Vets Journey Home USA, Inc.

This non-profit has been closed. Healing Warrior Hearts and the Starfish Foundation continue the work.
Patricia Clason was one of the original authors of the program Vets Journey Home, known first as The Bamboo Bridge. Patricia Clason authored Healing Warrior Hearts and continues helping veterans do their emotional healing work.

I participated in an emotional health retreat conducted by Vet's Journey Home (VJH) in 1995. The program helped me recognize and give voice to the trauma I suffered as a product of my military service in Vietnam. For the 22 years prior to attending this intensive yet nurturing 2.5-day immersive process I struggled through life as a high-functioning academic by day - and a volatile and vulnerable mess at night. Suffice to say, and without hyperbole, the VJH retreat was transformative. It literally saved and changed my life. Since then I have not suffered the chronic nightmares that I tried to manage with intense exercise, obsessive work, and self-medication. I have continued my healing journey by developing a novel therapy for the symptoms of brain trauma, and by staffing these retreats to help the next veteran that is suffering and needs a guide to help them begin recovery and reclaim their lives after their service. VJH made this possible for me.

I spent a weekend working with Vets Journey Home at the urging of one of my employees, a veteran herself who also volunteers with them.
In a nutshell, they do great and difficult work in helping vets come to terms with their service. I am proud to support them in their efforts helping our vets heal.

I was lucky enough to participate in the AMAZING program that VJH has created for bring Veterans out of the shadows of past traumas to a new existence with personal validation and more hope for their future.

My daughter is an Army Veteran. She served in Afghanistan as a young woman and later went to Iraq. VJH has helped her in ways I never could. Indeed, as parents, partners, friends, family never could...we can’t help the way our Vets need to be helped. VJH can. And indeed HAS. This organization, unlike so many others, is the real deal. My daughter now dedicates a great deal of her time helping other Vets with VJH.
I am incredibly grateful, humbled and proud of such an amazing organization that can help so genuinely those who have served our country so completely. Thank you, VJH, with all my heart ♥️.

I am a Marine Corps Veteran. I’ve had PTSD/Depression for many years. I was blessed with the opportunity to come to a retreat for veterans last year. I learned how important it is to care for myself.

Our good friend came back from multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. She had a number of very heavy issues that were weighing on her as she tried to re-assimilate into civilian life.

Vets Journey Home provided an extremely effective group setting in which she and other like her could talk about and hopefully process their issues. I would strongly recommend them to any other vets working through the transition.

As a veteran, Vets Journey Home helped me process the transition from war time to peace time. It was instrumental in my ability to find peace. I continue to staff weekends to this day as a way to give back and continue my own healing path.

One of the best Veteran deep trauma recovery groups in existence. Every thing they offer is completely free to veterans. I found healing through them and often refer veterans to them

After 40 years I was finally able to honor the time I spent in the USAF. The damage the war did to the troops and the civilians was horrendous. Vets Journey Home, Wi. provided the opportunity to integrate my military experience. They also provided an opportunity to pay it forward by my being a volunteer for additional weekends. Thanks Wisconsin.

I have staffed these weekend trainings for Vets who never felt they had been welcomed home. I can attest to the power and the joy that the experience releases. I have seen Vets open doors to their hearts that had been locked since their service. I remember a Vet who spoke of his bomb sniffing dog. He had worked with this dog for a year in Vietnam. The dog had saved his and others lives. He tried to get the dog released and bring home with him. It wasn't possible. A few month's after he left the service, he learned that the dog had perished in an explosion. The experience had torn him up for years. The VJH home experience allowed him for the first time to touch that pain and begin the process of healing.

Great experience. I’ve received more positive therapy and improvement in one weekend with VJH than years at the VA. We learned about deprograming and Our illness, not just medication. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, professional and epithemic. You spend the weekend with fellow Brothers and Sisters understanding you’re not alone in your pain or illness. More Veterans should be aware of this program. I highly recommend VJH

Greetings to all,I first went to vets journeyhome i was a participant in there after I staff may be about five times it’s been a wild couple years but it helped me gain another inch walked in down and walked out with my head high.
Michael W.

