Heroes to Heroes Accepting Applications from Veterans with PTSD for October 2013 Team

Are you or do you know a veteran who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, who is living in the New York Metro Area, and is having trouble with his re-entry into civilian life due to severe PTSD? Do you know a veteran who you fear has given up on life or may be suicidal due to the effects of PTSD? If you know someone in this situation or are concerned for these veterans, please continue to read.

Heroes to Heroes Foundation is accepting applications for our next team that will start our program in October. Each team consists of ten veterans and two coaches who work together to help one another get through life's challenges.

Our program changes lives. One of our participants had totally given up on life after being wounded seriously in Iraq. He shut down which caused his wife to do so as well. They never left their home, stayed away from neighbors and friends, and led an unhappy and solitary life. It was moments before his wife would most likely have left, having given up on any hope for her future if she stayed. Her husband then agreed to be 'talked into' participating in the Heroes to Heroes program by his caseworker. After ten days with a team of supportive veterans, this young man was able to turn both his marriage and his life around. His wife asked us 'who is this guy you sent back?' They are now able to enjoy life together.

The Heroes to Heroes program is powerful and will have a strong impact on participants who are willing to work hard and challenge themselves in a supportive and safe environment. 

The program starts with a ten day experience in Israel. During this time, our veterans travel with their Israeli counterparts on a journey that is focused on four aspects of healing: physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. Participants have the opportunity to participate in physical activity such as riding bicycles, sailing, hiking, team sports, swimming, and plenty of walking. The program is entirely social, giving participants the opportunity to be with other veterans who share their same challenges.

During the trip the team visits Holy sites such as Bethlehem, the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchure, the Galilee, and all who are of the Christian faith have the opportunity to be Baptized in the River Jordan. All participants have time to explore and reflect on their faith.

The team will take the time to plant trees in memory of those they lost and in honor of those they love. They'll visit the only 9/11 Memorial outside the US that is dedicated to the American victims of that horror. Time is provided daily for the team to come together, express their feelings about their experiences, and plan for their futures.

The program continues in the United States with team meetings and follow up for a minimum of one year. All participants follow up with both their American team and, via Skype and Facetime, with their Israeli partners. 

There is no cost for veterans who participate, aside from passport fees and incidentals. Heroes to Heroes is a totally volunteer organization that exists to help our veterans and slow down the ever growing suicide rate - we're losing more veterans to suicide than we are soldiers on the battlefield.

Heroes to Heroes Foundation's program has proven to be extremely effective. If you would like to recommend a veteran but do not want to approach that person, please contact us. Our goal is to stop suicide in it's tracks. Without the help of friends and family many veterans will continue to be lost. Please forward this information to anyone you believe can help. Thank you!

For information please go to our site at heroestoheroes.org 

Judy I. Schaffer

Founder and President

Heroes to Heroes Foundation

judy@heroestoheroes.org

Our Lost Veterans: Memorial Day - Commemorating Those We Lost and App...

Our Lost Veterans: Memorial Day - Commemorating Those We Lost and App...: Memorial Day affects us all differently. Whether we have family or friends lost in the military, or just feel appreciative to those who gave...

Memorial Day - Commemorating Those We Lost and Appreciating Those We Have

Memorial Day affects us all differently. Whether we have family or friends lost in the military, or just feel appreciative to those who gave their lives for our freedoms, it is a time of reflection and thanks. It also feels like a late spring Thanksgiving that we celebrate to remember the people who believed so much in our country, that they either volunteered or accepted being drafted, and, in excahnge, gave their lives.

For the families of soldiers we recently lost, the pain must be unbearable. Their sons and daughters volunteered and paid the ultimate price. I salute organizations like the Gold Star Mothers who, in their own pain, support fellow parents as they receive the dreaded and horrible news. My thoughts often stray to these parents and I'm afraid to imagine their pain.

Memorial Day is also a teachable moment. I remind my sons that they are able to continue their lives uninterrrupted due to our soldiers. Both have enjoyed their college years, courtesy of our young men and women who volunteered, way too many who have lost their lives. As young men between the ages of 18-26, they are registered for the draft. Neither one, so far, has even given a throught to the idea of receiving a draft notice in the mail. Thank you again to our volunteers.

As a parent this has become extremely personal. "Other people's children" have given their lives so my sons can continue to live free and easy lives. "Other people's children" return home facing challenges with losing limbs, severe pain, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), traumatic brain injury, and a host of other issues, while my sons live somewhat carefree.

As citizens of this wonderful country, we have so much to be grateful for on a daily basis. Today I'd like to give a special THANK YOU to the families of those lost and those serving. The families of our soldiers are on the frontlines as well, dealing with the pain of loss, waiting for their loved one's return or helping their loved one return to civilian life. All of you sacrifice so much for non-military families and we appreciate you every day of our lives.

Judy I. Schaffer
Founder/President
Heroes to Heroes Foundation
heroestoheroes.org

Heroes to Heroes Searches for Veterans Before It's too Late

During a recent meeting with a person involved in Veterans Affairs in the state of New Jersey, it became apparent that many of our veterans who suffer from PTSD and Traumtic Brain Injury are hidden from the veterans' community and, naturally, society as a whole. The suicide rate among these veterans is rising. We can't slow it or ultimately stop it unless we can identify those most vulnerable before they become statistics.

Imagine being between the ages of 20-55 years old and knowing that you most likely will be unable to hold a job again in your lifetime. You've served your country, and have challenges you don't undersand and are not always able to control. You look like everyone else; you have your limbs and no recognizable injuries. There is no pity or understanding for you. You're not a 'poster child' for any organization. Your real challenges are with mental health - a scary diagnosis that comes with many stigmas. If you let others know, they may judge you, offer their advice, and help make you feel less than you are.

American culture rewards work. People want to support their families. Veterans, in particular, are givers. They volunteer to help the country and many want to continue to contribute long after their return. Instead, many of our veterans with PTSD and TBI are returning to little or no real understanding. Those who are put on 100% disability are unable to work since they will lose a portion or all of their disability for doing so. Instead of feeling productive and contributing what they can, some are sitting at home with the shades drawn, possibly drinking, doing drugs, and/or smoking themselves to death.

Every person matters. Each veteran matters and we need to let them know that they do. We have a big country and there is more than enough to do to keep it running. Whether our citizens work in paid positions or as volunteers, there is a place for everyone.

As the American community we can listen for the signs of a lost veteran. Does someone we know have a friend or family member, discharged from the military who has distanced him/herself from the world? Are they not participating in the basics of family life? Have they given up? Have their families/friends given up on them? If so, please reach out to professionals and help them get into the system before it's too late. Organizations like Heroes to Heroes are looking to find these veterans who can 'be brought back to life' with support. There are many people doing great things to help save those who have done so much for us. Let's commit to helping our most vulnerable  veterans move forward.

Judy Schaffer
May 20, 2013

Please visit us at LinkedIn/JudyIsaacsonSchafferheroestoheroes.org