HEALING THOSE WHO SERVE - A Clinical Perspective

This is a wake up call, a chance for us all to make a difference.

“As terrible as killing is, it is still not the worst outcome of war. Cruelty to the souls of the soldiers who fight is the war’s greatest casualty.”

- Bridget C. Cantrell, PhD & Chuck Dean
Down Range: to Iraq and Back

October 27, 2007. Today I had the honor of attending a meeting with some pretty amazing people. A very interesting mix, in fact. Familiar faces from my work at The Ranch were there, along with some new faces. In a very short period of time it became clear that one thing we all had in common was a passion for being part of the creation of something very special, very important.

The singular focus of this brainstorming session was to direct our combined energies, minds and hearts toward the creation of a new treatment program for combat veterans returning from Iraq who are in need of treatment for post traumatic stress disorder and/or help in re-integrating into their lives here at home, following what is inevitably the life-changing experience of war.

The group was a mix of those who have served in the military and those who have not. Having grown up in the 1960’s, with so many sharply divided on the subject of military service --- not to mention, a controversial war --- being in that room, in and of itself, was a healing experience for me. There were no politics there, just compassionate human beings with a shared commitment to reach out to fellow human beings in distress and isolation.

I couldn’t be happier to have been invited to be a part of the creation of “Healing Those Who Serve.” I look forward to everything from getting the program up and running at The Ranch to participating in the expansion of our prototype into other residential treatment programs around the country – and even around the world. That may seem like a pretty grandiose goal, but after sitting through that first “brainstorm” at The Ranch, I’m pretty sure we can do it.

One very important next step, of course, is infecting others with a passion for this project. Support will be needed in so many ways as we proceed ---- but first and foremost, it is down to the nitty gritty, the need for financial support. As an author, working to sell my books through the years, I have settled on what I consider to be the most effective marketing strategy for getting people to part with their hard-earned money and I shall apply that strategy here. The strategy is this: pleading.

So I make this plea to each of you who reads this: If the creation of “Healing Those Who Serve” Programs seems like a good idea to you, please take the time to contribute something to the cause. Large contributions are not necessary (we won’t turn them down, however) if we all contribute something. Please consider either a single contribution or, even better, arrange for a small contribution to be charged to your credit care once a month. Do it this way, and you won’t even feel it ---- except for that warm feeling in your heart.

One last thing for this entry: if you do choose to make a contribution, and if you contribute $50 or more, let me know (thomrutledge@earthlink.net) and I’ll send you a copy of my book, Embracing Fear.

Okay, let’s get started.

- Thom Rutledge, LCSW
Program Development Consultant