Winchester Veterans First Celebration Displays America's Commitment to Our Veterans

Added: (Sat Jun 07 2008)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winchester Veterans First Celebration Displays America's Commitment to Our Veterans

WINCHESTER, VA - JUNE 5, 2008 - Caring Americans joined business and government representatives in the former Airpak warehouse in the industrial district for an after work celebration honoring our past and present veterans. The event, benefiting the development of the first of its kind unique PTSD treatment supportive residential farm, provided an opportunity for average community folks to learn more about the difficulties our returning military are facing and to be a part of the solution.

American's have not been asked to sacrifice anything for the current wars and they clearly want to stand shoulder to shoulder with our military. So participants at the event learned fist hand from representatives of veteran's groups, veterans and active duty military, and AHR's staff what they can do to connect with Heroes in their families and neighborhood. Participants left the event with more than just knowledge, but a much needed avenue for them to follow so that they can actively support veterans.

"I've heard about PTSD but don't really know what it is," was the common response of the night. And when our fellow citizens learned that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is the new American crisis, they were both heart-sick and, as patriots, newly determined to work towards welcoming all veterans back with honor and seeing that those needing care for PTSD get it.

The event was hosted by American Heroes Return (AHR), a veteran's transition program of Place of Solace, a non-profit service organization. AHR (http://www.AmericanHeroesReturn.com) began the year researching on military bases and in Veterans Affairs medical centers to discover what the greatest unmet need is for our returning veterans. The result of that research revealed that therapeutically supportive out-patient and transitional living experiences for our veterans being treated for PTSD and other war related injuries was is critical short supply.

"What a great night," said Shawn Hibbard, AHR Program Director and the night's event manager, "anyone seems to be having a great time and learning a little more about PTSD and American Heroes [Return]."

Within just two of the North Carolina VA Medical Center regions, more than 11,000 cases of PTSD were treated in one year. Although the VA Medical Centers are to be honored for their massive care effort, it is impossible for them to meet the therapeutically appropriate housing demand to compliment their efforts.

What this means is that many homes are falling apart due to the stress, many veterans are living in the streets, under bridges, and in cars. And many are finding shelter were they can in environments that are ill suited for their progress towards cure. This condition is anti-American, lacks the ethical obligation we hold as Americans to our veterans, and cannot be tolerated or ignored.

What took place in Winchester VA on June 5th, and in Hickory NC on May 23rd, reveals that American's care deeply. And American Heroes Return is moving swiftly towards providing the solutions that veterans deserve.

For a review of the program and the Phased Living Environment initiative, visit http://www.AmericanHeroesReturn.com.

Contact Lance Orndorff for more insights into this topic. Lance will make himself available for interviews, print or on air, on short notice. Direct line: (888) 716-4196 Email: pr01@americanheroesreturn.com  Other helpful information regarding the event can be found at: http://www.AmericanHeroesReturn.com  or http://www.CampHero.com. 

About Place of Solace and American Heroes Return
Place of Solace is a 501(c)3 non-profit community service organization with a five year history of meeting community American Heroes Return is a new program addressing the needs of returning veterans from current conflicts and veterans from previous wars and service.

Contact Information:
American Heroes Return
Phone : 888-716-4196
Fax : 336-232-9333
www.AmericanHeroesReturn.com 

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