Veteran Stories
Cultivating Peace
After the Frontline.
Our veteran gardeners find healing not in silence, but in the soil and the rhythmic peace of growth. Read the narratives of those reclaiming their soul and their seeds.
Featured
Stories That Move Us
Eric and Kim Brefini
“This garden has taken things to a whole other level. It has given me a purpose, a reason to wake up.”Read Their Story
Joe Gaulton
“As a soldier I was taught not to quit. Now I know you should listen to your body and take care of it.”Read Their Story
I exchanged blood on my hands for soil on my hands. I was now bringing things to life.
Mike Trost
Co-Founder, Frontline Gardens · 32-Year Army Veteran
Every Garden Has a Name
More Veterans, More Growth
Each garden we build carries a story of service, sacrifice, and renewal. These are the people behind the raised beds.
Bernie KoPrince
Son: LCpl William C. Koprince Jr., USMC, KIA Iraq, 2006
“This beautiful garden will remind me of our times together in the outdoors.”Read Their Story
Jared Gould
After a blast injury in Romania left him hearing and visually impaired, Jared found purpose in the garden.Read Their Story
Tammy Pederson
“I look forward to growing and thriving in my life as I watch what I plant and nurture become food for my family.”Read Their Story
Daniel Bivens
“Gardening is a great way for me and my wife to spend time together and heal.”Read Their Story
Richard and Jane Fink
Dick and Jane, married 44 years, found new purpose through gardening in Madisonville, Tennessee.Read Their Story
Amy Rose
“My love for gardening started when I was born into a family landscaping business. I’ve longed to get back to that peace.”Read Their Story
Kim Pollard
As both a veteran and a Gold Star wife, Kim found solace in the garden’s quiet rhythms.Read Their Story
Bianca Hubbard
“Excited for this opportunity for my children and I to help build, watch and tend to growing things.”Read Their Story
Donald Elliott
After a severe back injury during Desert Shield left him medically retired, Donald found a new mission through gardening.Read Their Story
Laura and Milton Kingsley
After a decade of service from Fort Benning to Panama, Milton found the peace of civilian life in a raised garden bed.Read Their Story
Kenny and Brandi Vanderpool
From Iraq to Africa to a K9 unit at Orlando International, the garden is where the mission finally gets quiet.Read Their Story
Sgt. Douglas J. Riney
KIA Afghanistan, October 19, 2016
His family carries his memory forward through the garden built in his honor.Read Their Story
We honor those who gave everything, and the families who carry their memory forward through the soil.
Frontline Gardens builds memorial gardens for Gold Star families as a living tribute to the fallen. Each garden is a place of peace, remembrance, and growth.
Know a Veteran Who
Could Use a Garden?
We accept applications year-round. If you or someone you know is a veteran or first responder dealing with PTSD, we want to help.