Located in Central Nebraska, Detachment 1  is in the process of building a networking group in the area.  It is focused on creating a much needed social group within the Veteran community while offering opportunities for support, personal growth and outreach.  We will focus on supporting Veterans in all stages of life: to include those in need or at risk of financial difficulties and lacking a safety network. The group will also provide resources on topics such as financial wellness coaching, community speakers job opportunities and increasing awareness of VA benefits. 

Focus includes:

• Social connection
• Peer support
• Financial Wellness and Coaching
• Community/Local Business Guest Speakers
• Exploring Educational and job opportunities available in the community. 
• Support VSO initiatives and awareness of VA Benefits.

We are blessed to have the support of Kona Earth, a 30-acre coffee farm in the heart of Kona’s coffee belt in Hawai’i. When we approached husband and wife owners Steve and Joanie Wynn with our vision for UVN, they immediately offered their farm for our pilot program. 

Our veteran participants will find a comfortable “home base” at Kona Earth during their stay. The Wynns have offered their farmhouse on the property so that participants can fully immerse themselves in life on the farm.

The Wynns nurture their Kona coffee from crop to cup and are excited to share this passion in such a rewarding way. Steve will work alongside the vets as they learn the ropes of Kona coffee farming. In addition to day-to-day farm management, harvest season presents an opportunity for them to learn about coffee processing. Joanie will share her knowledge of running the business and selling Kona Earth products direct-to-consumer through their e-commerce store. 

During downtimes, vets can relax on the lanai and take in ocean views and tropical breezes while sipping the delicious Hawaiian specialty coffee they've helped to grow. There is space for a vegetable garden where they can learn to grow their own food.

Throughout their varied careers, Steve and Joanie have always been committed to giving back. The idea of supporting United Veterans Network deeply resonated with them. Steve’s dad was in the Army, Joanie’s dad was in the Air Force and her mom toured with USO during the Korean War. They understand the dedication of service members and are humbled to offer their farm as a way to contribute to veteran healing.   

United Veterans Network is a non-profit organization headquartered in Holualoa Hawaii. Tax ID  501 (c)(3) 88-1859908

The initial programs will take place in Nebraska and at Kona Earth in Holualoa, with plans of expansion to include:

• Build network of detachments throughout mainland.
• Purchase additional farm  in Hawaii to ensure long-term sustainability. 
• Currently exploring how our program can augment/add value to an existing program focused on Post Traumatic Growth (PTG).
• Expand the program to the US mainland to include shared housing opportunities for Veterans in geographic areas of need. 
• We are currently building a relationship with the founders of a shared housing program to adapt their housing model to our Veteran needs. 
• By minimizing the symptoms of PTSD through farming and creating housing opportunities to combat Veteran homelessness, we will ultimately  reduce the number of Veteran suicides.