Mil-Tree

08/31/2026

Ready to trade stress for spontaneity? Join us this September for a special Mil-Tree creative workshop led by the brilliant Heather Clisby.

​Whether you're looking to shake off some tension, step out of your comfort zone, or simply share a good laugh with a welcoming community, Heather’s improv sessions are designed for everyone—no prior stage experience needed. Through playful, low-stakes exercises, we'll explore connection, active listening, and the joy of going with the flow.

​Come ready to play, connect, and let go. All veterans, active-duty service members, and community members are welcome to join us for this powerful space of creative expression.

​Secure your spot and register today at Mil-Tree.org.

​ JoshuaTreeArt SpontaneousJoy

08/21/2026

Get ready to connect, laugh, and share stories. Mil-Tree is bringing veterans and local community members together for an unforgettable Improvisation Workshop and Performance led by Heather Clisby. No experience is necessary, and all skill levels are welcome to join in building confidence and community through the power of improv.
​The workshop takes place September 25 and 26 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and September 27 from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The live community performance will be held on Sunday, September 27 at Theater 29 in 29 Palms, California, with doors opening at 5:30 PM and the show running from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
​Help keep these incredible creative programs bridging the military-civilian divide running by visiting mil-tree.org to sign up for the workshop and donating to support future community events.

08/17/2026

Mil-Tree is proud to sponsor this amazing event at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center on August 29, 2026 alongside Karma TMS

Founded by Dr. Keerthy Sunder, Karma TMS provides advanced, non-invasive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy across Southern California. Their Palm Springs clinic offers comprehensive psychiatric care and treatment-resistant depression solutions for the Coachella Valley. The Twentynine Palms location sits along the 29 Palms Highway to improve access for local residents. This High Desert facility specifically focuses on treating PTSD, combat trauma, and anxiety for military families and veterans. Together, both locations deliver specialized neurotherapies designed to help patients achieve lasting mental wellness.

We hope to see you there!

08/12/2026

Join Our Weekly Writing Workshop!
​Mil-Tree's weekly writing workshop is open to veterans and civilians alike, welcoming everyone from beginners to advanced writers.

​About the Workshop & Facilitator:
This session is facilitated by Renee Pickup, a gifted writer, teacher, and Mil-Tree Board Member. Bringing a wealth of knowledge to the group, Renee provides curated online articles and practical tools designed to support and challenge writers at every stage of their journey.

​Details & Registration:
Join us on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM PDT on Zoom. To secure your spot and receive the link, email Renee directly at [email protected].
​Bringing Military & Community Together

08/06/2026

Like Odysseus, veterans navigating the turbulent aftermath of service undergo their own epic journey. Through the lens of Joseph Campbell, coming home isn't just a physical return—it's a profound spiritual "debriefing" and a quest to find psychological wholeness after navigating a chaotic world.

​At Mil-Tree, we honor that journey, creating sacred spaces for veterans and civilians alike to process their stories, integrate their experiences, and find healing through community and creative expression.

Our latest program, "The Art of War" explores Homer's The Odyssey and begins this week!

For more information on the program, visit www.mil-tree.org and see how you can support and participate.

08/01/2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 2! It's not too late!

We are still accepting applications today and tomorrow for Mil-Tree's latest program Art Of War - The Odyssey

Apply now to claim the last spots and take advantage of this amazing opportunity to learn and explore Homer's The Odyssey alongside local Artists and Veterans.

Apply today at www.mil-tree.org

07/29/2026

DEADLINE EXTENDED-- we have a couple of spaces for ARTISTS in our ART of WAR left! APPLY BY AUGUST 2ND!

This is the perfect opportunity to build your creative portfolio, showcase your work, and foster community around your craft.

​We are honored to have the esteemed Aaron Smith leading our upcoming art critiques. Aaron brings an incredible depth of experience to this program. He received his BFA from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, where he went on to teach for 26 years and eventually served as Associate Chair of his department.

​His personal work has been featured in solo exhibitions in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, as well as group shows at museums nationwide, including the Laguna Art Museum, the Frye Art Museum, and the Museum of South Texas. Furthermore, he holds the distinction of being the first artist-in-residence at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

​Beyond his studio practice, Aaron is the co-owner and director of HeyThere Projects, a gallery and retail space in Joshua Tree. His curatorial experience is extensive, having guest curated exhibitions at institutions such as La Luz de Jesus Gallery, Billy Shire Fine Art, and the Alyce de Roulet Williamson Gallery at ArtCenter College of Design.

​Do not miss this opportunity to work with Mil-tree on this incredible program - Apply online today at www.mil-tree.org

07/25/2026

Explore Art of War, an immersive event series featuring a deep dive into Homer’s The Odyssey with Dr. Edward Tick, insightful art critiques led by Aaron Smith, and a specialized writing workshop hosted by the distinguished Ruth Nolan.

​We are currently down to our final spots for the writing group led by Ruth Nolan, an accomplished desert writer and poet with over 20 years of experience curating community-focused literary programs throughout Southern California. A Professor Emeritus of English and Creative Writing at College of the Desert and a former wildlands firefighter, Ruth holds both an M.A. and an M.F.A. Her work is deeply rooted in themes of environmental and social justice. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded creative programming for esteemed organizations including the Native American Land Conservancy, the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, and the Death Valley National Park Historical Association, and she is the co-founder of the Inlandia Institute community writing program.

​Don't miss the opportunity to learn from a veteran educator and advocate—sign up now to secure your place in this unique workshop.

Sign up by July 30th at Mil-Tree.org

07/19/2026

Join Mil-Tree for the first phase of Art Of War - The Odyssey this August!

Art of War: The Odyssey is a multidisciplinary arts and literature program that brings veterans and civilians together through shared reading, writing, visual art-making, and public storytelling.

The project begins with an online book group led by Dr. Ed Tick, an internationally recognized author and psychotherapist. ED has worked extensively with veterans and is a scholar of Ancient Greek literature and traditions— his book, "War and The Soul: Healing Our Nations Veterans From Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" was also what inspired Cheryl Montelle to start Mil-Tree.

Book Group Sessions are on the following dates:

• Saturday, August 8th, 9-10am

• Saturday, August 15th, 9:30–11:30 AM

• Saturday, August 22nd, 9:30–11:30 AM

• Saturday, August 29th, 9:30–11:30 AM

• Saturday, September 12th, 9:30–11:30 AM

• Saturday, September 19th, 9:30–12:30 PM

Apply to participate: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAqyy5YUlXsAn-ILBiVQRP2DkEPQqrzaxgMELBmdVciKG2cw/viewform

07/13/2026

Desert Bingo Monday night, July 13th at 6pm, Red Dog Saloon! Don't miss out on the chance to win great prizes while also supporting Mil-Tree and their upcoming programming! Hear more about it in this z107.7 clip with Gabriel Hart, Founder and Board President Cheryl Montelle, and Executive Director Danielle Giudici Wallis! https://z1077fm.com/desert-bingo-to-benefit-veteran-outreach-mil-trees-art-of-war-programming-on-monday-7-13/

This Monday, July 13, Desert Bingo at the Red Dog Saloon will raise funds for our local veteran outreach Mil-Tree to benefit their upcoming Art of War