I have never met a group of such devoted volunteers who truly 'walk the talk" and do so quietly and without great fanfare. The program I attended affected me deeply and continues to help me, almost a year later. Unlike any other similar program, the volunteers are still there to reach out to.

Veterans of any gender, combat or peacetime, are welcome. What organization lives by that?
The retreats offered by VJH offer unparalleled opportunities for veterans to work on service related issues and, unfortunately, service related trauma. VJH does a great job at a low cost.

I had the honor of staffing a weekend with Vets Journey Home. The transformation that the workshop leaders facilitated for the vets was incredible. In my judgment, the experience probably benefited those vets more than 10+ years in therapy. The leaders and staff, all of whom volunteee their time, are the most positive and giving human beings I had the pleasure of meeting. The vets were able to process deep traumas from their service, in a safe and supportive environment. This organization truly helps to bring our wounded soldiers home, by hearing and validating their experiences at war. What an honorable mission - to serve those who served us and help them reintegrate to society. I left the weekend with my heart full, knowing I’ll be back to volunteer my time again.

I’ve dealt with my issues for over 37 years. I’ve been to the VA 5 times and was helped quite a bit. However, unknown to me, I was still carrying baggage from my military experiences that was affecting my confidence and ability to enjoy life. I was invited to a Vtes Journey Home weekend and attended. Due to the caring nature of staff and the environment we were in, I was able to release so much that was bogging me down over the years that I came away with so much relief I still feel better. It never goes away, but I know I hold my head higher and have renewed confidence in areas where previously I was doubting myself.

The military is the only organization I know of where a good successful mission still means good guys die. The military trains you to accept that. But when you go through a tough time, you’re still human and have to deal with tough consequences. We’re not called GI (government issue) for nothing. Vets need an organization like Vets Journey Home so they can release they’re inner demons and still be loved and accepted by fellow vets and civilians who care and bridge the gap to leading a fairly normal civilian life.

I thank God for my healing through Vets Journey Home. I’ve become a better person not bogged down by the demons of tough military experiences.

I attended Vets Journey Home as another step in my healing. I am so glad I did this. The work was hard and very emotional but it helped me continue on my path to wellness and was a necessary part. The staff are super supportive and the work is group setting with individual stories and work to challenge and overcome the obstacles that have kept me in a dark space for so very long. I was lost and VJH helped me find my way home through healing.

I was able to release 36 years of built up shame and guilt for my life experiences in Vietnam. I was in conflict with religious beliefs at the age of 23, and what I committed to do for the service of my country. Two facilitators and a peer group and I let go of my past and how I felt.

This past weekend, I was given an extraordinary opportunity to heal and learn about my damage...yes, I healthily accept it as such, leaves room for growth. Vets Journey Home afforded me so very many things, most importantly there are actually 2 bullet points

The retreat experience can not be fully explained because it is completely individual for each vet. What every major issue is standing in the way of success this program can help to move it. The staff are both veterans and civilians, from this point forward I will never say civilians don't get it. These people were there to listen and support veterans like I have never experienced before. If you allow the teachings they offer to assist you amazing healing can take place.

I was partnered with Vets Journey Home with a Wellness Retreat for Veterans, I had seen some great transformations during that retreat. Vets Journey Home truly has the veterans interest at heart.

Keep up the great work. This organization has helped me with understanding myself more.

I have been a Clint and a volunteer with VJH!! It is an amazing experience and organization no matter which way you decide to do it!! I would recommend VJH to anyway!! It has helped my husband and I in many ways!! Great job VJH!!

I am a Vietnam Vet, and barely stayed out of trouble. My Vietnam experience was totally ingrained in, and drove me. I had no emotion or 'Heart'. I trusted nobody.
I went to Northern Wisconsin for a 'free' Vets Retreat , and found myself in a building with Veterans, and 'civilians'...civilians? Whoa! No way.!
I shared just enough to get to the point of, no 'backing out'. But no one had 'judged me' - strange.
That weekend the Staff had found a way for me to trust; and - open my Heart.
Now, when I staff a Vets Journey Retreat, I allow my Heart to do as much as possible.
No one would have enough money to pay, for me to do Heart Work.
Humbly,
Jimy Hering

VJH is an awesome program that helped me get over a bridge that I thought was impossible to cross. I aM deeply thankful for the program and the continued support I receive from not only the program, but also from the other Vets that faced similar experices. I recommend VJH to any soldier or couples that are facing challenges after returning home from deployment or that have had any significant experience in the military that needs focus and healing.

