Back to Outdoors

Victory Farm in Olympia holds grand opening

Community garden helps to ease veterans' transition to civilian life

Mark Oravksy, founder of Victory Farm, harvests more than 38 pounds of zucchini on Monday, July 20. Photo credit: Andrew Fickes

Email Article Print Article Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share on StumbleUpon

Over a large plot of land in a quiet east Olympia neighborhood where fertile soil is bountiful, military veterans transitioning from service to civilian life are reconnecting and finding a new sense of purpose.

Veterans from all over are coming to Victory Farm, at 718 Milas Ave. NE, started by military veteran Mark Oravsky through a partnership between the nonprofits, Growing Veterans, based in Bellingham, and GRuB, an organization bringing people together in Mason and Thurston counties around agriculture and food.

"If we can assist people, walk with people while they find their way, help them get out of their shells and be leaders in their community, that is a victory," Oravsky said.

Victory Farm launched last January. More than 1,800 volunteer hours have been produced at Victory Farm by veterans and non-veterans alike.

From 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, Victory Farmers welcome the public to attend a grand opening celebration. Those attending will learn how Victory Farm got started and how people can get involved.

Oravsky's journey from exiting the military to breaking ground on Victory Farm has been an arduous one.

Oravsky, who deployed to Afghanistan with the 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division in 2009-10, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder soon after exiting the military in 2011. His service spanned 14 years.

After losing his marriage and dropping out of college, he spiraled into a long period of hopelessness. He came close to suicide.

In his experience, Oravsky said it was hard to know what organizations to turn to for help. He said he is not alone; many veterans have this same experience.

Fortunately, Oravsky found his way. He connected with The Mission Continues, and under that organization did a six-month fellowship with GRuB that started in May 2014. By October 2014 he became the South Sound coordinator for Growing Veterans.

Read next close

News Front

Class acts, class beer

comments powered by Disqus