By
David Sutton
First in a 4 Part Series
“Trauma”
It has become a common word in the military community. It comes from the Greek word that means “to wound.”
Webster defines trauma as: “an injury to living tissue caused by an extrinsic agent; an emotional stress or physical injury.”
Trauma is real and it affects hundreds of thousand of people in the United States. In the military it especially enters the lives of our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen whether active, retired or in reserve. And it affects their families in many cases.
REBOOT RECOVERY is a faith-based-volunteer program that offers healing to those who suffer from the effects of trauma. The program is designed to be led by peers of those touched by the physical, mental, and moral effects of trauma and tragedy.
The group meets once a week for 12 weeks. One recovery method uses modules that can be viewed or taught by an leader.
“The people in the groups use simple conversation in an attempt to help each other,” said (Ret) Army Lt.Col. Rusty Pritchard, a trained leader and a graduate of the program.
“We train spouses, partners, and caregivers,” he said, “They become leaders and eventually train others to assist in the program.”
Since 2011 REBOOT RECOVERY has helped thousands of veterans and their families overcome the trials, tragedies and trauma of their past. The in-person training deals with the trauma of combat, First Responder reactions and experiences and other difficulties of those who have been wounded.
“We find that some of those veterans who suffer from trauma or tragedy are not ready to resolve the effects and deal with their emotions and feelings,” Pritchard said. “In some cases it may take up to 40 years to finally ask for help.”
The recovery program includes the entire family in some way or another. Each week their is a free meal for the whole family. Child care is provided along with an open time of fellowship.
“Faith based” does not mean preachy-type sessions, Pritchard said, “however, the leaders do not hide that fact that trauma effects the soul of a person. So the sessions are laced with answers for a wounded spirit’s questions and are found in scripture.”
One First Responder noted, “Why is it the First Responders are often last to seek help for their own struggles? It is common for them to take their jobs home with them. The sights, sounds and smell of their experiences can chip away at their emotions, their mental state and their spiritual well being.”
“It got to a point where I did not know where to go (for help)”
Soldiers often point out that war does not end when they are deployed.
“If your mind and body are wounded, doesn’t it stand to reason that your soul can be wounded as well,” said one of the veterans.
Part of the REBOOT RECOVERY philosophy and training notes, “Trauma need not control your life any longer. Overcome trauma and embrace a brighter future. It is not easy, but it will be worth it. (The training and recovery program) could change your life forever.”
The next meeting is Feb.13,2023 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Northview Bible Church, 13521 N. Mill Rd. Spokane, WA
Contact Rusty Pritchard at (509) 995-0631 for more information.
-30-Dr. David Sutton is a free-lance writer for Veteran Help. Part 2 in this 4 part series deals with “Combat Trauma.”