POCATELLO — A locally based nonprofit organization that takes veterans on outdoor adventures is hosting a community concert Friday night to raise funds in support of its events.

Russell Davies, a local veteran, founded PTSD Veteran Athletes in 2017. The organization invites groups of five to 10 veterans from throughout the country each quarter to participate in introductory workshops in skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and kayaking.

Doors open for the concert, featuring the local band Foggy Goggles, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mountain View Event Center. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $10 and free for children 12 and under. The Dunk Burger truck will sell food, and Jim Dandy Brewing will sell beer.

Davies said the event will also include a video about the program and brief comments from current and former athletes involved in the program.

Davies said the program covers all of their costs including airfare, food, lodging, permits and equipment. Once they learn their new sport, the program allows them to keep their gear so they can continue participating after they leave.

The current group — which is the organization’s 12th class — convened on July 23 and will be kayaking at local swimming pools, the Portneuf Wellness Complex, the Portneuf River, the Snake River, the Payette River and the Salmon River through Aug. 6.

Davies served as an infantryman with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He was honored with an Army commendation medal with valor and a Purple Heart for being wounded in combat. Upon returning to civilian life, he admits he felt a “lull” as he attempted to decide what he would do next. Fortunately, he rekindled his passion for kayaking, traveling the world and filming videos.

A friend who enlisted with him, however, couldn’t cope with service-related PTSD and committed suicide.

“It was at that moment I knew something had to be done to make this accessible to all veterans because it truly enriches your life,” Davies said. “Our mission at PTSD is strictly to provide veterans with a new passion in life to reduce the number of suicides.”

Davies said it costs his organization between $4,000 and $5,000 per participant, on average. He said hundreds of veterans are on a waiting list for their chance to learn a new sport through his nonprofit.

Davies said fundraisers and private donors support his cause, and he’s in the process of applying for more state and federal grants. His major donor is Garn Theobald, formerly with R & G Potato Co.