Interrupting My Regularly Scheduled Craft Post.....

Hi Everyone!

     I had actually planned to show you all my cute Valentine vignette. But this following story is so wonderful and important to share. As I read other blogs and participate in blog hops, I have found some very moving blogs with heartwrenching stories inside. Like, we are talking tear city! I cry just thinking of some of the struggles being fought by the families of servicepeople coming back from a war zone. As I read through some of the quotes in the below story, I think of those who are desperate for some type of positive intervention from people who really, truly care. Please pass this on and help get the word out.

Thank You.

 

The following is from Martha at The Power of a Dream

National Treasure

DreamPower Horses for Heroes

GWOT Day at the Ranch

January 29, 2011

The Veterans

"I feel as though each one of these vets is a national treasure.  I really do feel that way." 

 --David Haley, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

"I can say what I really feel and not worry about your reactions. I can't do that anywhere else."

  --An OEF/OIF veteran

"I had forgotten how safe it feels to be here at this ranch with you guys."

--An OEF/OIF veteran

"I just feel so at home here. It is a safe place for me."

--An OEF/OIF veteran 

"I don't know what you guys do here but I can't shut him up for a day and a half after he's been here. He used to isolate a lot. I now have hope that I will someday get my husband back."

--The wife of an OEF/OIF veteran

"Thank you so much for putting together the Horses for Heroes event. It was the type of relaxing, learning event that I feel is an outstanding alternative to traditional therapy. I look forward to bringing more vets with me the next time this event takes place."

--An OEF/OIF Veteran and Veterans' Center Staff

                                                                           
                                                                           

"Horses for Heroes is a fantastic program for our returning veterans, and a great example of a therapeutic learning environment."

--Educational Researcher, UC Berkeley 

The Staff and Volunteers

 "It was truly inspiring to see you all in action (including of course Red, Two Lips, et al!). Your dedication and caring, combined with your remarkable professional expertise, makes for a wonderful program. Thanks for all the great work you do for and with our veterans."

--Educational Researcher, UC Berkeley

Friends, Fun, Food . . . and Horses!



DreamPower Horses for Heroes events are offered at no cost to veterans and military personnel and their families. These special events and life-saving, life-changing services are made possible through the generous donations of individuals, businesses and organizations who want to say to our vets, "Thank you for your service!"  For more information or to make a donation to DreamPower Horses for Heroes, contact

dreampowerhorsemanship at hotmail dot com.

To all veterans we want to say, "Thank you for your service!" 

Very special thanks to Nathan Trujillo for taking the photos and sharing them with us.  More information about Nathan Trujillo Photography can be found at http://www.flickr.com/people/nathantrujillophotography/.