryan Decker, an Air Force Reserve veteran from Everett, is using his passion for woodworking so veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder can go on free vacations in a beautiful part of rural Pennsylvania.

Decker wants to give them an opportunity to unwind, feel at home and know they’re never forgotten.

Walking with his dog Bubba, Decker says he finds peace in nature and he wants to share that with other veterans.

“The interchange that happens to these guys whenever they come home, they don't feel like they're home anymore, so that can be tough for them,” Decker said.

They're brave when overseas and when they come home. Some veterans battle post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.

After being treated for anxiety at the VA hospital in Pittsburgh, Ryan built a non-profit called Last Line in April to serve those who fought for our country.

“While I was there, I had this realization that I’m okay but I was there and I realized there are a lot of guys that aren't okay while they're being treated there,” Decker said. "It's hard to see those guys because they gave a lot and they don't get a lot back a lot of times, so it was tough to see that."

Tiny vacation homes will be sprouting up on his family's 250 acre farm in Warfordsburg, Fulton County so veterans can enjoy mother earth's beauty and tranquility around them without paying a dime.

“I’m going to do travel vouchers, plane tickets, mileage and they will let me know what groceries they want for the week. I'm going to make it a completely free experience for them,” Decker said.

Decker is constructing hope with his talents with woodworking. He creates furniture to sell and puts some of the money toward the houses.

“I was walking through the woods one day, I wanted to be able to start creating something because I deal with anxiety and stuff like that, so I wanted to start working with my hands. My great grandfather was a woodworker and he was really good at it so I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” Decker said.

Wood slabs turn into American flags and tree stumps become coffee tables.

Decker said, “The tables are my favorite thing to do because everyone is a different challenge."

During their getaway on the farm, veterans can branch out and try woodworking shops, outdoor activities, physical training and therapy sessions. They can decompress by themselves or with their families.

“Just slowing down and not being around technology and see how well everyone else is doing with their vacation pictures and how much fun everyone is having and you feel like you're not sometimes. It's really taking them away from that and finding themselves again even if it's for a short period of time,” Decker said.

Ryan posted videos about his plan on Facebook, gaining thousands of views. Many are going out on a limb and offering to help get the homes ready.

“I’ve had a lot of positive responses which makes me really happy because I think the world needs that right now,” Decker said.

Decker isn't just supporting veterans, he gave shoes and sports equipment to kids in his community ahead of the school year.

“I wanted to give back and help kids that weren't able to play a sport, sports were a big part of my life,” said Decker.

Growing from his experiences and coming from good roots, carved Decker into who he is today.

When asked how Decker became so caring, he said, “My mom and my dad and my grandfather. The community I came from, it's a small town but there are so many strong people in that town, they do a lot with what they have, and I just want to represent that as best I can.”

You can call Children and Youth Services in Bedford to get the shoes and sports equipment that Decker was giving away. He wants to build a shed or find more space so he can collect more for students.

As for the tiny homes project, Decker wants to reach a $50,000 dollar goal so he can get the first three homes up by march and hire veterans to help.

If you want a table or piece of art, just message Decker on Facebook.

Veterans get a 30 percent discount on tables. Prices vary depending on size and the glass.

You can also donate anytime on Decker’s go-fund-me page.

https://www.gofundme.com/last-line-tiny-homes

https://www.facebook.com/Last-Line-611186959402684/

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