I've just completed the weekend of Vet's Journey Home in Wisconsin.
I had no idea what to expect from the werkend.
I learned of VJH by way of another non profit I'm pat of the past 9 years as of Nov '16.
This past weekend we were given the opportunity to write a farewell letter to a fellow service member who had 'fallen' in service.
Mine was mostly a peace time experience and I had not known a fellow fallen solder.

Immediately I realized I was the man that had not returned home.
My body is intact but my truest life ended 43 years ago. My letter was to myself and the life still back at tech school.
Mine is about MSA (military sexual assult aka MST or, military sexual trauma ).
My letter expressed the great loss I'd come to know after much counseling. My letter ended with me saying to mysrlf; I Cannot leave you at tech school...I Will find a way to bring you (me) home.
The VA offers many forms of treatment. One offering was medication. I've chosen other forms of treatment...inner personal healing work.
I CANNOT say enough or too much about my experience this past weekend with VJH.
I now know I have purpose...Purpose in helpng others toward their healing.
Please consider your own steps toward healing by looking at my invitation to take your Vets Journey Home weekend ecperience.
Be well.
JonnC .

VJH changed my life for the better in 2009. Since that time, I have remained affiliated with VJH. VJH is a true non-profit. No one gets paid. We are all volunteers and there is no charge for Veterans to attend our weekends. We truly rely on donations to continue to make our organization successful.

What a truly wonderful experience I've had being able to staff two of the VJH weekends. So heartening to see the vets be welcomed into such a caring group. The transformations I've seen have been a true gift and I'm honored to have been there for them. I look forward to the next time!!

I have been a volunteer with Vets Journey Home in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania since 2008. I have been amazed at the wonderful healing work done by the Volunteers in this organization. There are no paid staff in this organization; all funds are used to support the programming to offer free healing weekends to Veterans. If you want to support Veterans, consider donating or volunteering with VJH.

10 plus years as a volunteer with this organization. The staff are 100 % committed to helping our vets and what is very important is this: In addition to helping our vets release their trauma and truly COME HOME, no one is paid to serve on the weekend retreats. This means that ALL the donations go directly to our vets - to provide them a free weekend that is safe and all encompassing - dedicated to healing the wounds of war.

I love VJH. Helps heal our Veterans wounds. Nothing like it. I've been involved since early 2012. No one is paid. It is an ALL Volunteer organization. Every dollar goes to support our Veterans. Thank you to the men and women who give their time and service to help our Veterans. More importantly, thank you to all our Veterans who come and share their experiences with us. The Beautiful thing is most of the Veterans that come through our program. Come back and volunteer to help their fellow Veteran's in their Healing process. Again, I love Vets Journey Home. Mike Hanson

PS Inside Joke: Colonel, I'm still waiting for my check.

I am a Vietnam combat veteran. I heard about this program from a veteran friend who benefited greatly from his weekend. The program was totally free. The instructors and staff were all volunteers, about 20 for our 9 veterans. Their process,program, allowed me to share my experiences that I had never shared with anyone. I have never met such a dedicated, understanding group of people that "get it". I witnessed, not only my own personal transformation, but everyone there shared amazing stories of sacrifice and pain. It was a great healing experience for us all. I highly recommend this program for any veteran dealing with service related trauma.

VJH...this no cost retreat for a well deserved group... Our Vets...
A safe, non judging environment filled with a family of civilians and veterans, a genuinely caring group that has set aside their weekend to be with you. I say this from my heart...I feel honored to be part of this family.
You come to a weekend of uncertainty, with silent and heavy burdens you carried home from your time given to our country ,for all of us....
..I can only say...if you come ...you will leave with a lightness and healing you may think you could never feel again.... Please do this for yourself....
Ps... And thanks to those of you who have, my life has been blessed at each retreat I could be part of... I will forever be grateful....

