We believe slowing down to watch the sunset over the tree line…
Watching the cows graze…
Listening to the crickets and the frogs…
Working with your hands…
While surrounded by fellow Veterans…
Provides purpose and healing.
A week-long stay at the Veterans retreat isn’t just a vacation. It’s respite. Project Gallantly Forward was created to walk beside Veterans facing challenges like TBI, PTS, and other invisible wounds of service, including suicide. We invite you and your family to join us for a complimentary stay at the farm—a peaceful haven where you can rest, recuperate, and reconnect in a tranquil, supportive setting.
We’ve incorporated several therapeutic elements into the development of the retreat including:
- Veteran-to-Veteran Support is the foundation of PGF’s mission. Through R&R stays, volunteerism and events for local Veterans, and future plans for a bunkhouse available for longer term stays, we are building a community of Veterans. The about page goes into more detail concerning the research and our mission to help Veterans move forward together.
- Nature and Agriculture: Research shows engaging with nature, participating in physical activity, and experiencing a sense of purpose and accomplishment through farming can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.
- Trauma-Informed Design: PGF partnered with UTC’s Responsive Design class for layout and design recommendations utilizing trauma-informed design and color theory to make the cabins an ideal retreat for Veterans and their families.
- Physical Activity: A current list of recreational opportunities are listed below and we plan to incorporate more activities in the future.
- Honoring Service: PGF was built through the grassroots efforts of a community of individuals and businesses who appreciate the sacrifices Veterans have made and continue to make for them and this country. Veteran R&R remains free of charge thanks to their ongoing support, and sharing this beautiful retreat with Veterans is the community’s way of honoring your service. The Memorial Fenceline at PGF is another way the community can honor specific Veterans.
Who can stay? At this time ALL US Military Veterans who were honorably discharged qualify to stay at the retreat.
On-Site Recreation includes:
- Farm Tours, subject to schedule availability
- Feeding chickens, subject to schedule availability
- 9-hole Disc Golf Course (Thanks to Bryan College and C4 Church)
- Wide open spaces to run and play
- Fire Pit
- Catch-and-Release Fishing
- BYO paddleboard or kayak
- Read a book from our tiny library (Courtesy of Soddy Daisy Community Library)
The farm is on Flat Top Mountain, about 45 minutes north of downtown Chattanooga and 10 minutes from multiple trailheads for the Cumberland Trail State Park
What accommodations do we offer?
We currently have 2 cabins and 3 RV/Camper spots, capable of supporting 250+ Veteran families per year. Select your preferred accommodations to find out more and book a stay.
Questions? Email christine@projectgallantlyforward.org