Spotlight: Veterans Garden of Augusta Co.

In this episode, we sit down with Army veteran and former wildland firefighter Jordan, whose story bridges combat, trauma, soil science, and community. After serving with the 173rd Airborne and deploying to Afghanistan, Jordan pursued forestry, hotshot wildfire crews, and helicopter rappel operations — a career path that collided hard with PTSD triggers tied to smoke, radios, and even sleeping bags. His mental health journey ultimately pushed him to redefine what resilience looks like.And that’s where gardening comes in.Jordan’s passion for soil, native plants, and regenerative growing became more than a hobby — it became a lifeline. Now back in the Shenandoah Valley, he’s building Veterans Garden of Augusta, a community-first initiative designed to give veterans accessible garden plots, horticulture-based healing, education, and a place to belong. In just one week, his idea sparked a chain of “green lights”: mentors, land offers, local org support, master gardeners, apple trees, and more.We talk about:navigating PTSD triggers and career transitionthe science of soil and why gardening became his therapythe lack of veteran-friendly growing spaces in Augusta Countyhis plan for wheelchair-accessible beds, PTSD-conscious design, and “stew gardens”how SALUTE of Virginia is partnering with him to launch VGA under fiscal sponsorshipthe role of community, kids, and finding purpose againThis episode captures the exact moment a veteran’s new mission is born — equal parts messy, hopeful, funny, raw, and deeply inspiring.---Resources & Info:→ ⁠Veterans Garden of Augusta Co.→ Contact: [email protected] | Find flyers and schedules at the Salute building---Listen & Subscribe to Veteran Story Hour: Voices of Valor, Presented by SALUTE of Virginia, everywhere podcasts can be heardEvery veteran has a story worth preserving—stories of courage, sacrifice, humor, and humanity. Veteran Story Hour captures these remarkable personal histories directly from the voices of the men and women who’ve served our nation. Recorded live each week at SALUTE of Virginia in Waynesboro, this podcast creates a living history, ensuring these powerful memories are preserved and shared for generations to come. Hosted by John Fairbanks of the Shenandoah Valley Story Network, join us as we honor those who served by listening, reflecting, and remembering.Because every veteran’s story deserves to be told—and every voice deserves to be heard.