Welcome
Dear Friends of the National Center for Healthy Veterans at Valor Farm,
I trust you had a fun and perhaps contemplative Independence Day weekend. As with Christmas, sometimes the trappings of the season, whether Christmas commercialism or the “rockets red glare” fireworks of July 4 overshadow the true source of celebration. For Christmas, it is Jesus. For Independence Day, it is FREEDOM as individuals and as a Nation. As we consider Freedom, we are reminded of the maxim that “Freedom is Not Free,” in a national sense bought with the price of military blood, and first responders in a similar category on the domestic front. In short, our national Freedoms have been bought with a price.
Similarly, our personal Freedom has also been bought with a price.
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm
and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1, NASB
At the National Center for Healthy Veterans, we have the privilege to be God’s vehicles to set Veterans free:
- Free from the mental and emotional ravages of combat and military service.
- Free from the lasting impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE).
- Free from the shackles of a life gone wrong and the bondage of past or present sin.
- Free to be part of “family” and community again.
- Free to regain vital optimism and pursue God’s call and potential for their lives.
- Free to become a giver and “comfort others with that which they have been comforted.”
At NCHV we have the calling and honor to “set captives free.” Similar to 4th of July celebrations, we together can celebrate the many Veterans experiencing new personal freedom in their lives. This is priceless!
Here’s a preview of ways our Veterans gain Freedom at Valor Farm:
- Plays of the Day – Bell Dedication, Walmart House Dedication, Homes2Suites Grand Opening
- Meet the Team – Morgan Fisk, Suicide Prevention Coordinator and Event Coordinator
- Diving Deeper – Patriot Neal along with NCHV Program Director Aaron Blaine on Integrity
- In The Media – Dees on Tactical Treasures Podcast, Dees on Judicial Watch Podcast, NCHV Video at The Council for National Policy in Nashville
- Prayer Points – Massing God’s artillery on behalf of Veterans, America, and the world
None of this would be possible without the many donors, volunteers, and organizations who help us free captive, at-risk Veterans and “Return Healthy Veterans to America.” We are grateful!
May you “Keep Up the Fire” with your essential donations and volunteerism on our behalf!
Blessings and gratitude to each of you,
Robert F. Dees
Major General, U.S. Army, Retired
President and CEO, National Center for Healthy Veterans
YOUR encouragement and generosity
have made these amazing things happen at Valor Farm. We certainly welcome and need your further support on behalf of Returning Healthy Veterans to America!
Join our Healthy Veterans Community!
Meet The Team
Morgan Fisk – Suicide Prevention Coordinator
& Event Coordinator
I am from a small town in Minnesota and came here 4 years ago to attend Liberty University, where I was on the western equestrian team. After meeting General Dees in a Mexican restaurant, I began volunteering out here at the farm in January 2023, assisting Jake with our equine training program, as well as taking care of the animals on weekends. Upon graduating with a Business Administration degree in May of last year, I was hired to play a role on our development team. I am now our Event Coordinator, as well as a part of our barn staff on the weekends. Additionally, I have recently become certified to be a part of our equine therapy team. I have an older brother in Ohio and a younger sister with my parents back in Minnesota, who I try to get home to see as much as I can. When I’m not at work, you will most likely find me riding or line dancing. Coming to NCHV has proved to be beneficial in so many ways, as I have gained experience in everything from working with cows to networking with business contacts. I hope to continue to be able to make an impact here as time goes on.
Diving Deeper
Patriot Neal along with NCHV Program Director Aaron Blaine
Integrity…it can have many definitions.
Moral Integrity – The quality of being honest and having moral principles.
Integrity in actions – an individual’s actions that are consistent with their values and beliefs.
Integrity in wholeness – like the structural integrity of a building or the integrity of a group or organization that is undivided or whole.
What are some opposite traits of integrity? Well, there is dishonesty, deceit, insincerity, immortality and the list goes on. The common denominator of the opposites is well…. Sin.
One person’s definition or standard of integrity may be entirely different from someone else’s. Whether it would be deciding to cheat on a test or not; finding someone’s wallet and deciding to keep the money instead of returning it; deciding to tell someone’s business to others after the person confided in you instead of keeping it to yourself. Well, you get the point, but there is always that decision to do the right or wrong thing.
So where does integrity come from? Where does it reside? It makes up part of our consciousness, it resides in our soul. Many things can shape or mold your personal definition or standard of integrity. Your upbringing as a child, traumas or tribulations, or just about anything good or bad that one has experienced in life. In my opinion the biggest influence on your integrity is the unseen spiritual battle of good and evil that goes on in a spilt second, in every decision, the Holy Spirit vs Satan and his demons. I have had personal experiences with both, some I cherish and others I despise.