As a vet who served in the 60s, and didn't find Vets Journey Home till the 90s, I thought I had dealt with any issues I had around my time in the military. I was very incorrect in that thought. At the VJH weekend I dealt with five major issues I was carrying around with me and minor ones also. I laid them down there with the help of other vets (staff and participants) and non vet volunteers and it changed my life. It continues to have a powerful positive force in my life and I give thanks to those who helped me through the weekend. I have great gratitude for the folks who continue to help vets on VJH weekends and gratitude for the opportunity to volunteer myself.

For me, "Volunteer" is a key word in describing the Vets Journey Home. The fact that numerous folks have chosen to take time from their lives (family, friends, leisure, hobbies, loved ones, etc.) to help veterans to get home fully, continues to fill me with hope and gratitude.

The miracles I have witnessed on VJH weekends will stay with me all my days.

As Vietnam veteran attending Vet's Journey Home 20 years ago, I was initially guarded, but by the end I felt welcome, safe and finally home. It was the first time since I left the service that I slept without nightmares. It was the beginning of a new life for me without PTS.

Now I volunteer to staff these retreats to give back the love, acceptance, understanding, and support that I received. Every time I staff I heal even more, even as I help heal other veterans.

This program saves lives and families. I am living proof.
- Mitch Tyler

Supporting veterans to recover themselves from the wounds of war provided me great satisfaction. This is a real way to pay back our service men and women for all they have given. The program helped me understand the real price we as a community pay for war and gives me hope for the future. I am proud and honored to have worked with the dedicated and skillful group of volunteers who are the backbone of this program.

This was a life changing weekend for me. It gave me the opportunity to get my self grounded and retake my Journey Home. I liked it so much that I became a Board member, with the intention of helping at a deeper level. As I learn more about the organization, I can't help but to respect and love it even more. This is truly an organization that goes about and behind the expectations formed by Veterans, and for the Veterans. We get to witness miracles every weekend we have.

I am a MST (Military Sexual Trauma) Survivor, Complex PTSD and am a survivor of multiple Life Involved Traumas. I have been on a 30 year Suicide mission; until I met my therapist and went to one of the Retreats, which was hosted by Veterans Journey Home. My therapist and the VA had been trying to get me to agree to group counseling; and until I had experienced the program and processes presented by this Organization I had not a clue of what to expect.

During my weekend, in the retreat (which by the way was completely free of financial cost, or expectation of payment of any sort) my only expense was my time and emotional commitment to the process; which did not come easy. However, during the weekend I crossed so many "Milestones," that I could not even begin to describe.

For years I had not been able to sleep on an elevated surface (bed), or in a room with other people; with the events of the first night and the care, love, compassion, and support of the staff and Instructors, I was able to settle in and found the first night of uninterrupted and uneventful rest/sleep; that I have not had since childhood.

The efforts of everyone and care I received in that retreat in February at the Big Bear, Ca. site, was so attentive and full of support that myself and others who participated in that retreat, formed a bond between all of the participants, staff members and Instructors that I would have never thought was possible between myself and anyone else.

I had no idea of what to expect while I was Enroute to the retreat site. Talking to the person who picked me up, I was told that he was not even going to discuss what the retreat was about or what goes on at the retreat. He explained that it is different for everyone and that everyone gets something unique and different from the experience.

He could not have been more on target with his description; and I will forever be in his debt for his honesty.

When I returned from my weekend with Vet's Journey Home, Everyone around me not iced a huge difference in me; including my therapist was not a VA Provider. She mentioned several times that her job had been made somewhat easier, with the milestones and barriers that the retreat helped me get through.

Since February 2015, The results of my time at the retreat had somewhat came to be recognized not only by people around me, but also by myself. The retreat and the efforts of my Therapist in conjunction with the retreat has unlocked so many facets of my life, and my life has become more fulfilled and manageable that I don't believe that this site would have enough band-width to support the documentation, or recounting of.

All I know is that giving credit to my therapist, I must also give credit to Veterans Journey Home, it's staff, it's Instructors, and it' s processes have literally saved my life. Prior to seeking out and accepting this Organizations assistance, I was begging on a daily basis to stop living. Now, I am finding times that I am celebrating life again. (something else I have not experienced since childhood.)

Thanks Vet's Journey Home!

Love You!

I have been involved with Vets Journey Home for over 4 years. The program has given me my mission in life, "Helping Our Veterans" . This program helps our veterans deal with PTSD, TBI and the silent scars that happen to our veterans when they serve our great country. I highly recommend this program to ALL VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY !

