Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Helping America’s Veterans with Hypnotherapy at Santa Ana Stand Down Event
This past weekend, I was blessed to work with the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans at the first annual “Stand Down” event in Orange County. They’ve been doing this for 12 years in San Diego. It was an unbelievable experience. Organizer, Deanne Tate, told me I was the first Hypnotherapist they have ever had volunteer. What an amazing place to work…what an amazing place to connect with those who need you.
There were about 600 participants, veterans of current conflicts and past conflicts, going back as far as the Korean War. They had all put themselves in harms way to secure our right to be free, and many bear the scars. There was a virtual city, a conglomeration of military tents, privately brought pop-up tents, etc.
The event was attended by Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, State Senator Lou Correa, and other dignitaries, but the real stars were the veterans. I felt as though I was in the midst of “M*A*S*H” with all the healing activity. I was stationed between a group of doctors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. I was able to see about 30 people during the day, removing Post Traumatic Stress, healing many bad backs, carpel tunnel syndrome and several other disorders.
The one theme that recurred to me throughout the day was this: We send young men and women to become literally maimed (mentally as well as physically) for us and our government doesn’t seem to pay much attention to them on their return. Why is that? Why didn’t we do something like this earlier in Orange County? Painfully still unanswered, is why we did so little for our Vietnam Veterans. Was anything their fault? I don’t recall it that way, but I do remember that, upon returning home, many Vietnam Veterans were spat on, in stark contrast to the general heartfelt welcomes that greet returnees from Afghanistan or Iraq.
These soldiers have already been victims out on the front lines. They should not have to bear the brunt of our disagreements about policy here at home. Which is why it was so satisfying to be able to offer hypnotherapy services, which can help relieve some of the stresses of the "reintegration" to life back at home.
This is an event in which I certainly plan to continue participating. If you'd like to help these sometimes bewildered young (and even older) men, do something for your heart, as well as theirs, and volunteer with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. They need you and they appreciate you. I will see you there.
