NOTE: Phases 1-4 outline the requirements for development of a compound "from scratch" through day-to-day operations. If an existing property is found which can fulfill most of the requirements for Phases 1-4 at similar cost, that would significantly advance the timeline to get operational.

PHASE 1 - Site Selection

In Phase 1, we will focus on the critical tasks of site selection and fundraising, aiming to secure approximately $1,500,000. Our objective is to acquire a compound of 100 acres or more, allowing ample room for growth in the future while ensuring that our cabins are not crowded too closely together. This expansion will also encompass the development of various nature trails. Throughout this phase, our approach to site development will prioritize minimal impact on the natural beauty and surroundings. Our designs will harmonize with nature, following the principles of organic architecture, similar to the design philosophy of the renowned American architect, designer, and writer, Frank Lloyd Wright. This approach not only respects the environment but also ensures that our facility complements and enhances the natural setting, providing a peaceful and restorative atmosphere.

PHASES 2 and 3 - Compound Design, Layout, and Construction

For Phase 2, we are embarking on an ambitious fundraising effort with a target of $1,500,000. This will facilitate the development of the initial compound and the creation of seven distinct buildings on the site. Here's an overview of these structures:

  • Main Lodge/Dining Room/Kitchen Building: This central hub will serve as the heart of our facility, housing the dining area and kitchen. It will be thoughtfully connected to the Guest House and Keeper Dwelling House via an enclosed breezeway.
  • Keeper Dwelling House/Office Building: This building will have dual functions, providing office space and accommodations for our dedicated staff. It will also be connected to the Main Lodge via an enclosed breezeway.
  • 3-Bedroom Guest House Building: This building offers comfortable accommodations for our guests and will be connected to the Main Lodge via an enclosed breezeway.
  • Compound Support Shop/Maintenance Building: This structure will house the necessary facilities for maintenance and support of our entire compound.
  • Chapel: A serene space dedicated to meditation and worship for our guests.
  • Initial "prototype" Guest Cabin (Standard ADA Level): This cabin is designed for PTSD guest-patients and their immediate family, ensuring accessibility with standard ADA features.
  • Initial "prototype" Guest Cabin (Enhanced ADA Level): Similar to the previous cabin but with enhanced ADA features

These two initial guest cabins will serve as prototypes, allowing us to make necessary design enhancements based on the feedback and experiences of our initial guests. The goal is to improve overall cabin functionality, accessibility, ease of use, and the overall guest experience. By starting with a basic design and iterating based on real-world usage, we can create an environment that best serves our guests.

Phase 3 will be the actual construction of what is planned and designed in Phase 2

PHASE 4 - Commence Day-to-day Operations

As we transition into the day-to-day operation of the Tranquility Base USA compound, our primary focus is on providing accommodations and Nature-Based Therapy (NBT) treatments for individuals dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) and Moral Injury (MI). This phase marks the realization of our mission to offer a peaceful and restorative environment to those in need.

Our daily operations will involve several key components:

  • Guest Accommodations: We will ensure that our guests have comfortable and supportive lodgings, which include the Main Lodge, Guest Houses, and prototype Guest Cabins. These spaces are designed to provide a safe and tranquil retreat for our guests and their immediate family.
  • Nature-Based Therapy (NBT): Our compound will offer a range of NBT therapies designed to address the specific needs of individuals dealing with PTSD and MI. These therapies harness the healing power of nature and include activities such as hiking, gardening, and animal-assisted therapy, all aimed at promoting recovery and well-being.
  • Professional Staff: We will maintain a team of trained professionals who are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and support to our guests. This team will include therapists, counselors, and support staff with expertise in working with individuals who have experienced trauma.
  • External Connections: We will establish connections and collaborations with existing programs and organizations that specialize in PTSD and MI support. This allows us to provide a holistic approach to healing, ensuring that our guests have access to the resources and services they need.
  • Community Engagement: In addition to our core offerings, we will engage with the local community to raise awareness about our mission and to foster support for our work. This can involve educational outreach, partnerships, and volunteer involvement.

The day-to-day operation of Tranquility Base USA is a vital part of our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those who have served our country and communities. Our focus is on creating an environment that promotes healing, recovery, and a sense of tranquility for those who need it most.

PHASE 5 - Develop Small Scale Working Farm

The development of a small-scale working farm at Tranquility Base USA is a pivotal aspect of our holistic approach to Nature-Based Therapy (NBT) for PTSD guest-patients. Drawing inspiration from the success of Stag Vets, Inc. in Milledgeville, Georgia, we aim to replicate their effective agricultural programs. These programs have demonstrated the potential to be transformative for individuals dealing with PTSD.

