Veterans Garden on West LA VA Campus Offers Peace and Community
A veteran-gardener is restoring a neglected garden on the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Campus, creating a sanctuary for fellow veterans. John Follmer, an Iraq war veteran and adviser to Los Angeles County on military and veterans affairs, found the garden six years ago in disrepair. The garden was originally built in 1968 on the 387-acre campus, which was donated in 1888 specifically for use by veterans. Follmer now leads Thursday volunteer sessions where veterans garden, break sticks into mulch, or simply enjoy the serenity. The garden is part of a larger campus redevelopment that has been years behind schedule. According to the article, the Trump administration promised to accelerate building but did not fund new beds in this year’s budget request, with the VA stating funding will come later. The White House has also required VA officials and advocates to sign nondisclosure agreements about construction, drawing bipartisan complaints from Congress. Follmer views the garden as an escape and envisions the campus becoming a permanent community for veterans with housing, supermarkets, and coffee shops.
What’s reported
John Follmer is an Iraq war veteran and adviser to Los Angeles County on military and veterans affairs.
The garden was built in 1968 on the West LA Veterans Affairs Campus and had fallen into disrepair when Follmer found it six years ago.
The campus covers 387 acres and was donated in 1888 for veterans.
In 2012, an NPR investigation found the VA was using the campus for questionable purposes while thousands of veterans slept on the streets.
After lawsuits, protests, and government promises, housing for more than 1,200 veterans has been built, but construction is years behind schedule.
The Trump administration promised to supercharge building but failed to fund a single new bed in this year’s budget request; VA told NPR funding will come later.
The White House required VA officials and advocates to sign NDAs about campus construction, drawing bipartisan complaints from Congress.
Follmer wants the campus to become a community with amenities like supermarkets and coffee shops, not just a homeless shelter.
Open questions
The article does not specify when the additional funding for veteran housing on the campus will be provided.
It is unclear what specific terms of the NDAs signed by VA officials and advocates required.
Key figures
John Follmer – Iraq war veteran, adviser to Los Angeles County on military and veterans affairs, gardener.
Unnamed Air Force veteran – volunteers at the garden.
Trump administration – mentioned as sending a mixed message on campus construction.
VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) – stated funding will come later.
White House – required NDAs related to construction.
Sources: NPR
