Research by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shows that military families face unique challenges, especially during times of deployment when one parent or partner may be in a dangerous situation or not able to communicate regularly with his or her family, and times of transition back into civilian life. This transition is often difficult because of the highly structured military environment, lingering psychological effects of deployment, and loss of connection with community and family. A chance to reconnect as a family, and gain new skills, can greatly ease this transition. Future Generations University partners with Chris and Mel Grimes, owners of Mountain-Cajun Getaway, to use regenerative agriculture processes and access to support veterans and their families transition back into civilian life.

Future Generations’ first Reconnecting Heroes workshop was held October 28, 2023 at university headquarters atop North Mountain, West Virginia. Speaker Chris Grimes presented on rural retreats for returned veterans. 

With the support of a grant from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, this project is now expanding to include homestays and farm stays for veterans in other agricultural settings. Reconnecting Heroes: Agricultural-Based Family Wellness Retreats will create a replicable model for hosting retreats for veterans and their families.