Combat vet 100% disabled (Chrons,PTSD, partial blindness) looking to startover

I was just laid of today although I have enthusing the works for a bit I have put more applications out than I care to say and I luck so I with my wife and 4 children are looking to embark on this journey listend to almot all of the pod cast relaxation of other materiel and as a help have been a closet prepper for a bit. But I have no idea where to begin aside from getter by out of the city but even there Ian at a loss any advise help critsim or even the ocasional daragoraty remak would be appreciated!

Hi Paul and welcome to Permies!

I can understand your wanting to get out of town and lead a more healing life for you and your family. I don't know where you're located, but perhaps you could get together with other permies in your neck of the woods for a start - just to find out what's going on - maybe volunteer on a project site, etc.

You are also not alone in being a vet here. There are many who have experienced too much and are turning to permaculture as a healing process.

Although I'm not a vet, I do have a debilitating autoimmune disease (Wegener's Granulomatosis) and am also partially blind because of it. Permaculture has made a huge difference in my life.

Grand Rapids MI ish

Paul - I added your post to the "Midwest USA" forum. Many people use these regional forums to reach out to others in their area. You might start a post with "looking for permies in the Grand Rapids, MI area". I think being active with other permies in your area would let you explore different directions you could go.

Hi Paul,

I got wife, four kids and PTSD as well:)

We've been working on transforming our lives and transplanting ourselves out of the city for a couple of years now and it is a process for us. I'd suggest that you gather as much info about homesteading and permaculture as you can. The more you know the better decisions you're going to make. And if you have space start a vegetable garden where you're living now.

I did get pretty good treatment for PTSD last year and most of the symptoms subsided significantly. It involved, as the lady who did the treatment talked about it, getting rid of some 'seven-dementional power beings' that were 'occupying my inner space'. It sounds like voodoo but it worked a lot better than anything else.

And don't look down on public assistance.

Paul Henley wrote:I was just laid of today although I have enthusing the works for a bit I have put more applications out than I care to say and I luck so I with my wife and 4 children are looking to embark on this journey listend to almot all of the pod cast relaxation of other materiel and as a help have been a closet prepper for a bit. But I have no idea where to begin aside from getter by out of the city but even there Ian at a loss any advise help critsim or even the ocasional daragoraty remak would be appreciated!

Brother, welcome! I can empathize with you from shared experiences enough to faithfully say I think you are on a good path. I too am a disabled veteran, I did have/had PTSD from years of war in the infantry but I have greatly reduced this condition over the years. My body has taken a beating, but I believe I am on a good path to a decent recovery. Part of what has drawn me to permaculture and sustainability, or rather what had reopened the doors to this interest I partially credit to my experiences in the military.

Thanks! I am gathering so much info I don't sleep much so lots of Internet and podcasts I do have a garden and will be expanding it almost 5 times in size this year unfortunately no huglekultre (can't spell) not enoughspce and I don't think it would fly where I live however I will be putting in a shollow well or drawing from m the creek near by after a charcoal filter to remove any VOC,s

Hi Paul,

I'm north of Grand Rapids, there are a few of us kicking around up here. Some are pasturing meat, Joel Salatin style. Some are growing medicinal herbs. Some are starting a You-Pick. I am attempting a nursery for useful trees, shrubs, and a vine or two. There are 6 families that I know of in a 15 mile radius that are working in permaculture farming. Of course, it's a little cold right now to show you around, but we have plenty of time to talk. Send a private message if you want to connect.

Andrew
I would love to meet up some time, just to know how far north like Rockford or cedersprings or like traverse lol and as a warning I am a big firearms guy Im not pushy about it or anything but it tends to pop up in conversations I not sure as I am new how most feel about 2nd amendment stuff so if that's cool any time let me know and thanks again! This was ment as a PM but no make computer work

Paul Henley wrote:Andrew
I would love to meet up some time, just to know how far north like Rockford or cedersprings or like traverse lol and as a warning I am a big firearms guy Im not pushy about it or anything but it tends to pop up in conversations I not sure as I am new how most feel about 2nd amendment stuff so if that's cool any time let me know and thanks again! This was ment as a PM but no make computer work

Cedar Springs and Sand Lake area. We have guns, my wife hunts, and I like to shoot at targets every once in awhile. Guns are absolutely a nice tool to have around (Venison!), but for me the subject isn't important enough to influence my voting patterns. We could start with something a little less contentious; do you drink beer, or do you prefer coffee?

Both depends the day or time of day always noon someware right and just thought I'd warn ya about the guns

Paul, I ran across your message today and was wondering how things are going for you. I am also a vet (as is my wife) and I also suffer from long-term PTSD. Fortunately, my case is not extreme. I stay away from war type movies and such so the nightmares don't bother me too often any longer. Also, I suffer from a disease that is similar to CRPS but doesn't quite fit the bill in every way. It's a long story that doesn't matter. What matters is that I am here to listen if you want to talk. I'm hoping that life is going better for you by now but the offer stands. I can definitely relate to how you feel. After my last tour I got let go from the second job I had after getting out of the army. 21 years later, I know that it was the best thing that every happened to me. At the time, I was distraught to say the least. Best Wishes, Jeff

Hello Paul!

I am new to premies, but when I read your post, I needed to reply. I am not sure if you have heard of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, but they are an organization that was created to help veterans transition to farmers. I just found out about them last month, and I am still learning all that they offer, but it looks like something worth looking into as a veteran wanting to get into farming/agriculture. My family will be moving to Michigan in February, and we hope to practice homesteading for the three years we will be there (the hubby is still active duty). I contacted the Michigan representative and he has been super helpful not only with the farming aspect of things (talking about finding a mentor, programs in the area that would be a good fit, etc.), but even with the basics of moving to the area.

Anyway, I felt the need to pass this info on. I wish you the best of luck!

Farmer Veteran Coalition

Tina

Paul,
First let me say Welcome and Thank you for your service! I did 24 years USAF then another 7 years in Iraq and Afghanistan doing CIED.
I too had to move to the country for my decompression! It's peaceful and quiet...
This is the BEST place for information on ANY subject for farming/homesteading/growing etc you can ever belong to... hands down!
I asked how to regrow the hay fields on the property we bought. It hadn't had anything done with it in 30+ years.
I had several people give me solid information and advice!
I will soon be building an aquaponics setup and asked questions. Again...I received feedback.
I asked about Japanese beetles... again feedback was positive.
I have SO many projects in the fire ..I loose track!

I wish you all the best .. and again...WELCOME HOME!!

Thomas Clodfelter

If all goes well I will be closing on a property real soon. { 12.7 Acres }

I don't need all of this property.

I am looking for 4 vets with or without families.

You help me and I'll help you.

Just my Opinion: Maine is a great location.

Let me tell you why.

Would you consider Northern Maine ? I have an acre or two that you can work on in exchange for helping me. Work the acreage properly and in short order you could be making money. This is an excellent area to live. Almost all the people are just plain good. There are jobs available as well. We could build you a Cabin on skids. When you put together about $ 3000.00, I know of many in the area that will finance you. Especially if they can see the work you have already completed. Load the cabin on a truck then move to your own place. You will also have the outbuildings you will need to be up and in operation. Things you will need like an outhouse, woodshed on skids, smoker on skids, etc.. I think you get the idea.

I'm glad to see so many vets here. We are both veterans, husband an OEF vet with mild tbi, ptsd and some other issues. Living simply on the land is the only way he could survive. Would love to connect with other Oklahoma veterans who share our interests in self-sufficiency and sustainability.

Would you consider Maine ?