The Helping Heroes Program
As a former special operations combat medic with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, I served in some of the world's most hostile environments from 2004 to 2010. Each operation was a test of fortitude, pushing me to the edges of my physical and mental limits. The objective was clear - to conduct high-stakes, direct action raids often targeting high-profile enemies. Each mission was a potent cocktail of adrenaline, dread, urgency, and responsibility.
The role of a medic in these environments is paradoxical - preserving life in the very heart of destruction. I was not just a soldier, but a healer, a life preserver. From treating wounded comrades amidst chaotic gunfire to administering aid to the injured enemy combatants and local civilians, including women and children, every experience was a stark reminder of the profound human cost of war.
Transitioning back to civilian life, I carried with me the invisible scars of these experiences - the common yet underacknowledged affliction of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I grappled with these symptoms in silence, fueled by the misguided fear of appearing weak. The stress of this internal struggle took a toll not only on me but on my family as well.
It was only when I gathered the courage to ask for help that I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This experience transformed my life and led me on a new mission: to give back to other veterans facing similar struggles.
That’s how The Helping Heroes Program was born.
The Helping Heroes Program is based in Eastern Ohio, serving veterans in Columbiana, Jefferson, and Harrison counties. We hold meetings twice a month at the Oxford House on Benton Road in Salem, with provisions for digital participation via Zoom. Our objective is to extend help to as many veterans as possible, regardless of their geographical location.
The program's genesis came from a shared mission and relationship with the Family Recovery Center, spearheaded by the relentless commitment of its CEO, Eloise Traina. Together, we believe in the transformational power of empathy, understanding, and support, crucial tools in the battle against addiction and PTSD.
We aim to tackle the rampant issue of addiction among veterans, a crisis that jeopardizes their military careers, their personal lives, and the wellbeing of their families. Relapse rates are high, and the odds seem insurmountable for many. But we believe in the power of resilience. Our program employs a holistic approach, addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction, thereby improving the chances of stable, long-term recovery.
One of our most ambitious endeavors is the upcoming Iron Man Challenge, specifically Iron Man Lake Placid, on July 23. The Iron Man race, a demanding triathlon of swimming, cycling, and running, symbolizes the resilience, tenacity, and strength that define our veterans. The challenge serves as a fundraiser, aiming to raise $5,000 for the Family Recovery Center. The funds will directly support treatment programs, mental health services, and provide essential resources for individuals and families in recovery.
The tragedy of the high suicide rate among veterans underlines the urgent necessity of our mission. It is vital to realize that each of these veterans is an individual, with stories left untold, dreams unfulfilled, families left behind, and a life abruptly and tragically ended. It's our goal to interrupt this tragic narrative and to show them that they are not alone.
At its core, The Helping Heroes Program is about offering a lifeline to those who've dedicated their lives to our nation's service. We aim to provide support, to understand, and most importantly, to heal. We aspire to save lives, to give those lives the chance to thrive, and to help veterans and their families regain the peace, stability, and joy that they deserve.
The program seeks to dispel the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health struggles, advocating for transparency, empathy, and respect in our approach. We want to assure every veteran that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to their courage. It is the first, vital step towards healing and recovery.
Furthermore, The Helping Heroes Program focuses on family inclusion. Recognizing the ripple effect that addiction and PTSD can have on the veteran's family, we aim to provide support and resources to them as well. This holistic approach is designed to foster understanding, encourage communication, and restore fractured relationships.
The battle against addiction and PTSD is a strenuous, uphill journey. It is a journey marred with setbacks, with trials that seem insurmountable. However, our unwavering belief in the spirit of our veterans propels us forward. These men and women have faced some of the most hostile environments on the planet. They have fought battles on our behalf, and now, it is our turn to stand with them in their battle.
Through The Helping Heroes Program, we aim to create a community that breathes compassion, fosters resilience, and champions recovery. It is a place of solace, of understanding, and most importantly, of hope. It is a testament to the fact that no veteran is alone in their struggle, and that help is always within reach.
In a world that often misunderstands and overlooks the internal battles that our veterans face, The Helping Heroes Program seeks to make a difference. By shining a light on the often-overlooked struggles that our heroes grapple with, we hope to initiate change, promote understanding, and above all, extend a helping hand to those who've spent their lives protecting us.
For our heroes, and for their families, our message is clear: You are not alone. You are seen. You are heard. You are valued. And together, we will walk this journey towards healing and recovery.
After all, every hero deserves a helping hand.
