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By Annemarie Eveland

The purpose of this Veterans Retreat is to provide a peaceful respite place for veterans and their families. When service people must leave to serve their country, they are not the only ones affected by such a change. The mates and families of our service people are also impacted. This retreat was created as a safe, enjoyable space with facilities to restore their sacred union with each other.

Several people are noted for their devotion to getting this property for the veterans. Woody Cline is a Gila County Supervisor whose jurisdiction covers over half of the County. The Board of Supervisors handles all monies for the districts. Woody worked for the Forest Service at the old administrative site which now has become the offices of the Retreat Center. Nancy Simmons handled the Pleasant Valley Administration’s many aspects in that district. It was noted that regarding Pleasant Valley— it was kind of out there on its own and a little ignored.

Woody said, “We knew when we lost our district ranger, we would lose all the property.” Then, in 2016 everyone moved out and the buildings sat empty. When Woody took office in 2017, he asked the supervisor if he could rent one office. They told him, “We want to rent you the whole building, as there are no plans for it, no money to fix things. The thought was to auction off all the buildings and whatever was left over to bulldoze it down.” Woody said, “That’s not going to happen.” Someone asked, “What about veterans?” Woody said, “Yes!” But he didn’t know how to get it for the Vets.

So, he took a trip to Boulder Crest in Sonoita, AZ to see about this organization that specializes in PTSD. They bring people in from all over the United States. He spent a day there and noted that it was really very nice and peaceful, essential ingredients for many veterans. He has talked to many different groups and organizations.

Getting this special property to its present state was a six-year journey. But we can give kudos to them as getting anything through the Federal Government in six years is a monumental success! There are currently two bills that have passed out of committee in both the Senate and the House and are now on the floor and waiting for a vote to be passed into law.

In a quick review, there was Supervisor Woody Cline, Congressman Paul Gosar, Senator Sinema, Senator Mark Kelly, and Congressman Eli Crane who got the bills through committee and presently waiting for a vote probably along with other bills.

They were told the bill they proposed needed a reversionary clause to state that “If it ever ceases to be used for the vets, it goes back to the government.” All parties agreed.

In Payson, Veteran Art Schaier and Jim Muhr are local Payson contacts who are involved with support for the Veterans Retreat.

So, what comprises this great find, the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat? It is important to know that at first, they thought they were being given 23 acres; it turns out to be 232 acres in the Young area of Arizona.

The main office, very nicely appointed, was formerly the Ranger’s station with 6000 sq ft. of room. It has a fireplace entry room, several meeting rooms of various sizes, office areas, a kitchen, and more. It is a perfect meeting place for small groups or Veteran meetings. At present, about fifty veterans from Young meet there.

Located on 232 acres of land, this project includes two fully furnished houses for veterans to use. They are completely refurbished and very nicely supplied, with dishes, cookware, bed linens, towels, etc.

There are also two barrack homes in which there are ten private bedrooms for ten individuals including bedding, towels, and fully equipped common areas- kitchen, bath, dining room, and living room. I even saw outside BBQ and covered decks. All the homes are beautifully furnished and decorated.

RV sites are available to rent to anyone with electric, water, and sewer hookups. They are presently on a donation basis; time of stay max to be determined, suggested up to 7 days. Additionally, there are about nineteen Ramadas that came from Roosevelt Lake sprinkled about the land with shelter covers for anyone to use. The Administration building can now accept veterans, events, and reservations for meetings.

Regarding the retreat property, Woody then mentioned, “At present, it is in our plan to complete that back part of the property where there are two historical buildings which will be restored according to the historical preservation guidelines.” One building is the original ranger’s office, a home, and a barn. The hope is to turn the original ranger’s office into a museum commemorating the Pleasant Valley Ranger Station, the town of Young, and Gila County history. The property also has its water and wastewater system and Helipads.

The Retreat has also received support at the state level. Rep. David Marshall presented a bill for one-time special funding for the retreat and the bill passed unanimously in the amount of $3M. Those funds will build a community center type of building that will include a commercial kitchen for special events and a handicapped accessible home for veterans with disabilities. It was decided to use their 5013c to handle the cost issues.

The Administration building can now accept veterans, events, and services. The RV park can now provide seven campsites for groups, families, or individuals.

The Retreat Center’s main administrative office is the former Ranger Station office which has 6,000 sq. feet. The area is currently used for the local veterans’ monthly meeting. There are about 50 vets in the Young area. Also, there is a business center in that building that their 5013c organization uses.

I was pleased to also learn that last November the Majestic Rim held a silent auction and was able to raise $30,000 for the Veterans Retreat cause. If you wish to donate any amount to help them, contact them directly.

The Retreat is still in its new beginnings stage. They are open to ideas of what activities would be good for visiting vets and their families. As one vet put it, “We are thinking beyond today. What else do we want for our vets?” Some suggestions have been: nature trails, historical area sites to visit and learn about, visiting presenters on various helpful subjects, pickleball, baseball, volleyball, ropes, indoor game room, riding stables, game room, and a playground facility for young children.

This is a time when the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat is open to suggestions as to what other amenities can be added to the property to make it welcoming and entertaining for visiting vets.

In conclusion, these politicians who represent Gila County did an outstanding and efficient job with all political parties working together beautifully. A good example of the true American spirit!

For more information on this incredible dream come true, you can visit their website: www.pleasantvalleyveteransretreat.com. If you are planning on visiting the Retreat, you may wish to contact, Woody’s daughter Lacey Cline, Event Coordinator. Her email: Icline@gilacountyaz.gov. The phone number is: 928-200-5517.