If you have never heard of the non-profit Paws and Stripes, you are in for a treat. It is truly one of the most noteworthy organizations I have come in contact with.
They pair rescue dogs (that they train at no cost to the veteran) with the person suffering from PTSD or TBI. The veteran and dog essentially end up saving each other's lives, such a simple yet powerful concept.
I met the co-founder, Jim Stanek in Albuquerque, NM when I was there a couple of months ago on active duty orders for the Navy. I was drawn to his own story and how his rescue dog became his loyal friend and defender, constantly "watching his back."
These companions are trained to deal with each person's specific issues, and being on alert for them is a trait that someone with PTSD might need.
I talked to Jim almost every day that I was in town, each time growing more impressed with the work Paws and Stripes does, even meeting a couple of vets and the dogs that were paired together. What's amazing is that they become legitimate service dogs, and they go everywhere with their owners.
I am still in awe of the genuine work Jim and his team are doing for those that sacrificed for our freedom, and returned home with "invisible wounds" and lives that will never be the same.
I look forward to do doing anything I can to assist them in getting sponsors and donations so they can continue giving comfort to dogs and veterans.
Many people are aware of the Make a Wish Foundation and its mission. It's an incredible organization that grants "wishes" for children with life-threatening illnesses, making their special dreams come true, if only for a day.
Veteran Tickets Foundation, or Vet Tix, the popular non-profit that provides free tickets to concerts and professional sporting events to veterans (I have been a lucky recipient) has created a similar concept geared towards servicemembers. It's called Hero's Wish and our men and women who are fighting for our country can request a dream outing to a concert or game prior to or upon return from a deployment. Many of these guys/gals are away for as long as a year, so the chance to go to the game of their dreams with the entire family, their spouse, or a few friends can be an experience of a lifetime. Vet Tix is all about enhancing the morale of our warfighters, who have the unique experience of not only being away from their families for extended periods of time, but have the risky profession of being in harm's way on a daily basis while deployed.
There are so many great organizations that make a difference in the lives of veterans who protect our freedom. I can't think of a better way to express my gratitude than scanning that wish list to see if there's something on there I can contribute to.
For those of you in the D.C. area, I just found out about this. It's a "must-attend" if you can make it! My personal friend (and phenomenal woman!), Kathleen Gagg, co-founder of Camp Better America, will host a panel to discuss how volunteer organizations can help returning veterans reintegrate into society at a National Press Club Newsmaker.
Camp Better America is a volunteer organization that helps veterans and their families bond and reconnect after long, sometimes multiple deployments overseas. Experts brought in by Camp Better America provide inspiration to the families, help veterans heal both physical and emotional wounds, and let veterans and their families know they are appreciated.
Date/time: November 15, 10:00 a.m. at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. (Zenger Room)
Panelists include: Colonel David Sutherland, Special Assistant, Warrior & Family Support Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as well as Captain Brad Cooper (Executive Director) from Joining Forces
I'm sorry I've been M.I.A. for nearly a year now. I've gotten married and moved from D.C. to Denver, so look out for a re-branding! I haven't lost my passion for military charities, if anything, they are even more a part of my life now.
Standby for more posts soon ...
V/r,
Jess
The army unit from Fort Carson, Colorado that was once known as the “Band of Brothers,” was later renamed “Lethal Warriors.”
Deployed to some of the worst regions in Iraq for multiple tours of duty, many of these soldiers suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and some, undiagnosed or untreated since returning from war, have become involved in a series of violent crimes.
David Philipps investigates this particular unit from their actions overseas and the broader issue of PTSD in returning veterans throughout the country.
The December 13th event is free for Club members, $5 for non-members. Those presenting Military ID will be admitted free. The book will be available for $25, and Philipps will sign copies.
As this is a fundraiser for the Eric Friedheim National Journalism Library, outside books are not permitted.
Reservations are required at the National Press Club in D.C. opus@press.org or 202-662-7523.
DC's award-winning GI Film Festival announced today that it has established a ground-breaking new partnership with The Military Channel, the nation’s only cable network dedicated to military programming, which will provide unprecedented exposure for films that honor American warriors. Beginning on November 12th, the Military Channel, which is currently available in more than 57 million homes, will begin featuring weekend blocks of the festival’s award-winning productions. (See opening weekend schedule below.)
"This effort between the GI Film Festival and the Military Channel will be invaluable in putting the heroism and the sacrifice of the nation's bravest men and women on full display for all of America to witness. This has been the Festival's core mission from day one," said GI Film Festival Chairman Stephen K. Bannon.
The G.I. Film Festival is the first and only film festival in the country dedicated to honoring the successes and sacrifices of American GIs. The festival’s documentary and narrative films showcase themes ranging from the courage and ingenuity on battlefields throughout history to the struggles of homelessness and post-traumatic stress on the home front. The G.I. Film Festival block runs on Military Channel from 9-11 PM ET on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout November starting on Friday, November 12, the day after Veterans Day.
"We are proud to provide our filmmakers with a nationwide audience on one of the nation's most respected television networks," said GI Film Festival Co-Founder Brandon Millett. "We know Military Channel viewers will be touched and inspired by this programming. And we hope through our films that they gain a greater sense of appreciation for our nation's men and women in uniform."
"This national television program is a landmark event in the history of the GI Film Festival," said GI Film Festival Co-Founder Laura Law-Millett. "With this ground-breaking new series, we now move from a DC-based event to a national organization fostering a positive image for American GIs."
“The diverse lineup of the G.I. Film Festival is a natural fit for Military Channel, which prides itself on highlighting the full spectrum of human drama, courage and patriotism intrinsic to the armed forces,” said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager of Military Channel. “By providing the G.I. Film Festival a national platform, Military Channel invites its viewers to explore these beautifully produced films that resonate with the creative passion of each independent filmmaker.”
The opening weekend of G.I. Film Festival programming on Military Channel includes:
I am thrilled to present my guest blogger, Marlene Hall and her interview for G.I. Jess with filmmaker and author Sebastian Junger! I promoted his screening of Restrepo when it was shown here in D.C. back in June. Thank you, Marlene for the great interview!
Sebastian Junger on the Frontlines of Afghanistan
By Marlene Hall
Sebastian Junger is a contributing editor for Vanity Fair and is a New York Times best seller with “The Perfect Storm,” which was turned into a movie with George Clooney. Now he has written the book “War” and co-produced, along with Tim Hetherington, the Sundance film festival award winning documentary “Restrepo."
"War” and “Restrepo” capture the war in Afghanistan’s deadliest fighting area the Korangal Valley, from American military soldiers’ point of view. Junger spent on and off about 12 months, from 2007-2008, with the Second Platoon of Battle Company, part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Vincenza, Italy.
The documentary is called “Restrepo” because the platoon built an outpost named after their fallen medic Pfc. Juan Sebastian “Doc” Restrepo, who is briefly in the movie in the beginning. Junger describes the Restrepo Outpost in his book as, “the most vulnerable base in the most hotly contested valley of the entire American sector.” The Korangal is a hotbed of al-Qaeda and insurgent activity as the enemy would leave Pakistan on their way to Kabul via the valley. Every time the soldiers would leave their outpost they would always be engaged in enemy fire.
The Korangal Valley is so deadly that the military pulled out of the 6 mile valley that is 25 miles from the border of Pakistan in April 2010. Nearly 50 soldiers lost their lives in the 5 years the US fought in the Korangal Valley from 2005-April 2010.
Junger took time out of his busy schedule to discuss his experiences, Americans’ contributions to Afghanistan, and his ties to nominated Medal of Honor Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta.