Working with "Vets Journey Home" and the participants has been so rewarding. We allow vets a safe, confidential and non-judgemental opportunity to tell their story and get a release from the guilt, shame, and anger that they have harbored for many years. The difference from their first night to graduation is nothing short of amazing. I give it a 5 star rating. 10 stars would be More appropriate.

This program has helped me a lot with my post deployment issues and post military life. I cannot stress how much this has helped me. So much so, that I have stepped up to be on staff to help other veterans.

Beginning my journey in 2009, with previous VJH Staff, life was still hard. I began to notice change since I went back 2013...with the new and improved VJH STAFF! In less than 2 yrs I have began to live more outside my GI box. Learned to accept and give love to ALL mankind! I have been given such great roll models,GIFTS n knowledge....My family is starting to learn to talk, developed more loving ways to communicate, and accept n love each other in all our differences. HUGE LEAP recently in progress! Thanks to universe n WI -VJH

Vets Journey Home is a super organization! At no charge to veterans, they provide a 3 day intensive therapy to get us back on the road to wholeness. It is life changing and I know of no other opportunity like it.

Vet's Journey Home is family helping family with no judgments, shaming, or hassles. The best thing is it's ALL volunteer without anyone involved making a dime off of the vets. Free help that's actually free, what a concept.

I am a civilian who has twice staffed for Vets Journey Home (once in California and once in Maryland). The organization is the very best of well intentioned people within a caring environment possessing skills that make a difference in welcoming our Veterans home and helping them on their individual path of healing. The Veterans participate at no cost to themselves. The heart of the organization and the work are the caring people--the work that is done borders on the miraculous--I trust that every dollar donated has been and will be used for the benefit of our Veterans.

This is an amazing healing program that starts on a Friday and lasts until Sunday afternoon with a celebration of those who participated in the retreat. It is a free retreat for all service members and veteran to help with the emotional healing that has held them back from being present to family, themselves, or community. The staff are wonderful and assist with what is needed for this healing to take place. I have seen participants who were disconnected from life on Friday become engaged, smiling and sharing hugs on Sunday. Join us or share your resources with this wonderful organization.

I was invited to staff this weekend program by a leader, who said they were in need of women for this healing weekend. I was to represent the women's experience of being receptive and accepting, during a mostly male workshop. I thought I didn't have any connection to the military except one uncle, but wow, was I surprised at what surfaced for me!!! I loved holding space for the healing - the telling of sorrowful, ugly, shameful or proud stories that poured forth.
The transformation I saw through the 2 days and nights was amazing and the network of healing that formed amongst these service people was priceless!

My name is Charlie, I'm a vietnam vet, and I was a participant at Northwoods VJH in 2010. That experience changed my life in many ways, but the most important way was that their are thousand of men and women who could benefit from a VJH weekend. I have staffed in 2011,12,and 13 and have witnessed how much participants can change for the better in one weekend. I'm looking forward to staffing again in 2014 to help heal our vets who deserve more than what their getting.
Please join us I'm sure you won't be sorry!!!!

The VJH Experience:
I can honestly say that staffing VJH has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life.
I have made many great friends, and have received many gifts.
Every Weekend is challenging, demanding, and ultimately uplifting.
The healing that occurs is of course mainly focused on the participants, and we staffers often benefit in unexpected ways
As long as my health permits, I intend to continue to volunteer my time and energy to this wonderful program!
Thanks for accepting me as a staffer! See you all soon!
Jamie

After publishing my book, Prelude to Reveille: A Vietnam Awakening, I wanted to donate partial profits to a hands-on group led by dedicated, honest, veterans. I asked several Vietnam veterans for ideas, and the name Vets Journey Home quickly came to the top of the list. I contacted Founder and Director, Gene McMahon, who is also a Certified Instructor and Instructor Trainer. He invited my husband, a Vietnam veteran, to attend as a participant, and me to attend as a staff member. Gene and his trained staff worked with each veteran, collectively and individually. Within hours, the participants had bonded like "a band of brothers," already experiencing changes in their lives. I witnessed nine veterans who arrived in pain from combat experiences heal throughout the weekend. By Sunday night, the terrible burden they had carried, some for decades, others for a few years, was lifted. My decision to support VJH financially and physically was easy. Vets Journey Home puts veterans back together and makes miracles happen.

