About Us
Mission
Our mission at Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs is to create a lasting retreat and resource hub where veterans, active military, and their families can connect, grow, and thrive.
Vision
Our 10-acre campus serves as a central hub of belonging—linking veterans and their families to each other and to vital resources that support their growth and well-being. By combining connection with the enduring military value of service, we’re building a scalable, sustainable model to support the more than 70,000 veterans across Central Texas. Our vision is that Patriots’ Hall will become a blueprint for supporting veterans in other regions across the country.
Our History
Many grand stories have small beginnings. This story begins with a veteran named Ronnie “Shorty” Barnett. Patriots’ Hall began in 2019 as a permanent home for the local VFW and American Legion, and through deep engagement with veterans in Hays and Travis counties, we recognized a greater need for connection, resources, and a centralized support hub. Veterans consistently expressed three major needs:
A space for connection and community
Easier access to support services
Opportunities to give back and mentor others
With these needs in mind, we expanded the scope of Patriots’ Hall into a comprehensive community hub, serving all generations of the military. Over $9 million was raised to acquire the 10 acres and construct the buildings, making it the only place-based facility in Central Texas exclusively dedicated to Veterans, active military, and their families.
Patriots’ Hall Through the Years
1964
Ronnie "Shorty" Glen Barnett, a Texas native, deploys to Vietnam aboard the USS Rupertus at age 17.
1986
Shorty moves to Dripping Springs, becoming a beloved community member and leader in local veteran organizations including the VFW.
2019
After years of the VFW & American Legion sharing space wherever they could find, at age 74, Shorty and fellow veteran, Gary Hale, post hand-written flyers asking for land to build a small aluminum meeting hall.
2019
Kathryn Chandler, moved by the flyer, rallies support. Hank Seale, a Texas Tech alum and entrepreneur, joins in—insisting veterans deserve more than a shed.
2020-2021
Planning begins with the vision of a full retreat center for veterans and their families including: Hank and Lyssa Seale, Kathryn Chandler, Mary Jane Hetrick, Jeff Wells, Darwin Harrison (Darwin-Harrison), Doug Moss (Steinberg Hart), David Hart (Steinberg Hart), John and Amy Doucet (Doucet Engineers), and Ran Peschel (Capital Construction Group).
2020
Acquired 10 acres of prime hill country property for PHDS campus.
2021
1,200 sq. ft. Meeting House built for local VFW and American Legion Posts opens. Shorty Barnett cuts the ribbon.
Fall 2024
800 sq. ft. Wellness Center for therapeutic consultations and one-on-one VA claims assistance opens. 7,100 sq. ft. indoor/outdoor Gathering Hall opens
Spring 2025
Charlie's Garden ribbon-cutting—a garden retreat for veterans to volunteer, learn new skills, and relax amidst nature and herbs.
Summer 2025
Timberscape Obstacle Course and Children's Playscape opening.
Present Day
Patriots’ Hall has served over 1,700 veterans and families. Future phases include additional garden space, walking trails, and so much more!
Letter from Shorty
Our Philosophy
With 61% of veterans feeling disconnected from civilian life and 85% believing civilians don’t understand their experiences, our mission is clear: create a trusted space where veterans can connect, grow, and thrive.
Our “veteran-built, community-supported” model—where veterans support one another and the broader community helps sustain our programs—sets us apart. Our 10-acre campus is designed to foster a sense of belonging, wellness, and purpose.
We bring that to life through:
Indoor and outdoor spaces that allow 90% of our programming to happen at our main campus—including a therapeutic garden, obstacle course, and playscape
A peer-based welcome system led by fellow veterans
Flexible spaces for gathering, working, relaxing, and community-building
A central hub connecting veterans and families to hundreds of resources and services
Join Patriots’ Hall
Whether you’re a veteran, family member, or supporter, we’d love for you to join us. Please fill out the form linked below to become a member or community supporter and stay connected through event updates and news.