For God and Country

Yesterday, we left Washington DC after having a most incredible time at the Museum of the Bible. Everywhere we looked, we could see how God’s sovereign and mighty hands has been upon HIS people AND our Country -- right from the time of creation.

We hopped aboard the plane to Lynchburg, VA. Once again, Carl’s daughter and son-in-law took us to another place where they are contributing to making life better for many.

This time it was to Valor Farm, Altavista, VA and the National Center for Healthy Veterans where Major General Bob Dees took on a project that has gone far beyond his many years of military service.

Our veterans have pledged their lives for our freedom, security, and prosperity. Healthy veterans are productive members of society, good employees, and positive role models, but not all our veterans are healthy.

The nine-month NCHV residential program is a golden opportunity to “get unstuck,” to move past trauma and transition challenges into a lifetime of personal and professional contribution and success. More than other mental health or suicide prevention programs for veterans, NCHV treats the whole person -- body, soul and spirit.


After orientation and assessment, Valor Farm “Patriots” move through three 12-week “trimesters” which focus on resilience, trauma recovery, and career preparation. Concurrently Patriots take electives based on personal needs and interests — equine therapy, financial literacy, family relationships, topical Bible studies, nutrition, sleep management, pain management, and many others.

As we walked up to the “Austin house” (shown here), the one that our Gates Family and other partners funded, we were filled with joy that another home would inhabit a veteran who has the potential of recovery and can return to their family and business.

Whether these Wounded Patriots suffer from physical, relational, spiritual, or emotional wounds, they are finding hope, help and healing with the NCHV programs.

And not only are they provided with a tiny home to live in for a nine-month period, they receive a faith-based, holistic approach to “Returning Healthy Veterans to America” in the natural healing environment of Valor Farm.

The Patriots are the Veterans who participate in the programs. They live and perform dignified work in the community while participating in resilience, trauma recovery, and career preparation programs.

At the NCHV every “shovel” full of effort contributes to getting ever closer to the God provided and God blessed treasure trove of hope, help and healing.

To say that I was sincerely touched by General Dees and his precious wife, Kathleen, says it mildly. At this season of their life, they could easily have retired and enjoyed the fruits of their labor. I tend to believe the NCHV ARE the fruits of their labor when they see these dedicated and loyal servicemen return to a life of wholeness and freedom.

Doesn’t it make us appreciate our veterans even more when we realize the least we can do is to show our respect to each one who willingly served faithfully for us?