Looking for a story about a retired vet starting a "commune" for other vets that are burned out. They built caves to live in and help to protect the land. Also the Sheriff asked that he "adopt" an orphan whose family was killed which he did. The other vets helped to revenge the families death. Also, he restored furniture which interested the Smithsonian.
If it's the one I'm thinking of he's from the Chicago area. He buys a lot of food, tools, survival gear, etc. on credit & skips to somewhere in the south. He renovates an old cabin & builds a spring house. Later develops diabetic neuropathy. His sister becomes his secret contact back to his old life. I thought it was by SW MO Hermit but couldn't find it in a quick look.
Retiring to the Smokies by Howard Faxon
https://storiesonline.net/s/62112/retiring-to-the-smokies
https://storiesonline.net/a/Howard_Faxon