So, what’s the difference? Why do we sometimes do the right thing that is in line with Gods will and sometimes succumb to the devil and his schemes. Why do some people rarely fail, make good decisions, do what they say and say what they mean, help and care for those in need, show love to everyone they encounter? While others lie, cheat, steal and wreak havoc everywhere they go? Then there are people like me who have been on both sides of that coin. There are things I did in my past that I would never even think about doing today. Today I have God on my side, convicting me when I sin, whispering to me to help someone I might not otherwise help.
The Bible says in Proverbs 10:9, “whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Boy isn’t that the truth! We have to answer for our actions at some point and hopefully if it’s an action that is sin driven, the Holy Spirit will convict you and you can ask for forgiveness and have an opportunity to take action to make it right if someone has been hurt. Jesus said in Luke 8:17, “for everything that is hidden, or secret will eventually be brought to light and made plain to all.” So, we should all ask the Lord to shape and mold our integrity because each day we could be a little bit better than we were yesterday.
Plays of the Day
Bell Dedication: On July 19th, the National Center for Healthy Veterans (NCHV) held a special ceremony to dedicate a Liberty Bell, generously donated by Harriette Cash and her family in memory of her cousin, Robert Luther “Bob” Sales.
A decorated WWII veteran, Bob Sales bravely served his country in the D-Day invasion and beyond, earning numerous distinctions including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. He passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of courage and service.
The Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom and resilience, now stands as a tribute to Bob Sales and all veterans who have sacrificed for our nation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and supporting our veterans as they transition back to civilian life.
Walmart House Dedication: Walmart’s commitment to veterans shines brightly with their purchase of a National Center for Healthy Veterans tiny home, dedicated to their founder Sam Walton. We extend our deepest gratitude to Walmart, and especially to Jade White, Senior Director of Operations – Market Manager, for making this dedication a reality. This generous contribution directly supports our mission to return healthy veterans to a grateful America. Also a special thank you to Virginia State Senator Mark Peake and Delegate Eric Zehr for joining us in celebrating this special occasion. Your presence underscores the importance of supporting those who have served our country.
Homes2Suites Grand Opening: We celebrated the grand opening of the new Home2 Suites in Lynchburg, Virginia, with a patriotic flag raising and ribbon cutting ceremony. The event also served as a special tribute to our nation’s heroes through the “Home2 Heroes” program, honoring the National Center for Healthy Veterans, the Lynchburg Veterans Council, and the National D-Day Memorial. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with organizations dedicated to supporting veterans and their families.
In The Media
Dees on Judicial Watch Podcast: General Bob Dees, was recently interviewed on the show “Judicial Watch” to discuss our mission to “Returning Healthy Veterans to America.”
In the interview, he discusses our holistic approach to treatment, which includes physical activity, equine therapy, and spiritual guidance. He also highlights the importance of creating a space where veterans feel comfortable opening up and sharing their struggles.
We encourage you to watch the full interview to learn more about the National Center for Healthy Veterans and its mission to support Veterans in their healing journey.
CNP – Video: At the recent Council for National Policy (CNP) gathering in July, Bob Dees was able to share the organization’s mission to return healthy Veterans to America. His impactful presentation included a powerful 90-second testimonial video showcasing the transformative power of NCHV’s programs. This prominent platform allowed Dees to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by veterans and the holistic approach NCHV takes to support them.
Prayer Points
- Lord, in this election season, we ask for your guidance to remain steadfast in our mission of returning healthy veterans to America. Help us stay focused on serving those who have sacrificed so much, providing unwavering support and empowerment as they rebuild their lives. Amen.
- We give thanks for the visible and invisible signs of healing and restoration in the lives of our Veterans. May these transformations continue to blossom, a testament to Your love and the dedication of those who serve them. Amen.
- We encourage grateful prayers for our donors whose steadfast commitment makes our mission to Return Healthy Veterans to America possible. May their generosity inspire others to join us in this vital work.
- Pray for wisdom and knowledge to work with our Veterans who are suffering with PTS/PTSD and other mental and emotional issues.
- Pray that the work of the National Center for Healthy Veterans would continue to advance in the criteria needed to work with Veteran Families.
- Pray for the NCHV Staff and volunteers; continued health and stamina. Pray for their families. Praise God for the men and women He sends to continue the work of “Returning Healthy Veterans to America.”
- Join us in praising God for the beauty of His Creation — horses, rivers, cattle, valleys, chickens, the fruit of the land, the beauty of the fields, the wonder of His Creation.
Calendar
- Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. Scheduled Tourscontact@healthyveterans.org if interested.
- Thursdays: Community Campfire at Valor Farm 6pm Come join us for fellowship!
- While we’ll be taking a short break from our regular Volunteer Day in July, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be back in August with renewed energy and even more opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference in the lives of our Veterans.
- NCHV Veterans Day Commemoration, Guest Speaker – Virginia Lieutenant Governor, Winsome Earle-Sears – Monday, November 11, 2024
