In the heart of Louisiana, a Coast Guard veteran is turning her passion for beekeeping into a mission to support fellow service members. Cheri Ben-Iesau, who served 25 years in the Coast Guard, now runs a 50-acre apiary and blueberry farm known as Big Branch Apiary. Her work not only promotes sustainable agriculture but also provides a unique path for veterans transitioning into civilian life. Through her involvement with Hives for Heroes, a national nonprofit, Ben-Iesau is using bees to help veterans find purpose and community after military service.
Beekeeping may seem like an unlikely bridge between military and civilian life, but for Ben-Iesau, the parallels are striking. A beehive is a highly organized system where each member has a role, not unlike the structure of the armed forces. Worker bees and drones operate in harmony under the guidance of a queen, mirroring the coordinated efforts of military units. This natural order resonated with Ben-Iesau, who found comfort and inspiration in the hive’s rhythm after retiring from service.
“It started with the bees. We only have 27 hives, and we plan to slowly increase that,” she explained. What began as a single hive in her garden quickly grew into a full-fledged operation. “When I retired, I started gardening full-time. It’s a passion of mine, and I decided one day to put bees out in my garden, and it got out of control from one bee hive to 14.”
Her journey into agriculture and beekeeping came after a military career that spanned more than two decades. Initially intending to serve only four years, Ben-Iesau stayed for 25, drawn by the autonomy and challenges the Coast Guard offered. “There was always a challenge, but with the Coast Guard, you have a lot of autonomy to take care of your own responsibilities,” she said. That sense of responsibility has carried over into her post-service life, where she now cultivates not only bees and blueberries but also a sense of purpose for other veterans.
Ben-Iesau’s farm serves as more than just a business. It is a sanctuary and a training ground for veterans seeking direction after active duty. Through Hives for Heroes, she mentors other former service members, helping them learn the art and science of beekeeping. The program is specifically designed to assist veterans during the often difficult transition to civilian life, offering them a new focus and a supportive community.
“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 organization connects experienced beekeepers with veterans, creating mentorships that foster both skill development and emotional support.
I found this detail striking: the simple act of working with bees can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Reporter Lauren McCoy noted how the practice can inspire veterans to overcome fears and set new goals. The structured yet calming nature of beekeeping offers a therapeutic outlet, one that demands focus and patience—qualities deeply ingrained in military training.
Ben-Iesau’s story is a compelling example of how passion projects can evolve into platforms for community service. Her farm is not just a place of work; it is a place of healing and growth. For veterans grappling with the challenges of reintegration, programs like Hives for Heroes provide a meaningful way to channel their skills and experiences into something constructive and rewarding.
As the demand for veteran support services continues to grow, innovative approaches like Ben-Iesau’s offer a hopeful path forward. Her commitment to both agriculture and fellow veterans exemplifies how personal passion can intersect with public service. By sharing her knowledge and resources, she is helping others find their footing in a new chapter of life, one hive at a time.
For those interested in sustainable farming, beekeeping for veterans, or veteran transition programs, Big Branch Apiary stands as a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and community. Ben-Iesau’s work not only nurtures the land but also cultivates resilience and purpose among those who have served.
