Welcome to Warrior Garden: My Story and Our Mission to Support Veterans
Introduction
Have you ever felt like your struggles as a veteran—PTSD, TBI, or the weight of transitioning to civilian life—make you feel broken? I’ve been there, and I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. I’m Ben Peterson, known as MrBen, a veteran who’s walked through darkness and found a path to growth. At Warrior Garden, we believe veterans are warriors, capable of thriving not in spite of their battles, but because of them. In this first blog post, I’ll share my story, introduce Warrior Garden’s mission, and show you how to join our community to start your own journey of resilience.
My Story: From Battle to Growth
I grew up in a low-income Minnesota household, where a troubled relationship with my father led me to rebellion and risky choices by age 8. But a deep admiration for soldiers and a desire to protect others drove me to join the Minnesota Army National Guard in 2007. As a Cavalry Scout in Iraq in 2010, a vehicle incident changed my life, leaving me with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal injuries, and chronic pain. Bacterial meningitis and Lyme disease nearly took me out in 2011, and the isolation from unit rumors deepened my wounds.
After my discharge in 2012, I spiraled—divorce, substance abuse, and a loss of purpose defined my days. If you’ve felt like the world sees you as broken, I know that pain. But in 2019, meeting my wife, Nicole, a fellow veteran, sparked a turning point. With her support, programs like Boot Campaign and Haley Brain Wellness, and my service dog, Mystery, I rebuilt my life. Today, I’m a father, stepfather, and the founder of Warrior Garden, driven to help veterans like you find hope. My story isn’t unique—many of you are fighting similar battles, and Warrior Garden is here to walk alongside you.
Why Warrior Garden Exists
Warrior Garden is more than a website or a podcast—it’s a movement to help veterans grow into their best selves. Inspired by the quote, “It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war,” we believe veterans are forged with resilience, leadership, and strength. But too often, you face isolation, gaps in VA support, or the stigma of struggles like PTSD or TBI. I’ve felt that gap, and I founded Warrior Garden to fill it.
Our mission is to create a safe space where veterans can share stories, access vetted resources, and connect through community events. On our 7-acre Minnesota property, we host TBI/PTSD support groups and gardening workshops, fostering camaraderie and growth. Like a garden, healing takes time and care, but the results are worth it. Warrior Garden isn’t about fixing you—you’re not broken. It’s about cultivating your potential, together.
5 Ways to Join Warrior Garden’s Community
Here are five practical steps to start your journey with Warrior Garden, each designed to help you grow:
- Visit Our Website: Head to www.warrior-garden.com to explore resources like Boot Campaign for mental health support or mindfulness apps like Calm. These tools helped me manage TBI symptoms, and they can help you too.
- Follow Us on Social Media: Connect with us on Instagram, X, and Facebook at @_warrior_garden. Our daily posts share veteran stories, mental health tips, and event updates to keep you inspired.
- Attend a Support Group: Join our TBI/PTSD support groups or community meetups on our Minnesota property. Check our Events page for upcoming dates. These safe spaces, hosted by me and Nicole, offer connection and hope.
- Sign Up for Our Newsletter: Subscribe at warrior-garden.com for exclusive tips, stories, and updates. It’s a simple way to stay connected and access tools for growth.
- Share Your Story: Visit our Story Submission page to share your journey via our Google Form. Your story could inspire another veteran to take their next step.
These steps are small but powerful seeds for change. Start with one, and watch your growth unfold.
Join Our Warrior Community
At Warrior Garden, community is everything. While we’re just starting, we envision a network where veterans lift each other up. Imagine a fellow veteran, struggling with PTSD, finding solace at one of our support groups or sharing their story to inspire others. That’s the future we’re building, and you can be part of it.
Join us for our next event, submit your story, or connect with us on social media. Your voice matters, and together, we can create a garden where every warrior thrives. Visit warrior-garden.com/submit to share your journey, or check our Events page to RSVP for a support group.
Conclusion
My journey from a TBI in Iraq to founding Warrior Garden taught me that veterans are warriors, capable of incredible growth. Warrior Garden is here to help you navigate PTSD, TBI, or life’s challenges with resources, community, and hope. Start your journey today: visit www.warrior-garden.com, join our newsletter, follow @_warrior_garden on Instagram, X, and Facebook, and RSVP for our next Minnesota support group. Together, let’s plant the seeds for a stronger, more connected veteran community. Keep growing, warriors.
Meta Description
Meet Ben Peterson and discover Warrior Garden’s mission to support veterans with PTSD and TBI. Join our community for resources and events! [warrior-garden.com]