On Veterans Day, mental health struggle continues
Veterans of wars past and present continue to fight mental health battles at higher rates than civilians. Psychiatrist Dr. James Rachal calls the ongoing struggle for those who have served “the unseen sacrifice.” (Nov. 11)
AP
Veterans will soon have access to therapeutic programs in Lincoln County after discussion of a nonprofit organization coming to the area during Tuesday’s commission meeting.
Healing America’s Heroes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that welcomes United States veterans who suffer from PTSD, military sexual trauma and traumatic brain injury – and offer services, which include horse and fly-fishing therapy. The veterans are able to choose either a five-day or three-day program.
Eddie Craine, the founder of HAH (Healing America’s Heroes), bases his organization in Chama, New Mexico. Craine sought to expand to Lincoln County, specifically Fort Stanton.
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“We have made an offer to Fort Stanton, New Mexico, as far as the correctional facility out there,” Craine said. “What we’ve done is we’re in the final stages, we’re dotting all I’s and crossing all the T’s – we’ve just about got this contract done and we should be moving into Fort Stanton around September.”
Dennis Carter, HAH’s treasurer, said the contract would become effective Sept. 1, 2021 with a five-year lease, with an optional expansion of 20 years in Fort Stanton.
“We plan on expanding the program about ten-fold from where it’s been, and we’re very happy to be in Lincoln County,” Carter said. “Since we’ve come down here, we’ve had tremendous legislative support – representatives and state senators all want to join and all want to contribute and participate in some way.”
Veterans from across the country may apply online to the organization’s programs. The organization relies on volunteers, but may hire employees as funding becomes available.
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“We stress safety and care for our veterans, from the very start,” Craine said.
U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell, representing New Mexico’s second congressional district, and other state and local leaders will visit the Fort Stanton site for a private tour of the facility on Aug. 25.
“This is just a start – and it’s going to get better and it’s going to get stronger,” Craine said. “Our first year here in Lincoln County, that’s our goal, is to have a 100 veterans come through our program –and we will do that this year.”
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