Training takes up to nine months and costs exceed $20,000. Freedom Service Dogs doesn’t charge its clients but relies on private donations and foundation grants.

“The population is growing exponentially down in Fort Carson with the Wounded Warriors program,” said Freedom Service Dogs’ Diane Vertovec, referring to the Army unit that prepares wounded soldiers for civilian life. “We feel like a dog can help a vet meet physical challenges but, more importantly, can really, really help them overcome a lot of the mental instability that they’re feeling.”

Currently Service Dogs can train 43 dogs per year — a number that doesn’t come close to meeting demand. There are about 450 soldiers in the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Fort Carson.

Source: Alysia Patterson – The Associated Press

Patriot Express, launched in June 2007, builds on the more than $1 billion in loans SBA guarantees annually for veteran-owned businesses, and the counseling assistance and procurement support it provides each year to more than 200,000 veterans, service-disabled veterans and Reserve members.

“This commitment to more than 25 million veterans across the country, and the thousands returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is something we at SBA take seriously,” SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills said.  “The Patriot Express initiative, in conjunction with other SBA programs, goes directly to the needs of our veterans who want to start, or already have their own businesses.  This critical access to capital helps them grow their businesses and create good paying jobs in their communities.”

Patriot Express is a streamlined loan product based on the SBA’s highly successful SBA Express Program, but with a better guaranty and lower interest rate.  The Patriot Express loan is offered by SBA’s network of participating lenders nationwide and features one of SBA’s fastest turnaround times for loan
approvals.  Loans are available up to $500,000 and qualify for SBA’s maximum guaranty of up to 90 percent.

The Patriot Express loan can be used for most business purposes, including start-up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or business-occupied real-estate purchases.  Local SBA district offices will have a listing of Patriot Express lenders in their areas.  Details on the initiative can be found at www.sba.gov/patriotexpress.

Patriot Express loans are available to veterans, service-disabled veterans, active-duty service members participating in the military’s Transition Assistance Program, Reservists and National Guard members, current spouses of any of the above, and the widowed spouse of a service member or veteran who died during service, or of a service-connected disability.

For those who are already small business owners and who expect call-up, the SBA and its resource partners have expertise to assist with preparing their businesses before deployment, managing their businesses, selling goods and services to the government, obtaining other SBA financing and financial
assistance, and obtaining loans for economic injury – Military Reserve Economic Injury Disaster Loans (MREIDL) – Loans of up to $2 million are available for small businesses sustaining economic injury because an owner or essential employee has been called to active duty as a military reservist.

The SBA and its Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) provides comprehensive assistance, outreach and support to veterans.  Each year the SBA assists more than 200,000 veterans, service-disabled veterans and reservists.  Go to www.sba.gov/vets.

Veterans Airlift Command

Pictured to the left is Walt Fricke whose own experience led him to launch this great cause. Here’s a quote from Mr. Fricke from their Website:

“I spent six months in a hospital 700 miles from my hometown recovering from combat injuries sustained while flying a helicopter in Vietnam. My healing began in earnest when my family was able to gather the resources to make a trip to visit me.”

Walt Fricke
Founder, Veteran’s Airlift Command

Veterans Airlift Command provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.

Currently their priority is on the veterans of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). As they grow and increased capacity allows, they plan to expand their mission to serve veterans of other conflicts as well.

Reading through their stories where their service has brought families together after long periods apart due to hospitalization is heartwarming. They really are leaving “no man behind”.

I can’t help recall my experience back in the 70’s when I was laid up in Walter Reed for a week at 15 years of age. It was very rare someone came in to visit the soldiers (I was the only civilian) and when my family came in for their one visit I recall feeling guilty as most of them had been laid up there for many weeks and months.

My hat goes off to Mr. Fricke and his entire organization. They are doing good.

Website: Veterans Airlift Command

Charity Navigator gives DAV Charitable Service Trust above average marks with a 4-star rating. Review them here: Charity Navigator rates DAVCST

For information on Camp Patriot and their great cause visit: Camp Patriot and follow them on twitter at: twitter.com/camp_patriot

Here are a few of the pictures of the group from last year’s summit climb which included country music recording artist Keni Thomas and CNN Senior reporter Alex Quade. The able veterans included; Ryan Job, Joey Martinez, and Chad Jukes.

