I’m a Veteran Without PTSd. Staring back at the man in the mirror, Colt* reflects on the way time has taken its toll on a once wrinkle-less, no-grey façade. “When I joined the Army, I was young, reckless, and full of all sorts of terrible ideas! I was eager to see the world, do cool…
When I drove through the gate, I felt energized. The one step into the gate makes a difference. Warriors Heart Treatment Warriors Heart is a treatment facility for military, law enforcement, and first responders who want and/or need help from substance abuse, alcoholism, or PTS (a term I learned signified that, just because you have…
Art in Healing – Warrior (n) a person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage or aggressiveness. Many of our nation’s heroes are faced with fighting a war, every day. Whether it’s overseas or in their own backyard; these warriors face evil every day, to protect us from harm. Oftentimes, these warriors find…
90 Days in Recovery Can Make All The Difference – Through Their Eyes Warriors Heart Recovery Connley* abused alcohol and prescription drugs after he was medically retired from active duty. It wasn’t until after several arrests on drug-related charges, that he was forced to enter a 30-day treatment program; the first of what…
K9s: Providing Service While Saving Lives “Going to the movies was the worst: the crowds, the dark, the crackling of popcorn and wrappers….the whispering. I was constantly waiting, watching to spot who was the enemy,” recalls Dennis Bradford, a 39-year-old former Army Ranger from Atlanta, Ga. Discharged in 2008 after serving his last deployment in…
Healing with PTS? Throughout the year, those who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or Post post-traumatic stress (PTS) tend to feel elevated levels of anxiousness due to varying levels of pressures or stress; loud parties, fireworks, the over-indulgent family members, relationships, jobs, even a shopping trip can trigger someone. Whether out and about, gathering…
Welcome Home Warriors Warriors – At the end of each deployment, Chris* always came home. He would call often when deployed, and make sure he always knew what the winning score of the volleyball game his daughter had played in was. He was always, “there,” until he wasn’t. During his last deployment, which proved to…
Post-Traumatic Stress – “I couldn’t tell you the last time we looked one another in the eye, said ‘I love you’ and meant it,” recalls *Jesse, a former Marine. “When we divorced, I thought that was it – then I went on my last deployment, came home, and needed someone. She was someone I knew…
Trauma and PTSD – Through Their Eyes Trauma? Noah Kelley*, a 4th generation law enforcement officer and first responder, had seen it all; from the evilest domestic assaults, to burned bodies and Hollywood-worthy car accidents. A seasoned veteran of the curveballs the job would offer daily, he felt he could handle anything. “We received a…
A Wellness Officer’s Perspective – Members of the first responder community, have a mission to protect and serve the lives of those who are placed in harm’s way. The immeasurable pressure to remain composed and diplomatic in moments of extreme stress can be too difficult for the average person to bear. Law enforcement is a…
