I had the pleasure of attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks after I graduated from high school. I majored in Social Work and minored in Justice; I was in the Class of 1994. I am a proud Nanook Alumni. It was especially satisfying to learn that the White House restored Denali’s original Native Alaskan name. … More Original Native Alaskan Name for America’s Highest Peak Restored, Denali
Writing is therapeutic. Since day one of the journey to heal Post Traumatic Stress, writing has been recommended as a way to process thoughts. Throughout the years journals have been provided by the various organizations who help victims of sexual assault because it helps. At first it was suggested you write regardless of whether it … More The Use of Imagery in Writing
In my research to learn more about my own health, I learned that there have been studies conducted that in fact have confirmed that women veterans are at risk of heart disease. And I know exactly why considering I am one of them. I too was red flagged by the VA for being at risk … More Women Veterans, PTSD, and Heart Disease
I started up another round of equine therapy today at Bull Ring Belgians in Denmark, Maine. I felt myself getting jacked right up for the last few weeks. I’ve been feeling raw and like my body is on high rev. I have been staying active to help shake it off, to no avail. I reached … More Equine Therapy for Veterans with PTSD
Thanks to the Wounded Warrior Project, we got the opportunity to attend the Healthy Cooking Bootcamp at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. It was an amazing experience and I am proud of myself for working through my fears and attending this program. I had never really been a cook. It … More The Healthy Cooking Bootcamp for Veterans at the Culinary Institute of America
Today I mourn the death of a very special man, Todd Comber. Todd passed away suddenly on August 18, 2015. Todd was the Editor of the Lisbon Reporter in Lisbon, Maine where I once worked as an Economic Developer. I was immediately impressed with his dedication to the community and even after moving to Florida … More In Memory of Todd Comber
I first heard the phrase “Life is Random” while watching Lt. Joe Kenda’s Homicide Hunter series on Investigation Discovery. Lt. Kenda was referring to a 1994 case out of Colorado Springs, Colorado he had investigated. A recently discharged Fort Carson Army soldier was left bleeding to death in an apartment building parking lot after being stabbed … More Lt. Joe Kenda: “Life is Random”
My review of K9s for Warriors: Service dogs are becoming more and more popular as a way to help veterans cope with the intensity of PTSD. I was skeptical initially but after some loving coaxing by Shari Duval, the President of the organization, K9s for Warriors, I headed down to Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida … More K9s for Warriors is Making a Difference
I started walking this past June on a regular basis in an attempt to fix my insides. I learned that prolonged periods of inactivity, lack of appetite, and anxiety were basically killing me. I could feel it but I didn’t know how to reverse it. Veterans Affairs informed me that not only was my cholesterol … More Exercise is the Most Underutilized Anti-Depressant
Fact: 62% of military sexual assault victims report that they suffered both personal & professional retaliation after they reported the crime to their Chain of Command. (Department of Defense, 2014) The retaliation is what makes PTSD so debilitating and if witnessed by others will prevent them from coming forward. It also is the precipitator for … More If Military Sexual Assault Victims Experience Retaliation, the Military Justice System is Broken
Jennifer and Lee 