Mil-Tree
Program Highlights
In 2012, Cheryl Montelle, Founder and Executive Director of Mil-Tree, was deeply moved by War and the Soul by Dr. Ed Tick. The book explores how traditional cultures reintegrate their warriors into society and contrasts that with the often-isolated experience of U.S. veterans, who are frequently offered only medication or surface-level gratitude without true community support.
Motivated to take action, Cheryl invited Dr. Tick to Joshua Tree for a book reading and community gathering. His message was clear: if we truly want to support our returning warriors, we must build a community that actively welcomes them home. Inspired, Cheryl brought local residents together to form such a group. A Marine veteran proposed the name “Mil-Tree,” combining military culture with the Joshua Tree region—symbolizing strength, resilience, and rootedness. And so, Mil-Tree was born.
The organization’s first major event was hosting a Soldier’s Heart retreat in 2013 at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, with about 30 participants including veterans, active-duty service members, family members, chaplains, and concerned civilians. The retreat offered a transformative experience where veterans and civilians shared their personal stories, listened deeply, and engaged in practices that fostered self-reflection and connection.
What unfolded was a rare and powerful dynamic: while civilians came to support veterans, they often found themselves being supported in return. Veterans and active-duty members helped hold emotional space for those who hadn’t experienced military life but wanted to understand. This mutual exchange of empathy and understanding became the heart of Mil-Tree’s work—creating spaces where healing happens through connection, storytelling, and shared humanity.
VIEW OUR PAST PROGRAMS BELOW
Tapestries of Transformation
Starting in 2023 and ending in September 2024, Tapestries set out to create a shared world rich in meaning and direction. The multi-pronged program took place in Joshua Tree, California and included an experiential retreat, community gatherings, multidisciplinary creative workshops, and eight weeks of playmaking, all of which culminated in a community-driven theatrical performance. These elements worked together to build lasting connections and foster a sense of belonging for veterans, active military, artists, and the wider local High Desert community of the Morongo Basin. Mil-Tree has created a toolkit for non-profits who seek to replicate this programming in their local communities. It can be found at www.communityloom.org
The sold-out performance on May 4th ended with a touching moment of audience participation alongside the actors, directors, and volunteers — a beautiful tapestry that perfectly captured the spirit of this special project.”
The play won “Outstanding Indoor Theatrical Production” during the Joshua Awards which is put on by a local publication, The Joshua Tree Voice.
This program was made possible by grants from the California Art Council, Creative Corps Inland Socal, and the Inland Empire Community Foundation.
Rhythm of Reconnection
Rhythm of Reconnection, a powerful singer-songwriter workshop series hosted in 2024 by Mil-Tree. Over three workshops, guided by renowned singer-songwriters Louise Goffin, Teddy Quinn, and Tim Easton, participants explored the art of songwriting as a tool for self-expression, healing, and community building. Each session culminated in a live performance, bringing these original songs to life in front of an audience of over 100 community members. Through the support of the California Arts Council grant, this program provided a transformative space for participants to collaborate, reflect, and reconnect. The impact of these workshops extends far beyond the music, fostering deep bonds and an ongoing creative community.
This short documentary captures the heart of the program—where veterans, active military, and civilians come together to share their stories, find their voices, and create music that bridges divides.
Coming Soon
More to be added
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From There to Here
An Exhibit of Military Art and Words Curated by Veteran Omar Columbus
The visual art of veterans and their family members, accompanied by the words of the artists, gives form to thoughts and emotions that are often hard to articulate. Often, art can be a catalyst for communication and understanding. This exhibition allowed an opportunity for sixteen artists to externalize their feelings of going “From There To Here”.
The From There to Here Art Exhibit was held at the 29 Palms Visitor Center from October to December 2024.
The program also included a series of workshops.
Marine Veteran Renee Pickup hosted a writing workshop where participants explored the theme from the art show, “From There To Here”.
Artist and Art Consultant Danielle Guidici-Wallis, our now Co Executive Director, held an Artists Panel Discussion with the artists about their work and what inspired them.
Cheryl Bookout, filmmaker and artist led an art workshop where participants created art based on the theme from the art show.
In December 2024, a screening of Sheepdogs, A Meyers Stump Production, a documentary film featured four Morongo Basin veterans of the US Marines and Navy, telling their stories of injury and healing. The film was Directed by Brian Knappmiller. This event was made possible from grants received from California Humanities, The City of 29 Palms, and the Public Arts Advisory Commitee.
Community Garden
Established in 2021 with just a potting shed, the Mil-Tree Community Garden flourishes at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center current day! Since 2023 the garden thrives thanks to the dedication of volunteers, including veterans, community members, and youth who come together every week to nurture our green space. Join us in cultivating not only plants but also friendships and a sense of community. Together, we create a vibrant environment for everyone to enjoy! The community garden volunteers also attend community events like the Earth Day Celebration at the Yucca Valley Hi Desert Nature Museum, the Hay Festival at the Retreat Center and many more. Coming in late 2025 Mil-Tree is collaborating with other community partners with a second garden in 29 Palms.
Force of Nature
​Force of Nature began in early 2025, a partnership between the Mojave Desert Land Trust and Mil-Tree with support from Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, offers uplifting outdoor activities and volunteer opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members. This project is made possible through the Veterans and Nature Grant Program, from the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. The program lifted off with a launch party in February 2025 followed by the first event in March 2025. More events will be added in the future.
