West Virginia

Veteran’s Family presented Cracker Barrel Rockers through “Operation Rocker” program.

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“Operation Rocker” presented veteran Xavier “Bo” Strain’s family a pair of rockers from the Cracker Barrel in Princeton, West Virginia. Bo served in the Army (06-12), with 2 tours bluing in Iraq. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®  “Operation Rocker” in partnership with nonprofit partner Operation Homefront. donate one rocker to Operation Homefront for every adult rocker purchased online.

Inspirational

No Longer Behind Enemy Lines Josh Walker Battles PTSD with Service Dog Baxter

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Veteran Josh Walker of 101st Airborne questioned PTSD existence for six years before seeking treatment

Article by Ken Budd, courtesy of HumanAnimalBond.org

Before his dog Baxter changed his life, Josh Walker was suffering from night terrors. In 2005, Walker was deployed to Iraq as a cavalry scout in the 101st Airborne, enduring ambushes and firefights. The nightmares started when he returned home, along with hallucinations, fits of anger, and fear. He’d slam on the brakes when he was driving, thinking a roadside object was an IED. It took him six years to accept that he was suffering from PTSD, despite the concerns of his fiancé and family. But denial, he says, is common for many combat veterans.“If somebody I respect could accept it, maybe there was some truth to this PTSD thing.”

“If you’re suffering from PTSD, it means you weren’t strong enough.”

“You’re trained that if something is wrong with you—physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally—then you’re worthless to the unit,” says Walker, 34. “So if you’re suffering from PTSD, your mentality is that you can’t admit it because it means you weren’t strong enough.”The well-meaning reactions of people at home can also be problematic. “People buy you drinks and pat you on the back and thank you for your service,” he says. “So for you to say, ‘I’m actually struggling really bad, I’m not sleeping, I’ve got anger issues, stress, depression’—it feels like it would devalue your contribution and sacrifice.”

His attitude finally changed when he read a blog by a Special Forces combat veteran about his service dog and his experiences with PTSD. “I thought, ‘If somebody I respect could accept it, maybe there was some truth to this PTSD thing.’” He eventually entered a pilot program at West Virginia University—where he was taking classes—for PTSD service dog training. That’s how he met Baxter, the Golden Retriever who changed his life.

Hearts of Gold

WVU opens new Veteran & Military Support Headquarters (Welcoming Center & Support Center)

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West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee & Jerry Wood (Director, The Center for Veteran, Military & Family Programs at WVU) hosted the grand opening of the new WVU Veteran & Military Family Support Headquarters.  The ribbon cutting event took place December 7th, 2018 inside the university’s student union, The Mountainlair. 

The headquarters is located inside The Mountainlair, and has been nicknamed:  The Mountaineer Bunker. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30qdkFI8K4A&feature=youtu.be

The Mountaineer Bunker will serve as a welcoming area & support center for student veterans, armed forces personnel and dependents of current & former military service members. 

 The facility will be offering a variety of programs & services for veterans & military families. Helping to ensuring veterans achieve academic success, career development, promoting overall well-being, while supporting their transition into college life. Available:  Veterans certification services, success coaching, on-site counseling, tutoring, study areas.  Lounge area featuring video game, snack/coffee bar & more.

Bluefield

Mercer County area veterans honored at annual Community Veterans Breakfast and Stand Down Event

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Area veterans were honored during the 2018 Community Veterans Breakfast and Stand Down Event hosted at the Princeton Church of God on Oakvale Road in Princeton, WV. The event offered guest speakers, a great meal, and various surplus items that were distributed. Approximately one thousand meals were served. Quality time with fellow veterans, families & friends was a blessing to those in attendance.

California

Watch Live: President Trump awards Congressional Medal of Honor (MOH) to Sergeant Major John L. Canley, USMC (Vietnam Veteran-Retired)

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President Donald J. Trump awards the Congressional Medal of Honor (MOH) to Sergeant Major John L. Canley, United States Marine Corps (Retired), for conspicuous gallantry. Sergeant Major John L. Canley receivd the MOH for his actions from January 31 to February 6, 1968, while he was ssigned to Company A, First Battalion, First Marines while in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Major Canley fought off several enemy attacks as his company moved along a highway toward Hue City to relieve friendly forces who were surrounded. On several occasions, despite his own wounds, he rushed across fire-swept terrain to carry wounded Marines to safety. After his commanding officer was severely wounded, he took command and led his company into Hue City.