I have since staffed 5 Vets Journey Home weekends and joined the West Coast board, and I'm totally hooked on this organization. We do so much good, and pick up where the VA and other governmental agencies leave our vets with nothing to sustain them. I've heard several grads of the program say that we provide a family, and it's true. Vets can return to staff weekends and continue their connection with our extended "family," all the while paying it forward and feeling good about themselves and their contributions. This is a nonprofit that is all heart, and it deserves all the support and recognition it can get.

Vets Journey Home is an honorable welcoming intensive weekend. It was started by a Viet Nam veteran that felt a need to welcome home Viet Nam veterans that had gotten no support from the general population. It has morphed into a multi state organization that has brought home many hundreds of Veterans of all services, that have served in war and peace time. A major benefit is the women that attend these weekends. They are able to tell their story in a very safe container. As an instructor for these weekends, I have seen many hurting veterans find the peace they are looking for and have seen them return to the joy that they so richly deserve!

I have been to several of the "graduations" held at the end of the weekend & I know the facilitators and some volunteers. They truly love what they do, they love vets and serve them in a way vets need. This organization is making a difference in the lives of those that have sacrificed so much for us. They deserve to be recognized & supported. Thank you. God Bless America and those who serve.

This program is an exceptional honoring of veterans from all wars. The work done at VJH lifts and celebrates veterans in such a way that they often feel it's their first true welcome home. I was so inspired by the program that I felt compelled to write about it along with oral histories from Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers returning from war. I included their program in the book because it reveals the hope that comes from healing wounded hearts. Anyone who has served deserves this program! Readers can learn more about it by purchasing my book, Veterans' Journeys Home: Life after Afghanistan and Iraq. Half of the royalties from this book are donated to VJH!! That's how important the program is. Lori Holyfield

Once I registered, "Larry the Vet" called to keep me updated. It was an intense weekend in Wisconsin's Northwoods. The campsite was awesome and the food terrific. The staff/volunteers were so KIND it was almost uncomfortable. (I got used to it). The eye to eye contact was also a bit overwhelming to me. I think the biggest thing I had to work through was staying on task and not switching subjects to avoid my PTSD issues. And breathing. The weekend was exactly as the name of the of the non profit suggests-vets returning home-to their hearts. I am grateful to have attended and I know I have some more healing to do. It was amazing to watch many hardened vets let go and take off their masks. I was very appreciative of the free weekend.

I never thought of myself as needing help because I thought I had conquered my issues. VJH allowed me to open myself to the
many buried emotions I had as the result of being the child of a vet with PTSD. This program is an invaluable asset to all who allow themselves the opportunity to participate. The camaraderie, the warm support and welcome experienced within the context of a safe and nourishing environment are just a few of the benefits of participation.

I am now a proud volunteer.

I have worked as a psychotherapist for 20+ years with Veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War and the current war. Vets Journey Home is an exceptional opportunity for Veterans to experience a true healing! I am the volunteer Site Coordinator for the Northwood's Vets Journey Home in May each year at the Camp Bird site in Crivitz WI. This weekend has truly been a gift and blessing to those who participate in the experience. We are truly gifted to have this national program available in our local area. Kudos to Patricia, Gene and the VJH board members!

My husband and I were both participants and then later were able to volunteer also. We were blessed with the opportunity to be in the first couples group. My husband had attended before, but both of us being able to go was fantastic. He still doesn't talk about "stuff" much, but we were both able to see some of what was happening to each of us without the assistance of Vets Journey home.

The excersizes organized by Sam and the rest of the coordinators of the program provide each individual the opportunity to come out of the shadows and fear. Even if it's just a step at a time. They provide a safe atmosphere and encourage trust. The participants are there for themselves and are not having to worry about anything else for a time. I would like to mention the food is pretty good too.

My husband was the original "victim" , but as his spouse I became another victim who suffered also. Thanks to Vets Journy Home I was able to find others to talk to and share concerns and fears. Until you experience the "aloneness" you may not realize how desperate you can become. Vets Journey Home was able to start us both on the road to recovery. I thank God this program has been able to expand and take in the secondary victims - spouses and family.

