Veterans get a look at ranch retreat

A group of over 100 veterans and their families came out to Central Oregon Veterans Ranch (COVR) on Memorial Day to have a look around the newly acquired 19-acre ranch property with a four-bedroom home and barn.

COVR started as the vision of Alison Perry, licensed professional counselor, with inspiration from her MEDEVAC helicopter pilot brother Todd, to help restore purpose and spirit to veterans of all ages. She thanked everybody for being part of this amazing project to honor our veterans from all wars, then turned the mic over to chaplain and Marine veteran Ernie Tafalla from Partners in Care (PIC) Bend. He said it gave him chills as he talked about how this vision became reality and added, "PIC wants to do everything they can to serve those who served our country."

Board members, including President Howard Gorman, Treasurer Joe Jezukewicz, and Director Wayne Heuple, were enthusiastic about the project as they talked with visitors about the need for fundraising and connections within the community. "We're always going to need community funding for veteran programs," said Gorman. "The government can't do the job alone. It's up to us at the local level to help."

Local veterans, COCC students, began volunteering with the ranch after choosing the organization for a class project. Chris Dahlen (Army) and Sean Kennedy (Marines), who were there helping people sign in, organized a chili cook-off at Bend High School for their small group communication class, all proceeds going to COVR.

With the help of private investors Tom and Melanie Kemper to secure the land, the nonprofit Central Oregon Veterans Ranch is moving forward with raising funds for the renovation and development of the 19-acre parcel between Redmond and Bend, with a breathtaking view of the Cascades. They were recently awarded $8,000 for remodel supplies from a national hardware corporation and are seeking a donor to match funds to complete the renovation for an adult foster home that will specialize in hospice care on the property.

Veteran volunteers and contractors have been on hand to help with remodeling the existing home, and management of the grounds. The volunteer base is growing and veterans will be developing and maintaining an active farm by learning sustainable agriculture and growing food. Surplus food will be donated to food banks. The group will be recruiting veteran teachers and instructors from the community with a focus on approaches such as permaculture and holistic management.

The effort has been supported by Washington Federal in Sisters and is garnering interest from statewide agricultural lending groups with grant reserves for nonprofits. They work closely with OSU Extension Agent Scott Duggan and Vietnam veteran and ag teacher John Jeans.

With about 20,000 veterans scattered over Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, there is a large population to be served. Perry is excited to see opportunities for veterans to learn, serve, and heal, already happening at the property, which is quickly becoming a hub for veterans. She was excited to share, "We had a veteran guest from Medford who wants to start a similar model in their community."

For information, to donate, or for a tour, call 541-706-9062, visit www.central oregonveteransranch.org, or find them on Facebook.