Photographically Touching Souls Deeply (PTSD) Galleries and Studios is a unique and inspiring nonprofit organization that stands as a beacon of hope and creative empowerment for veterans and first responders battling the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Founded by Professor Aaron Thomas, a disabled veteran, experienced educator, and mental health advocate, PTSD Galleries and Studios transcends traditional approaches by using the transformative power of visual storytelling and therapeutic photography to reach those who often feel unseen and unheard.
What makes this nonprofit exceptional is its emphasis on healing through creative expression. The mission of PTSD Galleries and Studios is clear and compelling: to provide veterans and first responders diagnosed with PTSD an artistic platform to process their experiences, express their emotions, and reclaim their voices. This approach not only nurtures the individual’s spiritual and emotional well-being but also fosters a supportive community where participants feel connected and validated.
Having witnessed firsthand the struggles of veterans navigating the complexities of PTSD, Professor Thomas has infused this organization with a profound sense of purpose, drawing from his own life story and journey of recovery. His deep understanding of the healing power of art allows the organization to offer programs that are both innovative and impactful. Through therapeutic photography workshops, community exhibitions, and personalized mentoring, PTSD Galleries and Studios enables participants to transform trauma into a source of strength and empowerment.
The nonprofit’s motto, “Let’s Join Forces and Touch Some Souls Deeply,” is more than just a slogan; it is a call to action that reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those it serves. Each photograph taken, each story shared, and each moment of creative expression is a step toward healing, resilience, and hope.
Overall, PTSD Galleries and Studios is a testament to the power of art to heal and connect, standing as a source of light for those who have given so much in service to others. It is a nonprofit that not only uplifts and transforms the lives of its participants but also educates the broader community about the unique challenges faced by veterans and first responders. This organization deserves recognition and support as it continues to expand its mission and Touch Souls Deeply through the lens of compassion and creativity.
Aaron M. Thomas
President, Chairman, and Founder
PTSD (Photographically Touching Souls Deeply)
Thomas, a Vietnam Era veteran, was wounded on the USS John F. Kennedy in a catastrophic collision two weeks into his first tour of duty. Thomas enlisted in 1975 and served until 1981 as an electrician. Unknowingly the trauma remains a part of his life forever. At sixteen, this high-school dropout persuaded the Western Electric company to hire him. He learned the basics of electricity and entered the Navy with two years of experience. After his discharge, the Missouri Pacific Railroad's Signal and Communications team hires him because of his military expertise. Two years onward, he's promoted to an engineer's assistant, and two additional years a Locomotive Engineer. Thomas' engineering career ends due to a train engine accident that altered his life again. Enduring a back surgery, Thomas could no longer perform as a locomotive engineer. Drugs usage landed Thomas' in prison, where he's locked down in solitary confinement for 5 months.
After five years of rehabilitation, Thomas secured a position at a company, where he worked as a technician for minimum wage. One day Thomas' consulting encouraged a customer to purchase a $5000 computer. His employer thanked him with a small tip. Discouraged, Thomas decides to try it for himself. He markets the neighborhood with flyers, and in 6 months, Thomas launched an IT firm. Thomas' inspiration is to help small businesses afford high-level expertise.
Enjoying 26 years of success, Thomas is led to invest heavily in the firm, and the recession of 2009 led him to bankruptcy. It is a crucial life-changing occurrence, Thomas' life's work suddenly imploded, with no recognizable means to recover. The distress punches him below the belt. The bell of defeat rang in his fight to be whole. The enemy within raises its hands as the heavy-weight giant and introduced itself as post-traumatic stress. It is a TKO on Thomas' mental health. Thomas continues the battle to heal and rebuild his life. He finds new life in digital imaging; however, the looming shadow of PTSD reminds him he is dueling with a giant. His wife recognizes his weakness, and she suggests he gets clinical help for PTSD and goes to school for his new trade.
It's been a decade now. Thomas has achieved 4 Associate of Arts degrees, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts in Photography from Texas A&M Commerce, and actively pursues a Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Production to complete in Spring 2022. His experiences with post-traumatic stress inspired him to establish the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, "Photographically Touching Souls Deeply" (PTSD). He calls it "PTSD" because his faith teaches him that fighting a giant requires defending yourself with spiritual tools like David and Goliath. The biblical story teaches that the weapon used to destroy the enemy was his own. Thomas' vision is to share his faith and creative knowledge to provide relief and creative skills to accelerate healing for fellow veterans.
The evidence-based research on "Therapeutic Photography" is the weapon Thomas chooses to help his fellow veterans with post-traumatic stress practice artistic creation and educational disciplines through photography. Thomas believes that including storytelling through filmmaking will enhance the symptom countering effects that photography produces. His inspiration is recognizing that the discipline to succeed in higher education complements clinical practices, improving mental well-being and quality of life; Thomas's mantra is that his contribution to humanity to be superior to his reward. Thomas has four daughters, and he resides with his wife, Rhoda, in Richardson, Texas.