Veterans serving veterans through friendship and giving

Lee Waldon, co-owner and partner of Waldon Woods Antiques in Buffalo, served in the United States Army from 1963-1965 as a member of the 87th Engineer Battalion, assigned as a construction and utilities specialist. During his military service, Waldon was stationed at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam; Ft. Belvoir, Virginia; Ft. Wainwright, Alaska; Camp AP Hill, Virginia; and Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Waldon has formed numerous friendships through his service to the country. Today, Waldon continues to serve his military family in many ways with friendship, connection, the establishment of a gym, delivering donations, and a shared meal. 

In the past five years, Waldon has been actively involved with Eagle’s Healing Nest in Sauk Centre, where he has organized a Veterans and Memorial Day meal each year, covering the cost out of his own pocket. Food is supplied by Coburns in Sauk Centre, delivered, and prepared on site. This year, 95 veterans are expected to partake in the Veterans Day meal. 

Lee’s wife, Marian, affectionately known as “The Cookie Lady,” has been hard at work preparing goodies to go along with the meal. “When the Nest has special functions, my wife, Marian, bakes hundreds-now thousands of cookies and baked goods for them.” 

How it all began

Lee Waldon shared how he first became involved with Eagle’s Healing Nest. “In 2019, Chief Warrant Officer Brent Rassat, a friend of our daughter, Laura, contacted me due to my military background. He asked me to visit a veteran who had served with him and was having issues and who was in a special home where veterans are helped who are suffering from PTSD and other problems. Brent asked me to talk to him just as a friend, as we both had a military background. I told Brent that I had never done anything like that before, but if the veterans were willing to visit with me that I would go to see them. A week later, I drove to Sauk Centre, had a chat with him, and that was the beginning of an almost five-year friendship. It was a friendly first meeting, we watched football and talked. Reaching out is one of the most important things in a person’s life.”

“I began meeting with many other veterans and formed friendships with them, which led to monthly trips to the Nest. While there, I sensed there was financial need, as it was funded by contributions only and no government funding. I began sending monthly checks. Holidays are difficult for veterans, and I began buying the dinners for 85-95 veterans at the Nest on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.” 

Healing Nest Gymnasium

Lee Waldon values the benefits of exercise. While chatting with an Air Force friend at Lifetime Fitness, Lee shared his involvement with Eagle’s Healing Nest. “I told him about the dinners and other things about Eagle’s Healing Nest, and he said, ‘I want to go there.’ The following Sunday, we visited the Nest, and my friend noticed an old empty gymnasium that was full of junk and not in use for any workouts. He said he knew of a fitness club that was closing in British Columbia and would inquire about the equipment, which was valued at $80,000. It was too high for my friend and I to acquire it, and the owners of the fitness club asked who it was for. When my friend told them it was for veterans and what the situation was, the owners gave us the equipment, and all we had to do was pay for a semi-truck and driver to deliver it. My friend and I split the cost, which was about $3500 each. A month later, the truck and equipment arrived, and my friend, myself, and about 16 veterans unloaded and set up the gym, even the rubber flooring was in place the same day, all at no cost to the Nest. When you reach out to people, amazing things can happen. I would have never dreamed they would have given it to us.” 

Handmade Quilts

“My wife and I have an antiques business in Buffalo. A lady from Zion Lutheran Church came in and asked me if I knew who could use some handmade quilts that her group had made. I mentioned the Eagle’s Healing Nest. About two weeks later, she delivered about six of them. This has become a regular donation and so far, the ladies have made and delivered 188 handmade quilts, which I have delivered and have had help in delivering to the Nest.” 

Reaching Out

Waldon highlighted the importance of reaching out. Many veterans struggle with mental health symptoms and addiction. “The Eagles Healing Nest cares for 85-95 veterans at a time. They depend on donations of money, toiletries, clothes, furniture, and household items. Counseling is provided for them, as well as classes. They help each other heal. Most veterans are suffering from PTSD and other issues. It helps to be with others who know what they are going through. When they are ready to leave the Eagles Healing Nest, they need everything to start a new life. If you can help with donations, it would be greatly appreciated along with prayers for their success in healing. The Nest is not government funded and survives by donations.” 

Editor’s Note: If you would like to donate or volunteer with Eagle’s Healing Nest, please visit: www.eagleshealingnest.org.