Day 20 of the Valhalla Project Homestead Marathon exercise! At the 2/3 mark of the exercise we have some observations: The homestead-readiness for emergencies portion of the exercise has gone well. We’re at the stage where perishables are gone – either consumed, fed to the chickens, or in the compost pile. Our plan to use freezer, dehydrated and pantry storage items has worked very well. We’ve made clam chowder with garlic cheese toasts, sprouts for sandwiches and stirfries, pots of beans seasoned with wild hog, multiple venison dishes, Julia Child’s favorite chocolate custard from scratch, rum-spiked brownies with walnuts, and much more. Bottom line is that the food plan works fine and does not rely on stores of expensive pre-packaged “survival” food available on the market. MREs and such are not only unnecessary but they are for the most part a waste of time and are marginally flavorful and of suspect nutritional value. You certainly can prepare your own supplies that are relatively inexpensive and are items that you enjoy eating and are healthy for you, too. Any veterans interested in learning how we do it – and there are many, many techniques and approaches – are welcome to apply and come here to learn how restaurant-quality meals can come out of a well-planned pantry on a homestead. On the outreach to veterans side of this Homesteading Marathon exercise thus far, the results have been disappointing. We are still waiting for the first contact or application from a qualified veteran post-9/11 combat veteran who might wish to come for a stay at Valhalla. Why is this? We don’t know, but wish we had a better idea. Initially we thought that activities such as the Homestead Marathon would be of great appeal to a spectrum of vets ranging from someone who might like to have company over the holidays to those who are interested in learning about independent living and a self-reliant lifestyle. We did hear from one individual who clearly never took the time to read the Valhalla FAQs and who wanted to work here for cash while also bringing along his wife and child (Valhalla is designed exclusively for transitioning combat vets and is not equipped to accommodate the special needs of children or spouses). Once we explained that was not the procedure here we have not heard from him since. In the past we’ve had a similar non-response from individuals who insisted on bringing their dogs, cats, or other personal pets. Sorry about that, Sportsfans, it doesn’t work that way. In the past we’ve made a point that we reject the notion highly prevalent in American society that veterans are victims. We have repeatedly challenged veterans who are having issues to come to Valhalla and regain a sense of mission and purpose that has been missing from their lives for awhile. Apparently that idea has not resonated with vets many of whom would benefit most from a stay here. Do they also buy into the idea that they are victims and act accordingly? We sincerely hope not but we’re not the first to raise the question. Ironically we have received several requests from individuals interested in doing something similar to Valhalla Project. They like the idea of what we’re attempting here and wish to start something along the same lines. We still like the concept also and are committed to it, but are beginning to wonder if the receptive audience is somehow not aware or not listening. If you have suggestions or ideas we’d like to hear them. Final word: we at Valhalla Project are here or vets, but we don’t chase, we don’t bend, and we don’t compromise our values. Nonetheless, we are highly committed to the mission and purpose to which we have dedicated the Valhalla Project. We are here for the combat vet. If that appeals to you, contact us.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 01:30:27 +0000
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