No Military Hero or Family Left Behind

I have been an advocate for veterans for 18 years. I have assisted with benefit claims, attended appointments with veterans, a lobbied in D.C. Attorney's and Veteran Service Officers  have used my experience as a Legal Nurse Consultant to effectively decipher military and veteran medical records for benefit claims and malpractice litigation, without neing compensated for the work or time.  I am a certified Crisis Interventionist who intervenes to calm a suicidal situation.

 We started Hoodbeats and Heroes. Equine therapy, just being around and working with the majestic horses, in nature (away from the VA) has reduced stress, my fears, pain, not to mention, the calm environment! 

I was a nurse fo 26 years and cared for veterans from World War I  forward. The stories they shared with me, well, there are no words. I was taught about their challenges and disappointments, often shedding tears. These are true experiences that will never be in textbooks.

One common thread is their love of country! Their dedication to preservation of our rights as written in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. They vowed, no matter how sick they may be, the oath they took to defend the Constitution of the United States would never expire. They salute our flag, stand for our anthem, have the 6 of their brother's and sisters in arms and kneel in prayer and pride.

These Heroes, and I, share a common denominator: NO VETERAN IS LEFT BEHIND.

Providers at the VA push antidepressants (anti-psychotics) like candy and opoids to get these Heroes out of their bothered way. Multiple different drugs are prescribed to military members and veterans in spite of the warnings of side effects including suicidal ideations. This goes without saying, these drugs turn our heroes into zombies!  And, they fail to address the needs of the unsung heroes behind every veteran - spouses, children and family!

As a result, significant medical issues go unnoticed. Second, the most intimate support (spouses and children) and their traumas are unequivocally left behind.  Sadly, this results in higher divorce rates with monumental numbers and consequences to the veteran's mental health.

Suicide rates are climbing in veterans and active duty military members.  Recently, an entire base shut down to address the rising suicides.  National average is 22 a day.  Scholarly research  shows:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK385001/


https://msrc.fsu.edu/news/media-misleads-military-veterans-suicide-study



https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/veteran-overmedication-suicide-prevention-act-directs-va-study-suicide-causess

VIDEO:
https://www.cchr.org/documentaries/the-hidden-enemy.html


Sadly, not all suicides are included across the nation and overseas. Why?  Suicides are not counted unless they are obvious. For example, a self-inflicted gunshot wound or they hang themselves AND left a suicide note or video.

TRIGGER WARNING 


https://youtu.be/ZV22tO93dY8




Overdoses, suicide by cop, single car accidents, etc. are not included in the overall numbers. The VA system and military purposely decrease and hide these numbers to make themselves appear successful and in control....their promotions and bonuses depend on fallacies on reporting. (Not to mention their government funding!) I am determined to stop this cycle, and Hoofbeats and Heroes will succeed with this goal.

Hoofbeats and Heroes (at no cost) provides:

1)  Equine psychotherapy with individual and group therapy; counseling will be traditional and faith based according to preferences.  Instruction on building trust and friendship with the horse and one another.  The Hero's spouses and children will also receive therapy;

2) Physical therapy treatments will include equine therapy for building core strength, mobility, exercise, just to name a few;

3) Life Coaching will provide tools for financial planning and assistance, day-to-day planning, preparation and planning for the future, resources for the unexpected, assistance with resources, battle buddy connections and more;

4) Job training in managing a farm, operating farm equipment, observing the health of the horses including weight changes, nutrition needs, emotional  health and needs, exercise, bathing and grooming;

5) Activities for the Heroes and their families to include trailrides, barbecues, concerts, ceremonies on Memorial Day, Independence Day and  Veterans Day with fireworks activities for children and dedications;

6) Equine eventing and competition training for local and national competition for those who choose to participate to build self-esteem, confidence and the feeling of accomplishment. 

7) a home for a veteran/veterans who need consistent care and assistance in order to promote their dignity and right to live and die as they so choose without the government interfering.