Project Provides Free Lodging For Returning Veterans

More than two dozen Central Texas inns and hotels are offering free one- or two-night stays to returning veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as a way of thanking the veterans for "the sacrifices of their time, talents and, in many cases, health."

The Texas Veteran Project got started when Eldon Aydelotte '54 and his wife, Kathy, decided to open their hearts and their bed-and-breakfast, Arbor House at Las Brisas Farm, to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. They were inspired to start the project by their own son, Jayson '94, an Army surgeon currently serving in Iraq. When they asked him how he was handling his war experiences, he said he was OK but was deeply burying the experiences.

"It occurred to us that all returning military from Iraq and Afghanistan will need lots of nurturing to move on with their lives when they return," Kathy Aydelotte said. "I can think of no better place than coming to the country to get grounded—with clean air, slow pace and wonderful, supportive people."

The idea is to provide the returning veterans a brief reprieve—a place to escape from the horrors of war and the difficulties of adjusting to home.

There are no set rules for inns and hotels participating in the Texas Veterans Project. Individual business owners decide what they will provide and do so because of their desire to give something to the men and women who served the country. Each proprietor determines what day or days of the week to offer single or multiple rooms. And since each place of lodging has its own distinct feel and amenities, the veteran and his or her spouse can choose one that most suits them.

Jerry Harris '91 and his wife, Melissa, took the Aydelottes up on their offer to stay at Las Brisas Farm. "We were blown away by Kathy and Eldon's hospitality," they said. "We could tell by just talking to them that they really cared and were committed to helping all men and women that served find some kind of closure or just renewal of themselves."

Jerry, who had just returned from Iraq, and Melissa said they felt like they were given five-star treatment. "The food was absolutely amazing and the arbor house was so comfortable we could have moved in if they would have let us. We were so glad that we took advantage of this opportunity and would absolutely recommend it to any veteran."

As the Aydelottes say, "They are home but not alone. Each proprietor that is a part of this project is thankful for these veterans' service to our country and feels honored to recognize the sacrifices of their time, talents, and in many cases, health."

There are 35 hotels, inns and B&Bs participating so far, and the number is growing. For more information on the Texas Veteran Project and for a list of participating businesses, go to www.texasveteranproject.org.