10/02/2026
BIG NEWS FOR PLEASANT VALLEY VETERANS RETREAT!
After years of hard work, persistence and people refusing to give up on this vision, we have reached an incredible milestone.
The U.S. Senate has passed legislation moving the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site toward conveyance to Gila County and its future as the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat.
There are still a few steps remaining before the process is officially complete—but the heavy lifting at the federal level has been done.
And what a journey it has been.
The vision of transforming this beautiful former U.S. Forest Service property near Young into a place dedicated to veterans and their families began years ago. What followed was a long road through planning, federal legislation, hearings and multiple sessions of Congress.
Through it all, people on both sides of the aisle continued to believe in what this place could become.
We extend our sincere thanks to Congressman Eli Crane, Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Ruben Gallego and the many elected officials, community leaders, veterans, volunteers and supporters who have helped move this project forward over the years.
We also recognize Gila County Supervisor Woody Cline, whose work on this vision dates back to its earliest days, along with those who carried the effort forward through previous Congresses.
This has never been about politics.
It has always been about our veterans.
It is about creating a beautiful, peaceful place where veterans can step away from the noise, reconnect with their families, spend time with fellow veterans and find hope, healing and connection in the mountains of Arizona.
What once seemed like a distant vision is getting very close to becoming a permanent reality.
To everyone who believed in this project, advocated for it, worked on it, volunteered, donated and refused to let it die—THANK YOU.
We aren't quite across the finish line yet.
But today, we are closer than we have ever been.
And that is something worth celebrating.
Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat
Find Hope. Find Healing. Find Connection.