In the heart of Louisiana, a 50-acre farm buzzes with life—not just from its blueberry bushes, but from the 27 beehives that dot the landscape. This peaceful yet industrious setting is home to Big Branch Apiary, a venture founded by Coast Guard veteran Cheri Ben-Iesau. After 25 years of military service, Ben-Iesau has transitioned from commanding missions to cultivating bees, finding a new purpose through a unique blend of agriculture and community service. Her work is part of a growing movement that uses beekeeping to help veterans adjust to civilian life, an initiative that highlights the therapeutic and empowering nature of working with bees.
Veteran beekeeping programs are gaining traction across the country, and Ben-Iesau’s involvement with the national nonprofit Hives for Heroes places her at the forefront of this effort. The organization pairs veterans with experienced beekeepers to provide mentorship and support during their transition from military to civilian life. For Ben-Iesau, who initially joined the Coast Guard with a four-year plan that turned into a quarter-century career, this new mission is deeply personal. “Hive for Heroes was designed to help, in particular, transitioning veterans, transition out of the military into civilian life and give them something to concentrate on,” she explained.
The parallels between military service and beekeeping are striking. A beehive operates as a highly organized system, with each member contributing to the greater good. Worker bees, drones, and the queen each have defined roles, mirroring the structure and discipline found in the armed forces. This natural alignment makes beekeeping a meaningful and accessible pursuit for many veterans. It offers structure, responsibility, and a tangible sense of accomplishment—qualities that many former service members find grounding as they navigate life after the military.
Ben-Iesau’s journey into beekeeping began modestly. “It started with the bees. We only have 27 hives, and we plan to slowly increase that,” she said. What began as a single hive in her garden quickly expanded to 14, and eventually to the thriving apiary she now manages. After retiring, she embraced gardening full-time, a passion that soon evolved into a business. The farm now serves not only as a source of honey and blueberries but also as a sanctuary for veterans seeking a new path forward.
The therapeutic benefits of beekeeping are well documented. Engaging with bees requires patience, focus, and a calm demeanor—skills that can aid in managing stress and anxiety. For veterans, these qualities can be especially valuable. The process of tending to hives, observing bee behavior, and harvesting honey provides a peaceful rhythm and a sense of purpose. I found this detail striking: the same qualities that make someone a good military leader—discipline, attentiveness, resilience—are also what make for a successful beekeeper.
Ben-Iesau’s story is part of a larger narrative about how veterans are redefining their post-service lives. By turning to agriculture and environmental stewardship, they are finding new ways to serve their communities. Programs like Hives for Heroes not only offer practical skills but also foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. This can be particularly important in the often-isolating transition to civilian life.
“There was always a challenge,” Ben-Iesau reflected on her military career. “But with the Coast Guard, you have a lot of autonomy to take care of your own responsibilities.” That sense of autonomy has carried over into her work on the farm. Managing an apiary demands initiative and problem-solving, qualities that Ben-Iesau honed during her years of service. Her ability to adapt and lead has made her a valuable mentor to other veterans exploring beekeeping as a new endeavor.
As Big Branch Apiary continues to grow, so does its impact. With plans to expand the number of hives and deepen involvement with Hives for Heroes, Ben-Iesau is creating a sustainable model for veteran reintegration. Her farm is more than a business—it is a community hub, a place where shared experiences and mutual support help individuals heal and thrive. The bees, in their quiet diligence, offer a powerful metaphor for resilience and cooperation.
This story underscores the potential of nature-based therapies and vocational training to support veterans in meaningful ways. It also highlights the importance of grassroots efforts led by individuals who understand the unique challenges of military life. Ben-Iesau’s work exemplifies how a simple hobby can grow into a life-changing mission. By nurturing bees, she is also nurturing hope, purpose, and connection among those who have served.
