For veterans, a place where peace can take root
The West LA Veterans Affairs Campus features a garden revitalized by Iraq war veteran John Follmer. This space serves as a peaceful retreat for veterans, who volunteer there weekly to help maintain it. Follmer envisions the garden as part of a larger community for veterans, addressing their needs beyond just housing.
- ▪John Follmer has been maintaining the garden at the West LA Veterans Affairs Campus for six years.
- ▪The garden, originally built in 1968, provides a serene environment for veterans to relax and volunteer.
- ▪Follmer aims to create a community atmosphere on the campus, which has faced delays in housing construction for veterans.
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National For veterans, a place where peace can take root June 2, 20265:00 AM ET Quil Lawrence John Follmer prunes back plants at the Japanese garden on the West LA Veterans Affairs campus in April. Stella Kalinina for NPR hide caption toggle caption Stella Kalinina for NPR John Follmer is an Iraq war vet and an adviser to Los Angeles County on military and veterans affairs, who works with homeless vets on the tough streets of Los Angeles. But on Thursdays, he's a gardener. "We are here in the center of the largest city in the United States, and aside from an occasional helicopter, it's hard to imagine you're only a quarter mile away from the 405 freeway," Follmer says, standing in the dappled sunlight under the trees. Sponsor Message National Trump pledged to house 6,000 homeless vets.
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