Ryan is a former navy seal who was shot by a sniper in iraq that cause permanant blindness. He is also Camp Patriot spokesperson.I found this amazing account of Ryan’s incident on Blackfive.net: Navy Seal Ryan Job

Joey is former marine recon who has partial blindness after he was shot in Iraq. I found this article covering the 2008 ascent of Rainier by Joey, Chad, and Ryan: Bravery, determination on ascent of Rainier

Chad is a former army Transportation SGT whose convoy was ambushed in Iraq leading to his injury resulting in him being an amputee below the knee. Here’s an article about the incident that left Chad injured: Climb back into life

Clearly these men are all patriots and quite able veterans. While this climb was no doubt arranged for them, it probably does more for people like me who are inspired by their unshaken positive attitude and willingness to push on despite their injuries sustained while serving us.

With respect.

Camp Patriot Base Camp

Chad Jukes

On the Muir Snow Field

Veterans on Camp Muir

Climb to MT Rainier

A proud moment for Chad Jukes, Joey Martinez, Ryan Job

America’s disabled veterans have honored us with their service and selfless duty. It is now our turn to honor them…

For the first time, America will pay tribute to some of our most courageous heroes – our disabled veterans. The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial will celebrate those men and women who may be broken in body – but never in spirit.

The memorial willbe located on a two-acre site between Washington Avenue SW (Canal Street), C Street SW and Second Street SW, the memorial will be within full view of the United States Capitol, adjacent to the National Mall, and across from Independence Avenue and the United States Botanic Garden.

Gary Sinise is their national spokesperson providing them significant help.

Please lean more about how you can support this and other great causes for our disabled… Visit: www.avdlm.org and follow them on twitter: @AVDLM

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

The application for the 2009-2010 academic year can be found at the link below.

**Applications are due June 1, 2009.**

2009-2010 PVA Scholarship Application

For more information or to request to have the application mailed to you, either contact your local Paralyzed Veterans chapter or contact Christi Hillman at 800.424.8200, ext. 776 or via email at christih[at]pva.org.

About PVA:

The Paralyzed Veterans of America, a congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1946, has developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues involving the special needs of our members—veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction.

Depression is treatable and suicide can be prevented

Nearly nine out of ten people with clinical depression can be treated successfully with medications and psychotherapy done together.

Where to get help:

• Family physicians, clinics and health maintenance organizations can provide treatment or make referrals to mental health specialists.
• Mental health specialists like psychiatrists, psychologists, family therapists and social workers. Psychiatrists can prescribe antidepressant drugs because they are physicians. Other mental health specialists, however, often work with physicians to ensure that their patients receive the medications they need.
• Community mental health centers often provide treatment based on the patient’s ability to pay, and usually have a variety of mental health specialists.
• Hospitals and university medical schools may have research centers that study and treat depression.

What to do:
Stigma associated with depressive illnesses can prevent people from getting help. Your willingness to talk about depression and suicide with your family members can be the first step in getting help and preventing suicide.

WARNING SIGNS OF POTENTIAL SUICIDE
In addition to the standard warning signs of depression above watch for the following behaviors:

• Preoccupation with death themes in literature, music, drawings, speaking  of death repeatedly, fascination with guns/knives.
• Thoughts of suicide; suicide plans or attempts
• Ideation (thinking about suicide)
• Talking about suicide.
• Grandiose ideas, increased creativity.
• Overly excited, euphoric, giddy, exhilarated.
• Mood disturbance (dramatic changes in mood)
• Persistent sad or “empty” mood — Dramatic mood changes
• Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness.
• Substance use or abuse (increased or change in substance.
• Fatigue or loss of interest in ordinary activities, including sex.
• Disturbances in eating and sleeping patterns.
• Irritability increased crying, anxiety or panic attacks.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions. .
• Persistent physical symptoms or pains that do not respond to treatment.
• Purposelessness (no sense of purpose or belonging)
• Anger and/or Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Trapped (feeling like there is no way out)
• Hopelessness–Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, pessimistic and/or guilty –there is nothing to live for, no hope or optimism
• No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
• Withdrawal (from family, friends, work, school, activities, hobbies)
• Anxiety (restlessness, irritability)
• Recklessness (high risk-taking behavior)
• Preoccupation with death.
• Suddenly happier, calmer.
• Loss of interest in things one cares about.
• Visiting or calling people one cares about.
• Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order.
• Giving things away, such as prized possessions.
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking

