Welcome
Dear Friends of the National Center for Healthy Veterans at Valor Farm,
Let me share my heart with you. As I consider what we are observing at Valor Farm, I truly identify with the great hymn “How Great Thou Art,” particularly the phrase “I scarce can take it in.” Whether it is literally saving lives, reuniting families, seeing a new village appear in a few short months, or watching a new riding arena rise where ashes once lived — we are privileged to watch God provide help, hope, and healing to our nation’s Veterans – real time, in living color! I know each of you are grateful with us.
While Veteran life change is a daily occurrence at NCHV, our staff is simultaneously orchestrating many other projects which will further enhance our impact in Veteran’s lives. This last week alone we witnessed one large crane erecting the superstructure for the new indoor riding arena and another crane putting the roof on the Community Center in Village 2. We are also grateful for our farming and landscaping teams which have Valor Farm looking better and more productive than ever before.
As you probably recall, our destructive fire last November took down our barn, arena, administrative offices, and maintenance facility. Since that time, many of you have asked how you can help. You have already been helping with your frequent and generous donations. Now we officially announce our NCHV “Fire Relief Campaign,” offering many levels of giving from a brick campaign to naming opportunities for high-value components of the barn and arena.
- To better understand the urgent need to restore our equine operations, see Meet the Team which features our Director of Equine Assisted Services, Caitlin Hamm).
- For the brick campaign and other giving opportunities, see Diving Deeper.
- For high value naming opportunities, please contact me directly at bobdees@healthyveterans.org.
My wise grandmother often said “Many Hands Make Light Work.” I am hopeful that each of you, as well as many others you recruit, will quickly buy one of the 2100 available honor bricks to pave “Courage Courtyard” between the barn and arena. Similarly, I look forward to discussing legacy giving opportunities with those able to invest in a lasting memory at Valor Farm.
Here are some impacts from the National Center for Healthy Veterans this month:
- Plays of the Day – Philadelphia Event, Timberlake House Dedication, Woodmen Life Flag Dedication, Village 2 Construction, Arena Construction
- Meet the Team – Caitlin Hamm, Director of Equine Assisted Services
- Diving Deeper – NCHV Fire Relief Campaign
- In The Media – New Valor Farm Equestrian Center Flythrough, Chief Operating Officer Video, How Great Thou Art video, Hope for the Heart Podcast, Around the Table with Vickie podcast
- Prayer Points – Join us in prayer as we continue to support and empower Veterans.
Thanks again for your encouragement, your volunteerism, your gifts-in-kind, your financial donations, your referrals of Veterans in need, and your prayers.
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!
Plays of the Day
Philadelphia Event – We had an unforgettable night at the Union League in Philadelphia, joined by Joe Piscopo, Richie Cannata, and Dan Orlando. It was an evening full of laughter, music, and mission. The room was filled with new faces, and the energy and support for our veterans was truly inspiring. Moments like this remind us just how far-reaching and life-changing this work really is.
Timberlake House Dedication – We were overwhelmed in the best way as more than 100 members of Timberlake Church gathered to dedicate the home made possible by their Christmas Eve offering. It was a powerful and emotional celebration that reflected the heart of the Church and the strength of a community that gives generously. This home stands as a testament to what happens when God’s people step forward in faith and love.
Woodmen Life Flag Dedication – We were honored to dedicate a new flag and flagpole in Village 1, generously donated by Woodmen Life of America. This gift is a lasting symbol of patriotism and support for those who have served. Every time the flag is raised, it reminds our Veterans that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.
Village 2 Construction – Progress in Village 2 continues at an exciting pace. Interior work is nearing completion on the homes, the community center walls are up, and the roof is being finished. Every step forward brings us closer to welcoming more veterans into a community designed to restore purpose and dignity.
Arena Construction – This week, we officially launched our Fire Relief Campaign alongside the ongoing arena construction, and the momentum is building. Seeing the structure rise from the ashes is both inspiring and motivating. While we continue to watch the arena take shape, we are also beginning the next push to raise funds for the barn. The need is real, and the mission continues—with strong community support driving us forward.
Meet The Team
Caitlin Hamm – Director of Equine Services
My name is Caitlin, and horses have been part of my life for over 20 years. From the beginning, I was drawn to their presence—the way they could be strong and sensitive all at once. They don’t pretend. They see you as you are and meet you there. I truly believe God created them to reflect His heart.
Both of my parents served in the Air Force, and their example taught me to serve with purpose. My dad introduced me to the National Center for Healthy Veterans, where he was volunteering. With my background in horsemanship and psychology, he believed I could help. He was right. That invitation became my calling.
Now, I serve as the Director of Equine Services. I care for the horses and facilitate equine-assisted programs that help veterans rebuild confidence, trust, and resilience. Whether someone is overcoming trauma or just learning to believe in themselves again, I walk with them and our horses as healing unfolds—quietly, powerfully, and often without words.
