Newspaper with a Heart came to the aid of a veteran The Ledger By Eric Pera March 11, 2017
The Heart program exists through the generosity of Ledger readers who recognize the need for a fund of last resort for families — neighbors — in crisis, usually because of severe illness, injury or loss of job. The program also assists seniors living on limited incomes.
Janet Williams, at her apartment in Winter Haven, is an Army Veteran with medical issues and loss of job. Pierre DuCharme
WINTER HAVEN — South Korea seemed a million miles away from Janet Williams' world in New York.
It was 1996. She was 25. She'd just received her first deployment as a new Army recruit.
Korea was considered a "hardship tour," a place with substandard living conditions compared to the United States. It came with extra pay, but such tours are lengthy.
Her's lasted a year. Turns out Korea wasn't so bad. It was her fellow soldiers she had to fear. Williams says she was sexually assaulted six months after arriving in Korea. Aside from the humiliation, she received a head injury severe enough to cause migraines. Stress, combined with her injuries, led to PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, and multiple sclerosis. As a result, Williams qualified for medical retirement and disability pay. She said she left the Army after serving approximately 3½ years. read more here
Could not have asked for a better day out at the Orlando Nam Knights for the annual Bike Week Party. Blue sky, over head, lots of "family" gathered together and oh, yes, the Harley's!
PROPOSED NATIONAL DEFENSE BUDGET INCLUDES $3M FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA PTSD CLINIC WMFE News by Renata Sago March 9, 2017
More than 250 service members, veterans, and first responders have been treated since the clinic opened.
The $577.9 billion national defense bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week includes a provision for money that would go to a University of Central Florida clinic that treats veterans and first responders for post-traumatic stress disorder. UCF RESTORES uses virtual reality as a key part of treatment. The funding for the clinic would come from a defense budget devoted to advanced concepts and simulation. Dan Holsenbeck, Senior Vice President for University Relations for UCF, is hopeful the provision will get Senate approval and eventually a nod from the president. He knows the funding will not help the clinic run long-term. read more here And yet again, this program is just for OEF and OIF veterans...not our generation! UCF Restores
PTSD Treatment Troop deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan has been extensive and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among our returning veterans. PTSD is associated with poor quality of life, guilt, anger, and unemployment, among other life challenges.
The Trauma Management Therapy program, a division of UCF RESTORES, is offering a treatment program that uses the most effective treatments for combat-related PTSD.
This is a clinical research program, funded by a grant to UCF from the Department of Defense Military Operations Medical Operations Program.
Individuals who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, who believe that they might be suffering from PTSD, and who are interested in getting more information about our Trauma Management Therapy program are encouraged to call the TMT Project Manager, Dr. Sandra Neer, at 407-823-1668.
Do they give a shit about the fact that the majority of the reported suicides by the VA are over the age of 50? Do they give a crap that age group is also among the largest percentage of veterans fighting PTSD on a daily basis with little help or attention? Do we matter at all to any of these new "efforts" following the decades of efforts we created in the first place?
New Album ‘Battle Cry: Songs of America’s Heroes’ to Help Veterans Muse Wire By Raychel Harvey-Jones Mar 10, 2017
“I wish my brother could have taken a glimpse into the future and see how families are torn apart by suicide. My message is always to move forward and be you. Find what you love and go after it. Losing one vet is losing one vet too many.” John Preston.
I feel as if we live in a society these days where most people are looking out for themselves with some out to make an easy buck. As a former professional singer music will always be a part of me, a passion. Many say music is the only universal language.
I first heard the music and story of Iraq Veteran and rock singer John Preston last year and had been inspired ever since. I got the chance to catch up with John again this year to talk about his new album, an album to solely benefit veterans – a selfless act in this ever-changing world.
“My mission is simple. I want to use my music and life experiences to help veterans all over the world find success in life after serving their country,” says Preston.
Preston penned his first song while serving in Iraq; the led to a record contract with Pacific Records. After returning to what we could call “normal” life his battle with PTSD consumed him and his life. “That fight is bigger than any I faced in Iraq; it’s almost like fighting the unknown. I realized that losing so many good men and women to suicide that I could bring awareness through my music.”
Last year Preston lost his brother after a battle with PTSD.
“He was my hero growing up, and I didn’t see the signs. I was traveling across our nation raising awareness of veteran suicide, and I lost my own brother; how do you explain to his 7-year-old son? How do I explain our hero is no longer here?”read more here
Iraq War veteran rescues dog that fell through ice Dog fell through ice 150 yards from shore Channel 3000 News Dave Delozier Posted: Mar 10, 2017
“When the deed is done, then you realize, OK, boy, I really could have lost him. So you get a little different appreciation for things.” Justin Neumeier
BRIGGSVILLE, Wis. - When Justin Neumeier’s dog, Charles, fell through the ice on Lake Mason, the instincts he developed as a U.S. Marine serving Iraq kicked in and he went out to rescue the black lab. “Maybe it was my Marine Corps mentality, just get it done,” Neumeier said.
Serving with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine, Neumeier saw some of the wars toughest combat in the battle for Ramadi in 2004.
read more here