It’s fairly normal to feel some of these from time to time, but experiencing several or more than a few weeks may indicate the presence of depression or another depressive illness. Remember, the service member must seek a professional for an accurate diagnosis of depression. This checklist is provided only as a tool to help them talk with a doctor or treatment provider about their concerns and develop an action plan for successful recovery.

CHECKLIST FOR SIGNS and SYMPTOMS:

Watch for these statements by the Wounded Warrior—this is a “Checklist” of some of the thoughts they may express or things they may say, do, or feel to you or other close family member or friends: (Please note: Other illnesses and certain medications can cause symptoms that mimic the symptoms of depression. A complete medical examination should be performed to rule out the presence of other medical conditions potentially causing depressive symptoms.)

• I feel sad.
• I feel like crying a lot.
• I’m bored.
• I feel alone.
• I don’t really feel sad, just “empty”.
• I don’t have confidence in myself.
• I don’t like myself.
• I often feel scared, but I don’t know why.
• I feel mad, like I could just explode!
• I feel guilty.
• I can’t concentrate.
• I have a hard time remembering things.
• I don’t want to make decisions – it’s too much work.
• I feel like I’m in a fog.
• I’m so tired, no matter how much I sleep.
• I’m frustrated with everything and everybody.
• I don’t have fun anymore.
• I feel helpless.
• I’m always getting into trouble.
• I’m restless and jittery. I can’t sit still.
• I feel nervous.
• I feel disorganized, like my head is spinning.
• I feel self-conscious.
• I can’t think straight. My brain doesn’t seem to work.
• I feel ugly.
• I don’t feel like talking anymore – I just don’t have anything to say.
• I feel my life has no direction.
• I feel life isn’t worth living.
• I consume alcohol/take drugs regularly.
• My whole body feels slowed down – my speech, my walk, and my movements.
• I don’t want to go out with friends anymore.
• I don’t feel like taking care of my appearance.
• Occasionally, my heart pounds, I can’t catch my breath, and I feel tingly.
• My vision feels strange and I feel I might pass out. The feeling passes in seconds, but I’m afraid it will happen again.
• Sometimes I feel like I’m losing it.
• I feel “different” from everyone else.
• I smile, but inside I’m miserable.
• I have difficulty falling asleep or I awaken between 1 A.M. and 5 A.M. and then I can’t get back to sleep.
• My appetite has diminished – food tastes so bland.
• My appetite has increased – I feel I could eat all the time.
• My weight has increased/decreased.
• I have headaches.
• I have stomach aches.
• My arms and legs hurt.
• I feel nauseous.
• I’m dizzy.
• Sometimes my vision seems blurred or slow.
• I’m clumsy.
• My neck hurts.

IF YOU SEE THE WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE…
If you see or suspect any of these symptoms, get the wounded warrior and their families to mental health care/psychological treatment ASAP!  Please note that the stigma associated with depressive illnesses (in the military this “personal shame” stigma is a strong social norm) will probably discourage or prevent the Wounded Warriors and their families from asking for and getting help—no soldier “…goes to the shrink….” Your willingness to talk about depression and suicide with the Wounded Warrior and/or their family members can be the first step in getting help and preventing suicide or suicide attempts.

Begin a dialogue by asking questions. Suicidal thoughts are common with depressive illnesses and your willingness to talk about it in a nonjudgmental way can be the push a person needs to get help.

Questions to ask include:

• “Do you ever feel so badly that you think of hurting yourself?”
• “Have you thought of a plan?”

