'Shared Culture': A Community United for our Veterans

Charles George was a Cherokee native who demonstrated remarkable courage and ultimately sacrificed his life to defend his fellow soldiers. Although he never achieved Veteran status, his legacy remains an integral part of western North Carolina.

Alan “Al” Yeck, the executive director of the Veterans Healing Farm, reflects on this legacy while pointing to a photograph of the war hero’s parents displayed on the wall of their newest VA Health Care Telehealth Outpost.

“The photograph shows Charles George’s parents receiving the Medal of Honor on his behalf,” Yeck explained. “Looking at the picture, they appear sad and convey that they would trade that Medal of Honor for their son in an instant. This feeling is shared by all of us who have lost loved ones.” 

Yeck is aware of the sacrifices service members and Veterans face; which is why the farm is dedicated to supporting their mental, emotional, and physical well-being, as well as that of their families.

When the opportunity arose for the nonprofit organization to facilitate seamless connections between Veterans and their VA providers, Yeck eagerly raised his hand. “We love our Charles George VA Medical Center, and we recognize the quality care we receive as Veterans,” he said. 

The new VA Health Care Telehealth Outpost aims to improve Veterans’ access to VA virtual care services in the region. It provides a private appointment room with reliable internet access and the technology necessary to connect Veterans with their VA providers. This service helps Veterans access the care they need by minimizing travel time and addressing internet connectivity issues.

Healing at the Farm

“When you bring Veterans together—planting, harvesting, and caring for the land—you create a powerful environment for healing,” said Yeck, explaining the benefits of agritherapy.

Sarah Friedman, a research study coordinator, agrees and said that incorporating the healing farm creates pathways to care delivery and leverages the skills of VA clinicians.

Friedman highlighted that the Veterans Healing Farm is a champion of mental health care, creating a safe and peaceful environment that fosters healing and camaraderie.

As part of the program offerings, the Veterans Healing Farm includes agritherapy such as organic farming, beekeeping, and medicinal herbs, along with a variety of other therapeutic activities, workshops, and live events.

During the process of establishing the telehealth outpost at the Veterans Healing Farm, a primary factor was the enthusiasm of their staff. “They outfitted the room with incredible art and furniture; their commitment to the project drives the process,” said Friedman.

In her role, Friedman offers ongoing individualized support on connectivity, devices, and digital skills. “Working from the VA provides the opportunity to integrate telehealth and all the ways VA healthcare is available through digital means,” she added.

Shared Culture

Yeck said that western North Carolina is a supportive community for Veterans. He has collaborated with multiple organizations focused on serving Veterans, such as Brothers and Sisters Like These and Horse Sense of the Carolinas.

“For every veteran-focused organization in western North Carolina, we help each other,” said Yeck. “For example, Horse Sense of the Carolinas provides equine therapy, and we bring them to the farm to conduct those sessions.”

For Yeck, western North Carolina is always seeking ways to help one another and connect with Veterans. The farm offers a variety of programs for Veterans throughout the year, to learn more, please visit: 

www. veteranshealingfarm.org. The farms new location is at 38 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC 28795.