GLEASON, Wis. — An organization in northern Wisconsin is expanding its offerings to help more veterans heal.
Country Haven Farm is located off a dirt road in the small town of Gleason. Surrounded by land for as far as the eye can see, the only real neighbors are the animals on the farm.
Otto and Vickie Reetz own Country Haven Farm. They call it a hobby farm, or a small-scale farm that’s primarily used for pleasure rather than a business venture.
They said their hope is for more veterans to be able to use the farm as a retreat.
The couple also runs Wounded Warriors United of Wisconsin, a nonprofit organization, which was created nearly a decade ago to take veterans on all expenses paid hunting and fishing trips across the U.S.
Through doing that work, Otto and Vickie Reetz said they realized veterans needed something more.
They said they believe Country Haven Farm is a perfect sanctuary. It’s secluded in nature, close to hunting and fishing opportunities and it offers the chance to interact with farm animals. These offerings can often be therapeutic.
“This is going to make a difference for vets for decades,” said Vickie Reetz. “This is permanent. It’s not going anywhere. We’re not going anywhere.”
Otto and Vickie Reetz aren’t veterans themselves. Yet, they said they’ve always felt a calling to help those who serve our country.
“We wouldn’t have this lifestyle, these opportunities if it wasn’t for veterans that give up and sacrifice so much for us,” said Vickie Reetz.
They’ve already had some veterans come stay in a trailer at Country Haven Farm, but the trailer is not suitable for winter conditions. That’s why Otto and Vickie Reetz are working to fundraise $150,000 to build a cabin on the property. They will offer the cabin to veterans and their families for free stays, year-round.
“We can’t do this without community help,” said Vickie Reetz. “It is such an attainable goal.”
“Just for them to be able to get away and be in the country, where they never have experienced that,” said Otto Reetz. “This is our dream. This is what we are working so hard on right now to make happen.”
Randy Adair visits the farm often to check in. Adair is a Marine veteran who runs the Veterans Service Office for Langlade County. He said he’s excited about the prospect of being able to offer veterans a place in the area to relax and unplug from the stress of everyday life.
“It’s a nice calming place to be, where you can reflect and relax and do something other than your busy city life,” Adair said.
To donate to Country Haven Farm and Wounded Warriors United of Wisconsin, click here.