Asking these questions will allow you to determine if your friend is in immediate danger, and get help if needed. A suicidal person should see a doctor or mental health professional immediately. Call the the Army Wounded Soldier and Family Hotline 1 (800) 984-8523. Always take thoughts of or plans for suicide seriously.
You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1 (800) 273-8255:  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been enhanced to provide a new service for veterans in crisis. Veterans will be connected immediately to VA suicide prevention and mental health service professionals by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and pressing 1.

Steps to take:

1. Don’t try to minimize problems or shame a person into changing their mind. Your opinion of a person’s situation is irrelevant. Trying to convince a person it’s not that bad, or that they have everything to live for may only increase their feelings of guilt and hopelessness. Reassure them that help is available, that depression is treatable, and that suicidal feelings are temporary.
2. Get treatment. If a person is suicidal due to a real or imagined life-threatening illness, treatment of depression/anxiety is critical. Once pain, both physical and emotional, is alleviated, the risk of suicide decreases dramatically. If you believe the person isn’t in immediate danger, acknowledge the pain as legitimate and offer to work together to get help.
3. Follow through. Help find a doctor or a mental health professional, participate in making the first phone call, be available for doctor appointments, explaining medications and offering general emotional support.
4. Remove any weapons.
5. Don’t try to handle the Wounded Warrior completely by yourself—you are only a “first line” defense – GET MEDICAL HELP as soon as possible but do not leave the Wounded Warrior alone!
6. If that fails, take the Wounded Warrior to the EMERGENCY Room and NOTIFY THE NURSE CASE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY!

Here are some common misconceptions about suicide:

“People who talk about suicide won’t really do it.”

• Not True.  Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some clue or warning.  Do not ignore suicide threats.  Statements like “you’ll be sorry when I’m dead,” “I can’t see any way out,” — no matter how casually or jokingly said, may indicate serious suicidal feelings.

“Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy.”

• Not True.  Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane.  They may be upset, grief-stricken, depressed, or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are always signs of mental illness and are not signs of psychosis.

“If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop him/her.”

• Not True.  Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, and most waver until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die.  Most suicidal people do not want to die; they want the pain to stop.  The impulse to end it all, however overpowering does not last forever.

“People who commit suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help.”

• Not True.  Studies of suicide victims have shown that more then half had sought medical help within six month before their deaths and a majority had seen a medical professional within 1 month of their death.

“Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.”

• Not True.  You do not give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide.  The opposite is true — bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.

Asking these questions will allow you to determine if your loved one or friend is in immediate danger, and get help if needed. A suicidal person should see a doctor or mental health professional immediately. Calling 911 or going to a hospital emergency room are also valid options. Always take thoughts of or plans for suicide seriously. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800 273-8255): The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been enhanced to provide a new service for veterans in crisis. Veterans will be connected immediately to VA suicide prevention and mental health service professionals by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and pressing 1.

During Treatment
What, if any, is your role and how can you assist the Wounded Warrior in this process?

• If the Wounded Warrior has questions or disagrees with any decisions at any time, it’s very important that the Wounded Warrior discuss them with the doctor or the treatment team. You, as a spouse, close friend, or caregiver, may know the patient better than the doctor and staff, and may be able to shed light on important issues. Patients may not recognize behavior changes because they’re ill; the doctor and staff may not recognize differences, especially if they’re not familiar with the patient. You are the best person to observe and state anything you are concerned about. Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions of the Nurse Care Manager or the Wounded Warrior patient about how the patient’s treatment is progressing, i.e. is the patient participating in group or individual therapy, or both; are they interacting with students, interns, registered nurses, practical nurses, doctors, etc. This may determine the quality and value of care the patient is receiving.

Wounded Warriors often need to be oriented on a new profession and a new life, as well as being counseled on benefits, jobs, educational opportunities, and handling of finances.  After Walter Reed, when the Wounded Warriors leave the familiar environment of the hospital support system and their buddies, many need mentors to continue supporting them. They offer an entire support team to help in almost every phase of overall support to our Wounded Warriors.

Mentors are all volunteers and most mentors are combat veterans. Anyone interested in becoming a mentor in the greater Washington DC are should contact Lee Miller at mlmiller[at]verizon.net. People outside the DC area who are interested in becoming follow-on mentors should contact Dick Buckner at rabuckner61[at]comcast.net.