Slaughterville, Okla. – After years of service in the U.S. armed forces, many veterans return home searching for a new sense of purpose. At Easom Farms, a local family‑run operation, they are discovering it among the hives. The farm’s “Warriors to Bees” program provides a free, nine‑month beekeeping apprenticeship that combines practical skills with therapeutic bee‑buzz sessions.
From Uniforms to Bee Suits
Steve Easom, a former Air Force member and owner of Easom Farms, founded the program in 2018 after recognizing the void many service members feel when they leave the military. “When you come out, there is a void, and if we don’t work hard to figure out how to fill that void, challenges arise,” Easom explained. “Veterans are mission‑oriented and bees are a mission,” he added, noting the parallel between disciplined service and the diligent work of a hive.
Hands‑On Training and Classroom Learning
Participants begin with classroom instruction covering bee biology, hive management, and safety protocols. After the classroom phase, they move to the fields, donning bee suits and learning to tend to hives, harvest honey, and maintain equipment. The program emphasizes responsibility, teamwork, and the steady rhythm of caring for a living colony.
Therapeutic Bee‑Buzz Sessions
Beyond the practical apprenticeship, Easom Farms offers a unique “bee therapy house.” Inside, two beds sit beneath rows of hives equipped with microphones that allow staff to adjust the volume of the bees’ buzz. Veterans spend up to an hour lying on the beds, listening to the low‑frequency hum. Easom cites emerging scientific research suggesting that such frequencies can help individuals refocus and reduce anxiety.
Results Grounded in Faith and Service
Since its inception, the program has trained 556 veterans, and a further 60 are slated to graduate this year. Remarkably, none of the participants have taken their own lives during the program’s tenure. “We give all the glory to God, number one, and to the bees, number two,” Easom said, underscoring the farm’s Christian foundation and its commitment to serving those who served the nation.
Community Impact
The initiative not only aids veterans but also enriches the local community. Harvested honey is sold at regional farmers’ markets, supporting the farm’s sustainability and providing a tangible product of the veterans’ hard work. Local churches and civic groups have partnered with Easom Farms, offering volunteer assistance and prayer support.
Looking Ahead
Easom hopes to expand the program to neighboring counties, inviting more veterans to experience the calming influence of bees and the pride of mastering a new trade. He encourages families, faith communities, and local businesses to join the effort, reinforcing the shared values of service, stewardship, and self‑reliance.
For veterans seeking a supportive environment where they can rebuild purpose, Easom Farms stands as a beacon of hope, proving that even the smallest creatures can help heal the biggest wounds.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
