Vets 4 Veterans' Families - hope, help and fun

Vets 4 Veterans' Families - hope, help and fun

(Crystal Lake, IL) “All veterans and their families are invited to share their stories, find PTSD help, collect resources to help one another, and have some fun,” announced Charlie Morgan, commander of American Legion Post 171 before “Vets 4 Veterans’ Families” on Saturday, June 26, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake. Morgan and Junior Vice Commander Bob Dorn organized the event.

“We will start conversations to let folks know they are not alone,” Dorn stated. “National statistics on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among veterans indicate epidemic proportions. And an average of 20 veterans per day lose their life to suicide in the United States. This event will support those who have served our country, and the family members who love them.”

The daylong program featured speakers on a variety of topics related to PTSD, STS, veteran suicide and family impact. The gathering tent for veterans and spouses, called Coffee Café, continued the conversation. Children had their own tent with games and activities. Partner agencies at the event demonstrated help and hope through local resources.

Hosted by Post 171, Immanuel Lutheran Church and partner organizations, the goal was to mitigate life-threatening issues through networking and utilization of regional resources. Partners included RUSH University Hospital Road Home, Veterans Path to Hope, Veterans Assistance Commission, vets centers in Rockford, Elgin, Aurora and Evanston, VA hospitals, Oscar Mike Organization and WARP CORPS.

Equine therapy programs were presented by BraveHearts and Veterans R and R. Each offered demonstrations and details on their proven success with those experiencing PTSD and post-military trauma.

Motorcycles were on display from Woodstock Harley Davidson. Classic cars were shown. Food trucks offered a variety of menus.

All area veterans and their families were invited, free of charge and activities

Vets 4 Veterans’ Families information can be discovered through contact with Bob Dorn at rdorn2@gmail.com, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AmericanLegionCrystalLake.