"I began Give an Hour with the hope that it
could someday serve to assist, support and perhaps even augment the services
available through the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. I was a bit
naïve to think that just because I had an idea – regardless of how good it
turned out to be – that DoD and the VA would be interested in partnering. It
has taken 9 years of heavy lifting to develop the trust that we now have with
our friends and colleagues in the military community. I was sitting on a beach
with my family when I received the notice last summer that I had been selected
for the Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Award. I cried when I read the
email. I was overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. April 28th was an amazing
day – one that I will remember for the rest of my life. And more important than
the honor I received, are the relationships that I now have with colleagues in
the military who understand that mental health is not a military issue – they
understand that we must change the way we think about, talk about and address
mental health as a nation. They will help with the campaign and they will be
excellent partners as we Change the Story."
Help change the story now: http://bit.ly/1h6Lb4K
