A former Hollywood star is using her Nashville farm to offer hope and healing to wounded warriors and their families.
Jennifer O'Neill is an actress best known for the film "Summer of '42" and her role as a CoverGirl makeup model. She is also the daughter of a World War II vet, which sparked her desire to use her farm, Hillenglade, to reach out to members of the armed forces.
According to the nonprofit's website, Hope and Healing at Hillenglade uses horses and the scenic beauty of the country to provide a place for servicemembers and their families to heal, not only from physical injuries, but from invisible injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder, difficulties reintegrating into civilian life and familial and marital stress.
"Anyone in the service – whether they have PTSD or not – is welcome," O'Neill told Fox News. "The farm is about restoration, healing and giving hope."
O'Neill is not the only celebrity with military ties.
O'Neill hosts events at Hillenglade on holidays that pertain to military life, such as Flag Day and Independence Day. Hundreds of military members, past and present, and their families are treated to live music, food, activities and, of course, horses.
"What really works well for PTSD is love – and whether that's from a person or an animal, it doesn't matter," Dr. Marc Siegel, a professor at New York University's Langone Medical Center, told Fox News. "Horses are absolutely therapeutic. I believe in this."
Hillenglade's next event is planned for June 13, the weekend of Flag Day, and is free to active military members, veterans and their families who register prior to the cut-off of 300 people. According to the nonprofit's website, the day will include pony and horse rides, sports, food, horse exhibitions and paintings, and more.