The transition to civilian life is one of the deadliest battles Veterans must face. For every Veteran who has passed in combat, more than 24 take their own lives after coming home. My boyfriend, Mark, an Expert Infantryman in the Army, was one of those who fell victim to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), after returning home from combat. He was the love of my life. Had he been able to access healing and community upon his return and transition, such as the opportunity LIFT VETS provides, he may still be alive and holding his loved one's today. With Lift Vets now you too have an opportunity to support Veterans from the home front. The following is a message from the organization:
Lift Vets serves Veterans of recent conflicts with the intention of supporting them in wellness and successfully reintegrating into civilian life after leaving the military. This is accomplished by delivering mind/body integration classes to support physical, social, and mental fitness. To deliver these classes, we have a team that includes a certified personal trainer and substance abuse counselor, a licensed therapist, experienced meditation practitioners, and a supportive community of veterans; all having the intention of building a community focused on overall wellness.
Beyond the weekly groups already taking place, we are launching an individual outpatient program, and group therapy, that helps veterans gain the skills for accomplishing goals in three major life domains: physical, social, mental. This is an early intervention to support Veterans who might be at risk for homelessness and suicide.
Lift Vets’ Tough Mudder campaign is the first step toward being able to fund these programs and continue helping those who gave so much for our freedom. Our group of Veterans is running this race to raise awareness about issues vets face and raise money for our program.
Tough Mudder on October 26th in Temecula, CA:
The 1st Lift Vets team health milestone will be to complete the grueling 11-milestone course that is the Tough Mudder. In order to face the physical and mental challenges presented by a Mudder, we will have to implement every bit of Lift Vets’ physical and inner-strengthening services.
Outcomes I believe Veterans may experience from our Tough Mudder and Lift Vets Training:
- Increased physical stamina, endurance, and mental toughness
- An increased ability to recognize, and regulate, emotional states
- Awareness, understanding and acceptance of returning Veterans to their struggles with suicide, homelessness, depression and other mental health problems
- The ability to create and accomplish physical, social, and mental fitness goals
- An increased ability to stay in the present moment
- An increased ability to be present in your personal relationships
- A decrease in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression
- Hope for friends and family of Veterans who understand first-hand how this issue can affect more than the Veterans themselves
How you can help!
- Donations for Lift Vets to build the foundation of the program
- Get educated on Lift Vets’ techniques for reaching Veterans early by "Liking" and following our social media forums
- Ask us questions!
I am very proud to be the Director of Outreach volunteer during the onset of LIFT VETS. Our Vets deserve the utmost respect, however, assistance and resources for coping are almost non-existent; or poorly executed at best. Lift Vets strive to offer reintegration support, coping skills, education, and awareness because it is absolutely necessary. Along with a collaborative effort with other Veteran and community partners, I believe Lift Vets will effectively decrease the need for many Veterans to enter homeless shelters, drug and alcohol abuse centers and assist in the prevention of suicide.
The contribution link is provided below and allows you to choose a donation amount. The PayPal option allows you to make your contribution as a GUEST without having to set up an account. Feel free to share this page as well to reach those that may be able to assist to raise our awareness. I appreciate your support and cheer for us as we head down the path toward the Tough Mudder!
With all my love ~ Janice
