The American Legion’s mission is to support veterans, and Charles F. Thomas IV Post 117 is actively fulfilling this objective. In alignment with this mission, Auxiliary Unit 117 member Debbie Nixon suggested the creation of a Veterans Healing Garden to assist our veterans. To our knowledge, this garden will be the first of its kind within the Legion. “It aims to reduce the rate of veteran suicide through therapeutic gardening, which promotes healing of the mind, body and soul,” stated Nixon. It serves as a place of solidarity, reflection and community for both veterans and their families.
The development of the Veterans Healing Garden was made possible through the efforts of Legion members, Odyssey Charter School students, the Home Depot Foundation and community support. Various businesses contributed their expertise in building the ADA-compliant deck, creating the garden sign, painting the mural and more. Post 117 received a grant from the Home Depot Foundation worth $7,933, which provided substantial support for the project. Since August 2024, numerous hours have been dedicated by all involved to establish what the garden has become today.
The Veterans Healing Garden will serve as an extension of The American Legion's leading nationwide initiative Be the One, which seeks to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health treatment and, in turn, reduce the number of veterans who die by suicide each day. Through the combined efforts of gardening and the Be the One initiative, we aim to significantly address veteran suicide.
On Feb, 8, 2025, National Vice Commander James Lasyght, Department of Florida Commander Christopher Hamrick, staff and other members of the American Legion, visited Post 117. During their visit, they toured the garden. Post Adjutant Dana Jackson remarked, “Our goal is to spread awareness of the garden throughout the American Legion Family.”
Debbie Nixon will be putting together a how-to guide to help others build a garden that will help veterans and stomp out the suicide rate.