This work isn’t just something I do. It’s changed me too.
There have been many times in my life when I felt unseen or unheard, or too afraid to face something unknown. But horses don’t overlook you. They don’t miss the quiet details. They’ve taught me that I am seen, I am heard, and I am stronger than I think. They’ve encouraged me to face fear head-on. Over time, they’ve become a living, breathing picture of how God works in my life—steady, gentle, and full of grace.
That truth became vividly real in November 2024, in the aftermath of our barn fire. I was devastated—completely shaken—and felt like a loose tether, barely holding it together. Everything felt uncertain, fragile, and broken. But in the middle of that chaos, one of our horses, Nick—who had experienced a barn fire once before—walked right up to me, calm as could be, and laid his head over my shoulder. As if to hug me and say, “It’s going to be okay. You’re going to be okay.”
I didn’t need words from him. I knew exactly what he was telling me. He knew that what I needed in that moment was a strong, steady, calm presence to lean on—at a time when I felt like I was breaking.
This is why I love what I do
Because horses do the unexpected.
Because they reveal truths about who we are and who we can become.
Because they model empathy, presence, courage, and trust.
They don’t fix us—they see us. And often, that’s where the healing begins.
Diving Deeper
Many Hands Make Light Work!
Valor Farm Fire Relief Campaign
Since our devastating fire last November, many of you have asked how you can help. Now is the time! This month we officially launch our Fire Relief Campaign to restore mission critical equine operations at Valor Farm. Our equine-assisted programs have proven to be a critical tool in the healing journey of our Veterans at the National Center for Healthy Veterans, and it is critical to restore this capability quickly.
As you see in other parts of this newsletter, the Valor Farm Riding Arena (and event venue) is progressing rapidly, with an anticipated completion by September 1 of this year. The barn construction (assuming sufficient funding) will begin in the Fall. Gratefully, we have over 50% of the funds required to complete both of these structures, but we need your help to complete this rebuilding effort as soon as possible.
There are several meaningful ways you can partner with us to restore what was lost:
1. Leave a Legacy with an Engraved Brick
You can leave a lasting mark by purchasing an engraved brick to be placed in “Courage Courtyard” between our new barn and arena. These bricks will collectively provide a fitting setting for honoring the service and sacrifice of others, encouraging Veterans on their healing journey, and providing a lasting remembrance on behalf of you, your family, or your organization.
Three sizes are available:
- 4×8″ Brick – $100
- 8×8″ Brick – $500
- 12×12″ Brick – $1,000
Each brick becomes a daily reminder and encouragement to the Veterans, staff, and community members who help “Return Healthy Veterans to America.” We are hopeful you will secure your brick as soon as possible and encourage others to do the same.
You may purchase your brick online at polarengraving.com/healthyveterans. If you have any questions about the brick program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to bricks@healthyveterans.org.
2. Sponsor a Banner in Our New Arena
Another way for businesses and organizations to make a visible impact is to secure one of the limited number of banner sponsorships inside our new riding arena. These banners will be prominently displayed throughout the year at events and daily operations, providing exposure and aligning your brand with a mission on behalf of our nation’s Veterans.
- 6×8 ft Banner – $2,500/year
- 6×12 ft Banner – $4,000/year
- 6×24 ft Banner – $7,500/year
For more information or to express interest, please email us at sponsorship@healthyveterans.org.
3. Stay Tuned for Additional Giving Opportunities
In the coming weeks, we will be announcing high value, legacy giving opportunities including naming rights, hosted events, and specialized partnerships. These opportunities are ideal for individuals or organizations looking to make a long-term, strategic impact on our mission. If you’re interested in exploring these possibilities early, please reach out to firerelief@healthyveterans.org.
Whether you’re honoring a Veteran, promoting your business, or called to be part of a noble mission to help our nation’s Veterans heal; we humbly ask for your help. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to saving even more lives, restoring more families, and Returning Healthy Veterans to America.
Thank you for standing with us. See you at Valor Farm!
New Valor Farm Equestrian Center Flythrough
Why Rebuilding Is Important
How Great Thou Art!
Hope For The Heart podcast, Building Resilience & Caring for Our Veterans with Maj. Gen. Bob Dees (Ret.)
Around the Table with Vickie podcast, Hope For Veterans with Maj. Gen. Bob Dees (Ret.)
Calendar
Weekly NCHV Schedule
August 2025
|
Prayer Points
- Pray for transition of leadership in Washington D.C., and for national security at home and abroad.
- 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.
- Without mentioning specifics, pray for the many Veterans and their families in our midst who have financial issues, health crises, relational dysfunction, and suffer from mental and emotional challenges. May God bring wellness to Veterans throughout the land. May we together, “Return 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.
- Pray that the work of the National Center for Healthy Veterans would rapidly advance to provide help, hope, and healing for our nation’s Veterans and their families.
