Time is flying by and we’re all looking forward to July with its picnics, parades and patriotism on display. For WAA, July offers an opportunity to highlight one of our long-standing beliefs that we can best further our mission by working with other like-minded organizations.
I am often heard saying “it would be disingenuous to say that we remember, honor and teach and not support others that do the same.” To that end, we choose the month of July -- often dedicated to the commercial promotion of ‘Christmas in July’ -- and call attention to the efforts of other nonprofits doing good work in their communities.
WAA is so proud of the work done year round by our volunteers. It is not lost on us that their passion is often fueled by personal life experiences and often tragedy. That said, in their commitment to “make a difference for the good” lies the best promise of the continued greatness of this Country.
The greatness of this Country I believe is in the hearts of its people. That greatness is found in those who have laid down their lives for freedom, those who go above and beyond to hold communities together and even those who do a simple act of kindness. It is truly a mark of character and integrity to take personal loss and pain and turn it into a commitment to help others. The character of the American people is inherently good.
So, it is appropriate that we take this opportunity to promote “Giving in July.” Every month, we commit to sharing the stories of Americans in action that make us who we are. Those stories are the foundation laid for the future we build for our children.
Have a Happy July. Embrace your freedom and family and stay, America Strong and America Proud.
"People Always" - Breaking Stigma on National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Injury Awareness Day
Joe Reagan is Wreaths Across America’s newest team member, recently joining the staff as the Director, Military & Veteran Outreach. Joe has over 10 years of experience working with leaders within Government, non-profit, and Fortune 500 companies to develop sustainable strategies supporting National Security, and Veterans Health. He served 8 years on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army including two tours to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division.
We are grateful for his and his family’s service, his commitment to helping veterans and their families, and for joining the mission to REMEMBER. HONOR. TEACH.
Following, Joe shares a personal story with his experiences with PTSD. This will also be the topic for this Thursday’s second Wreaths Across America Roundtable on Veteran Healing. We encourage you to tune in at 7pm ET to learn more.
June 27th is National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Injury Awareness Day. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness around the signs, symptoms, and stigma, associated with PTSD. As a former Infantry Officer with two deployments to Afghanistan this issue is deeply personal to me. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reported that somewhere between 10-15 percent of Veterans have a clinical diagnosis for post-traumatic stress. That number is likely far greater. A recent survey suggests that over a quarter of our population believes PTSD is incurable and those who have it are dangerous and mentally unstable – it is for this reason that so many Veterans refuse to seek help. 22 Veterans will take their own life today, two thirds of them will have never stepped foot inside a VA facility – 15 Veterans will die today without ever asking for help...
Wreaths Across America Radio RoundTable on Veteran Healing
This live discussion will take place tonight—Thursday, June 24, 2021, at 7PM EST—and can be heard exclusively on Wreaths Across America Radio.
The discussion will focus on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and will look to recognize the scope of this trauma and how to turn it into purpose.
Panelists will be interviewed by Wreaths Across America’s Executive Director Karen Worcester and Director of Military & Veteran Outreach Joe Reagan, United States Army Capt. (ret).
Panelists:
Amy Looney serves as Vice President ofTravis Manion Foundation, and leads a national movement focused on empowering veterans and families of the fallen to foster the next generation of leaders in the mission to unite communities to strengthen America’s national character. As a Gold Star Wife – her late husband, LT (SEAL) Brendan Looney was killed in Afghanistan on September 21, 2010, and awarded the Bronze Star with Valor – Amy has served as an inspirational champion for families of fallen service members, military families, veterans, and American troops.
Also joining the discussion from the Travis Manion Foundation is Josh Jabin, who serves as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, responsible for leading staff and developing strategy. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001 and served twelve years active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2001 to 2013 and eight years in the Marine Corps Reserves.
Dr. Nicholas (Nick) Polizzi is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Acting Psychological Health Promotion Branch Chief and Government Action Officer for the inTransition program and the Real Warriors Campaign at the Defense Health Agency’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE).
Featured Merchandise
July is the perfect time of year to start thinking about the holiday season, and this year’s themed ornament makes the perfect gift!
Additionally, show your American Pride with an #AmericaStrong yard sign!