We need more programs like this. There are so many silently suffering from battles and thinking that there is nothing that can be done. Vets Journey Home is a Godsend. They don't promise miracles, but miracles do happen thanks to that program. Thank you all for your help and support.

I have staffed Vet's Journey Home several times. I am a civilian with a family member currently serving in the Middle East. In addition to the remarkable healing I have witnessed among the Vets in this program, I also experienced deep healing from the emotional trauma of my own experiences watching my friends who went to serve in Viet Nam and how they were changed while I stayed here "safe and sound". This program is a powerful service to the Veterans who have served our country. We owe them so much for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make for all of us.

Over the past 10 years I staffed 20 of these trainings. The men and women come from the best place for the vets; they come from the heart. Over those years I have been mentored and challenged to step up beyond what I thought I could do. I am a leader in my family and my community. MAny thanks

My experience with Vets Journey Home has changed my life and that of my family in an amazingly positive way. I returned from Iraq after a 16 month deployment and thought I would just move right back into my "normal" life as a husband and father. Five years later I woke up one morning and did not recognize the man that was looking at me in the mirror. There were problems in my family because of how I had changed. It was that day I decided I needed some type of help. After participating in the VJH course, I began to move towards a more positive lifestyle. VJH not only gave me hope of a more fulfilled life, it gave me the tools and support to cope with issues that I had bottled up for such a long time. Every day I wake up a happier man. My wife and two daughters are much happier now that they have their "old Larry"" back. Thank you Vets Journey Home for making it possible for me to heal my heart and begin anew!
Sincerely, Larry Flaskrud - US Army 14 years of service, WI

This program deserves immense support. I have witnessed transformational experiences in every participant I know who has been through the Vets Journey Home program. This is just as true for staff as it is for participants.

I was introduced to this program through my nephew, who went through the VJH program. He is an Iraq vet and was suffering from PTSD. The experience of completing the program made a tremendous difference in his life and in his family's lives. He became more able to adjust back into daily life, enjoy family gatherings, be in crowded places without getting extremely anxious. He could sleep better and found a calling to help other vets do the same.
He is now volunteering to work with his brother/sister vets and helping them in their assimilation back to a more normal life after their military experience. This program works with small groups of vets and letting them tell their story in a safe space and to heal some of the wounding from their experience. We owe this to the men and women who fought and continue to fight for our freedoms in all wars.

I have personally seen very positive results as a result of Vets Journey Home from let's just say a relative. One who is like a son to me. He has worked very hard on his PTSD through VJH and has made amazing progress. His family has benefited greatly, he has become a role model for his family and all around him. He is positive, energetic, spiritual, engaging, non-judgemental, and very helpful to other veterans. I couldn't be more proud of him. We all have Vets Journey Home to thank for his transformation. I highy recommend the group and the programs that they sponsor.

I am a wife of a veteran that went through the program 3 years ago. I cannot say enough about this wonderful organization and the many volunteers that offer so much of their time and unconditional love to veterans. After the vets goes through this weekend experience, they have a graduation ceremony for them where family and friends are invited to come. I walked into the room prior to the ceremony and chills came over me and tears immediately came rolling down my cheek. I was filled with a wave of emotion just by entering the room as I knew something had changed. There were many times before this weekend I considered taking our children and leaving as we didn't know the husband and dad we were living with anymore. We just as everyone else had expected him to come back just the same man as when he left for Iraq. This was definitely not the case. War changes a person no matter what their role; combat or not. It was such a struggle watching this beautiful soul who is my husband turn into such a different person. I didn't know who he was anymore and struggled as I didn't want to leave and take the father away from our children even though we didn't know this person anymore. He tried to burry himself in work, college, and a huge overhaul of our home (all at the same time) to keep his mind occupied. I adapted and tried to make things as normal as I could for our family. We started seeing behaviors modeled by our children that we were seeing in him and knew something had to change. I often remember thinking..."what am I doing wrong?" He was involved with the VA and were starting to see some results from his counseling there, however there was something missing. He was realizing the same things. He discovered VJH and noticed there was a weekend coming near and it was held in the Northern Wisconsin Woods, a perfect setting for him. I am eternally grateful for the staff and instructors that weekend that gave him their expertise, support, and unconditional love. It was just the emotional healing that he needed! This gave him the tools he needed to deal with his PTSD as well as the tools he needed to be the husband and dad we knew he was. I am glad to report today that our marriage is saved, he is more of a dad than I could have ever asked for, and an amazing person to be able to share my life's journey with. Please encourage anyone you love to find the nearest program weather they are an OIF/OEF vets, Saudi, Vietnam, Korea, any vet needs to find this program. I have since had the privilege give back to staff one of these weekends, there were veterans that attended from Vietnam that were STILL holding on to guilt or shame from their tour and were able to release that. It was so amazing to me to see the look on a veteran participants face on Friday when they arrived and compare it to Sunday at the graduation ceremony...in many cases you wonder if you are looking at the same person. Incredible and by far one of the best experiences of my life to be privileged to be a part of. I am happy not only to be there to help the veteran but also to represent and help the families of these veterans that are suffering and most likely suffering silently as we were.