Here's an outline of how our farm-based NBT program will operate:

  • Agricultural Activities: PTSD guest-patients will actively participate in the process of growing crops and caring for farm animals. This hands-on involvement in farm tasks provides a constructive "creation" experience, enabling them to shift their focus from traumatic memories to nurturing and cultivating life.
  • Experiential Therapy: Working on the farm will be a significant component of our experiential therapy. The act of sowing, nurturing, and harvesting crops, as well as tending to animals, offers a therapeutic experience that promotes a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and connection to nature.
  • Tangible Victories: Crops harvested during a patient's stay will serve as tangible symbols of their accomplishments. These harvested crops will be provided to patients to take home, reinforcing the idea that they have created something positive through their own efforts. This can be a powerful symbol of their progress and personal growth.
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy: Interaction with farm animals has shown to be particularly effective in providing comfort and emotional support. It can also help individuals rebuild trust and emotional connections, which is often disrupted by the traumatic experiences associated with PTSD.
  • Education and Skill-Building: As part of our program, we will offer educational opportunities to teach patients about sustainable farming practices, gardening, and animal husbandry. This not only equips them with valuable skills but also instills a sense of self-sufficiency and empowerment.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Encouraging an understanding of and connection to the natural world can be therapeutic in itself. Patients will develop an appreciation for the environment and the impact of sustainable practices, promoting mindfulness and a deeper sense of well-being.

The development of our working farm aligns with our mission to provide a comprehensive and nurturing environment for PTSD guest-patients. It offers a transformative experience, allowing individuals to channel their energy into the creation of life, and ultimately, their own healing and recovery.

PHASE 6 - Additional Cabin Construction

In Phase 6 of our project, fundraising will be a critical endeavor, with the objective of securing $700,000. This funding will be directed towards the construction of eight additional Guest Cabins, taking into account valuable feedback from our initial guests to enhance the overall design.

These new cabins will cater to the needs of our PTSD guest-patients and their immediate family members. The breakdown of the cabins is as follows:

  • Additional Guest Cabins (Standard ADA Level): These cabins will be constructed to ensure accessibility and comfort for individuals with standard ADA requirements, along with their immediate family.
  • Additional Guest Cabins (Enhanced ADA Level): Similar to the standard ADA cabins, these enhanced ADA cabins will be designed with additional features and enhancements, offering greater accessibility and comfort for those who require it.

The incorporation of guest feedback into the cabin design is essential to continually improve the overall experience for our guest-patients. These new cabins will provide additional space for more guests, ensuring that our facility can accommodate a larger number of individuals seeking solace and healing in the tranquil setting of Tranquility Base USA.

PHASE 7 - Develop "Trails of Honor"

The establishment of commemorative trails paved with cement tiles is a poignant and meaningful addition to the Tranquility Base USA compound. This initiative acknowledges the importance of honoring and commemorating comrades lost in the line of duty, which is a vital part of the healing process for individuals dealing with PTSD and MI.

Here's how this program will work:

  • Tile Creation: During their stay, guests who wish to commemorate a lost comrade will have the opportunity to design and create a personalized cement tile. The guidelines for consistency, such as including the name, rank/role, and date of birth/death, will provide a basic structure for these memorials. However, guests will also be encouraged to incorporate weatherproof items of personal significance into the wet cement, creating a deeply personalized tribute.
  • Family Involvement: If the primary guest is staying with their family, this initiative will also offer the opportunity for family members to participate in the tile creation process. This collaborative approach can be a healing and bonding experience, allowing the entire family to contribute to the memorial.
  • Permanent Placement: Once created, these tiles will be placed along the trails throughout the compound. Tranquility Base USA will ensure the tiles are properly installed and maintained in perpetuity. This means that the tributes to fallen comrades will be a lasting part of the Tranquility Base USA landscape, providing a place of reflection and remembrance.
  • Healing and Connection: This program not only serves as a way to honor the memory of lost comrades but also facilitates a sense of healing and connection for the guest-patients and their families. Creating these memorials can be a therapeutic and cathartic process, and visiting them can offer a space for nostalgic reflection and remembrance.

The creation of these commemorative trails is a powerful way to incorporate the therapeutic benefits of healing through creation and connection with nature. It offers a lasting legacy to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and a meaningful part of the Tranquility Base USA experience for those seeking solace and recovery.