Welcome
Dear Friends of the National Center for Healthy Veterans at Valor Farm,
First, may you have a powerful July 4th as you reflect on God’s goodness to America for 250 years, and as you contemplate the next 250 years of American history. Later in this newsletter, Diving Deeper entitled “A Hopeful America” has my thoughts on this national milestone and how we all can continue to serve God, Nation, and Others.
According to our Artificial Intelligence friends, Momentum is the psychological and physical energy (and I would add spiritual energy) created by taking consistent, actionable steps toward your goals. At NCHV we are grateful to God for His favor in many ways, for our hardworking staff, and for the momentum which is driving better outcomes for more Veterans. The highlights in the sections of this newsletter illustrate this momentum:
Plays of the Day – Barn Update, Another One and Done, Make Hay While the Summer is Shining, Maintenance Shop Construction
Meet the Team – Hannah Massengill, Barn Manager
Diving Deeper – A Hopeful America by Bob Dees
In The Media – Kevin Curtis Patriot Graduate Interview
Prayer Points – Join us in prayer as we continue to support and empower Veterans.
As those of you who have enjoyed lunch at Valor Farm, each day one of our Patriots highlights their thoughts about the NCHV “word of the week” (WOW). These are powerful, unvarnished, biblically informed reflections from our Patriots as they struggle, grow, develop healthy thought patterns, and hone their speaking skills. The week covering Encouragement was inspiring, as were the weeks on Leadership, Forgiveness, Authenticity, and many others.
Last week the word was Generosity. The Patriots are learning that stewardship is loosening your grip on what is in your hands and generously giving it to others in need. It is humbling to see these Patriots begin to share their modest means with others as they learn about tithing and giving in their financial literacy classes. As well our Patriots are discovering that “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corin 9:7) and “The generous man will be prosperous.” (Prov 11:25)
I must admit that this challenges my own generosity and perhaps yours. As with these Patriots who have seen much trauma and trouble, may each of us be cheerful, generous givers as God provides the means to do so. In this vein, we at NCHV are extremely grateful for those of you who encourage, volunteer, offer gifts-in-kind, donate financially, refer Veterans in need, and PRAY. May we together continue in this Spirit of Generosity.
Blessings and gratitude to each of you,
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
Barn Update
Construction continues to move forward on the new barn, and it’s exciting to see the progress that’s being made. Week by week, another piece is added, bringing this important project closer to completion.
The barn is one of the final major pieces of the fire recovery effort. Once complete, it will restore the equine program to full capacity and provide space for Patriots to continue learning, growing, and working alongside the horses that play such an important role in their healing journey.
There’s still work to be done, but seeing this building come back to life is an exciting reminder of just how far the ministry has come since the fire. The finish line is getting closer, and everyone is looking forward to the day the doors officially open once again.
Another One and Done
This week marks another exciting milestone at Valor Farm as Community Center 2 is expected to receive its certificate of occupancy. Once that happens, the building will be furnished and ready for Patriots to begin using.
Combined with the sidewalks, landscaping, and other finishing touches that have recently been completed, Village 2 is officially reaching the finish line.
What’s especially exciting about projects like this is that they’re truly one-and-done. Once a village is built, it’s there to serve Veterans for decades to come. It’s another permanent piece of infrastructure that will continue changing lives long after the construction crews have left.
With Village 2 complete, attention will soon shift to Village 3. The concrete slabs have already been poured, and the next phase will be constructing the final 13 tiny homes. Once those homes are complete, all three residential villages at Valor Farm will be finished, which is a milestone that has been years in the making.
Make Hay While the Summer is Shining
There’s an old saying: “Make hay while the sun shines.” It’s all about making the most of the season you’re in.
Summer tends to look a little different at the National Center for Healthy Veterans. While there may not be as many fundraising events or large development activities happening, that doesn’t mean things slow down.
In many ways, summer is one of the most productive times of the year. It’s a chance to strengthen systems behind the scenes, keep construction projects moving forward, prepare for the busy months ahead, and most importantly, continue investing in the Veterans who are here every day.
