Understanding Your Returning Veteran Forum “Focused on the families”
May 19, 2012 American Legion- Morrell Smith Post 42 Linden Ave. Newtown, PA 18940
9 – 12 Noon
Who should attend: Families of Veteran’s who are preparing, are presently or previously deployed, i.e. wife, husband, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, fiancée, good friend.
Concept and Participants
- Josh & Kelly (Mother and Son) The idea for our program came from a Marine sergeant who had served multiple deployments in Iraq & Afghanistan. His was a simple suggestion; help the families understand what they could expect when their soldier or Marine comes home, hence the title “Understanding Your Returning Veteran”. The Marine and his mother will discuss their individual and combined emotions and perceptions after he came home. Their initial perceptions were so very different, one as a mom and the other of a returning Marine. They will discuss their challenges of working through it and eventually being able to communicate with an open dialog and understanding one another.
- Jennifer Crane, wife and mother will be discussing her challenges and experiences after multiple deployments. After coming home with severe PTSD her life took a downward spiral, drugs, alcohol etc. She began her journey back after finding “Give an Hour” a nonprofit 501(c)(3), founded in September 2005 which is dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of the troops and families affected by the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jennifer now travels the nation sharing her powerful story of struggle and successful survival at college campuses across the country. Her riveting story, as only she can tell it is heart wrenching, yet uplifting.
These two similar but very different stories will capture both ends of the spectrum of what a family and individual goes through upon their return. These heartfelt stories are a critical part of our program and where families attending will feel a special kinship with these amazing heroes as they relate their powerful stories.
- Jennifer Mellor ( Day of the Forum Moderator ) - Director of Psychological Health, Ceridian appointed to the 99th RSC – Jennifer will elaborate and expand on these unique individual experiences that Kelly, Josh & Jennifer have experienced.
- Dr. Howard Cohen – Worked with Veterans and their families for both the V.A. and in his private practice.
For Questions or Information Call # 215-666-3156
URL: https://sites.google.com/site/understandingreturningveteran/
E-Mail: vetsprogramsbrotary@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Understanding-Your-Returning-Veterans-Family- Forum/111432852317874