I experienced VJH shortly after my wife and I seperated. VJH helped me gain tools to help me better cope with PTSD and how to deal with post military life. I served in the US Marine Corps and I truly had a hard time adapting to civilian life. I was angry, scared, and frustrated with myself, family, friends, and even my God for the madness I felt on a daily basis. At VJH I found out that I was no longer alone that their were other vets dealing with the same pains as I was. I truly appreciate VJH for their work with Vets.

Sincerely,

John Zavala Jr. (Board Member VJH Texas)

I have had the great privilege to not only meet a retired Marine but to actually get to know him on a deep and personal level. He has told me about what this organization has done and continues to do for him. He is now a volunteer having worked two weekends. Although I haven't had the opportunity to volunteer yet, I do look forward to the day that I can. I am so thankful for the staff and what they have done for my friend and for so many others. I recommend this to all vets that have experienced any sort of trauma or life changing experience.

I am a reired Army Veteran that this program has served and benefitted. This is an amazing program for veterans that allowed me an opportunity to began my healing process. I am so very grateful to Sam Luna for inviting me to come and be a part of my journey home. Patricia Clason is an amazing woman that every person ever served in our armed forces should meet. Thank You for caring about us. The staff and volunteers were so very kind to me. Words cannot describe the impact this program has had on my recovery. Again, Thank You!

I staffed Vet's Journey home the first time 6 years ago. Since that time I have been at more than 12 weekends. Not only do I have the opportunity to be a small part of the healing that takes place I also am there to listen, love, and welcome the Vet's home with open arms. VJH has also helped me to feel closer to my son (even though he is far away) who has been deployed many times over the last 10 years. As a family member of a serviceman I get a chance to give back just a little of what they give to our country. This is the most loving, open and welcoming program I have been fortunate to volunteer with in over 30 years of volunteer work. The transformation that takes place for the Veterans is amazing.

I "did" the weekend back in 1997 when it was called The Bamboo Bridge. The name has been changed however the objective and amazing results are the same. After doing the weekend I assisted at several following weekends and found that it didn't matter much whether I was a student of the weekend or an assistant. The healing and growth kept on coming.
I spent a year in Vietnam in a relatively safe environment and realized years later that I had this guilt of not being part of the horrors of battle that affected so many others that were over there. The weekend helped me actually see what really mattered. I did the best job that I could do with the tasks that I was given. I realized that my duty from that point on was to honor every person that was and is in the service for standing up and doing what they are asked to do. I often ask the men and women that didn't make it back during the year I was there if I am living up to there expectations. I really feel that they deserve the best out of me as they gave up all that they could be keeping me safe over there. They'll let me know if i did ok when we all get together again.

I started out w/ Vets Journey Home as a volunteer & staffed my first weekend in the spring of 2009. I saw the powerful difference it made in the lives of the participants & thanks to Gene, received healing that I didn't even know I needed after my time in the Navy in the early '80s. Since then, I've staffed each weekend that's taken place here in Maryland. Each time reinforces why I support VJH - because it definitely helps heal the wounds of the soul that veterans & others impacted by the trauma of war have received. I cannot recommend the weekend enough for those struggling with the aftereffects of war.