It’s also one of the best times to experience life on the farm. The horses are active, Patriots are working throughout the property, projects are moving ahead, and every day brings new opportunities for growth and healing.
Every season has a purpose, and this summer is no different. While others may see a quieter season, the work of restoring Veterans continues every single day.
Maintenance Shop Construction
Another important piece of the fire recovery effort was completed this week with the construction of the new maintenance shop.
This building will provide a dedicated space for everything from vehicle maintenance to equipment repairs and the countless projects that help keep a 339-acre farm operating smoothly.
Thanks to the generosity of the Amherst Rotary Club, the shop has already been outfitted with welding equipment, creating an exciting new opportunity for Patriots to develop valuable trade skills. Before long, welding classes will be added alongside the existing woodworking program, continuing to expand the vocational training available at Valor Farm.
Every completed building represents another step toward full fire recovery. While each project serves a different purpose, they all work together to create an environment where Veterans can heal, learn new skills, and prepare for successful lives beyond the program.
Meet The Team
Hannah Massengill – Barn Manager
Hi! My name is Hannah Massengill, and I’m the barn manager here at NCHV. Pictured with me is my husband, Luke. He and I met a little over three years ago, right after he graduated from Marine Corps Bootcamp and was going through the schoolhouse at Camp Lejeune, NC. Since then, life has been full of change, growth, and a lot of learning together. In his contract, Luke has deployed three times, and he’ll be finishing his service this August. Being by his side while he served our country has been one of the biggest honors of my life, and I’m excited to support him as he steps into this next chapter outside the military.
A little about me: I grew up in a small town in Connecticut before moving to Lynchburg, Virginia, in high school. Horses have always been a passion of mine, even when I didn’t have the chance to pursue it fully. Moving to Virginia and being surrounded by agriculture opened that door for me, and once I stepped into the world of horses and livestock, everything clicked. I’ve seen God’s hand in this passion from the very beginning, guiding me, growing me, and ultimately leading me to NCHV. A place where I get to use what I love to give back to those who have served so selflessly.
One of my favorite parts of this job is watching our Patriots connect with the horses. Whether they’re doing daily barn chores or riding, seeing them learn each horse’s personality and find one they truly bond with is something special. Watching those relationships form is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
God has guided every step that brought me here. from my childhood love of horses to meeting Luke, to finding my place at NCHV. I’m thankful for the chance to serve, to support, and to be part of something bigger than myself. I can’t wait to see what He has planned next.
Diving Deeper
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In The Media
Kevin Curtis Graduate Interview
- Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. Scheduled Tourscontact@healthyveterans.org if interested.
- First Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Community Campfire at Valor Farm
Come join us for fellowship!
July 2026:
- Open Arena @ Valor Farm – July 2nd, July 16th 5PM
- Community Campfire @ Valor Farm – July 2nd 7PM
- Volunteer Day @ Valor Farm – July 18th 9am contact volunteer@healthyveterans.org for details
August 2026:
- Hillcats Military Appreciation Game – August 8th Link to buy tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Nationalcenter76 .
- New Patriot Orientation and Housewarming – August 18th
- Patriot Trimester and Course Graduation – August 19th
- Volunteer Day @ Valor Farm – August 15th 9am contact volunteer@healthyveterans.org for details
September 2026:
- MSG (R) Chris Spence Speaking @ Valor Farm – September 12th 1PM
- Buck Brannaman Horsemanship Clinic @ Spirit of Virginia Arena – September 18th-20th
- NCHV Barn Raising: Barn Ribbon Cutting – September 25th
October 2026:
- 310 Ranch Life Roping Clinic @ Spirit of Virginia Arena – October 24th-25th
November 2026:
- 6th Annual Veterans Day Commemoration – November 11th 5PM
Prayer Points
- Pray for leadership in Washington D.C., and for national security at home and abroad.
- We pray for the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
- 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.
