COUNTY LIFE
Military Veterans Peer Network works to assist all veterans
By KAREN SELF,
Support group facilitator
The Military Veterans Peer Network’s mission is to provide education and support to veterans, their families and others who suffer from the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), sexual assault and traumatic experiences in our lives and the lives close to us.
We move toward our goals by sharing our experiences, strength and hopes with each other in a safe environment. Our purpose is not to place blame, but to understand the profound effect trauma has had on us and become free to grow and accept responsibility for the way ahead. The primary purpose of our group is to learn to deal with the effects of trauma on our lives and develop healthy patterns to cope with these.
We wish to encourage open sharing by giving our full attention to the person who is sharing. Confidentiality is absolutely essential for the survival of this group. In a support group we have a chance to talk about our traumatic experiences, fears, pain, shame, confusions, the behavior of others that was stigmatizing and abusive.
The horrible sense of estrangement exists when you are in a terrible situation and there is no one who understands what you are going through, the hatred and contempt of oneself and the world, and the debilitating sense of personal weakness.
Describing the awful things that have happened to us in detail can be disruptive to the group so we must learn to be non-judgemental. We relate our feelings and outline what we can do or have done to change.
Through support of the group we see that we are not alone. My objective is to lead the group, and those who care for them, to understand and be supportive, to establish camaraderie and trust with each other. To help each individual learn what triggers flashbacks and how to avoid and handle those situations when they arise.
The Veterans Peer Support Group meeting currently takes place at 4 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Advanced Rehabilitation and Healthcare, 700 U.S. Highway 287 South.
Inside today find a special section Remembering 9/11 on the 25th anniversary of this pivotal day in America’s history.
This section provides an hour by hour account of that day to inform those who may not familiar with the details. We pay tribute to all those who faced the attacks and helped save those in danger from all walks of life. May this tribute remind you of all America lost that day and how the country moved forward.
Area young people from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Art of the Song Young Visual and Performing Arts Exhibition on Oct. 10 during the annual music festival in Nocona.
Entry is free and artists may enter up to three pieces of artwork. One entry must be music-related, while the other two can be any art medium or genre. Drop-off artwork from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at 103 Clay Street.
Art will be displayed starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10. Those with questions may call R. Marie Molsbee, 940-887-0165 or horse.power.ranch.nocona@gmail.com.
The performing arts portion will be at Bitters & Sweets, 206 Clay Street. If you have a child who loves to sing, dance or play an instrument or perform? Let them share their talents in a performance at the Art of the Song.
Those interested in the performing arts program may contact Carla at 940-765-5619 or carlad@bittersandsweetsbar.com.
The staff, board of directors and volunteers of Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum are making plans for the group’s major fundraiser, “Shebang” on Sept. 26.
This year Shebang will join in all the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.
Mark your calendar when the doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and $350 for a table of eight. Shebang takes place in the H.J. Justin Building at 100 Clay Street.
The evening will feature a dinner prepared by local chefs, fun games where you could win a prize, live and silent auctions, plus the popular bucket auction where you never know who will win. A new menu is being served that will feature prime rib, roasted sweet potatoes, hominy casserole, broccoli salad and strawberry shortcake.
Reservations are being taken now, just call the museum at 825-5330. Proceeds from the Shebang help pay for annual operating costs of the museum. Call 825-5330 to purchase tickets, also visit the website at talesntrails.org to see auction items and learn more about the museum.
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