The First Annual Women Veterans Rocky Mountain Retreat

The veteran’s organization “History and Heroes” is honored to announce the First Annual Women Veterans Rocky Mountain Retreat to be held on October 4-6th 2013at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Co.

Women veterans have served honorably for many years in our armed services and are coming home in droves from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Many are having a difficult time transitioning back to society and carry a multitude of scars from their time in service. This retreat will help in the transition and healing of these scars.

Along with PTSD and physical injuries, one of the major injuries women veterans face is Military Sexual Trauma, (MST). This indignity to the very personhood of women’s veterans requires a variety of modalities of therapy that will help the women regain a feeling of security and well-being, as well as a sense of self-respect and relief from shame. Trauma from rape and abuse cause many somatic injuries that are best dealt with in therapies such as healing touch, massage, and yoga. The retreat will supply all of these modes of therapy, as well as equine therapy. Contact with horses and service dogs provide veterans with a source of unconditional positive regard which helps in relaxation and breathing techniques to deal with high levels of anxiety associated with PTSD and MST. Jessa Johnson, a self-love life coach will be available to speak with the veterans.

Speakers at the retreat will include Ralph Bozella, President of the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Ralph will be doing a presentation on women veterans benefits; Dr. Janet Seahorn, author of “Tears of a Warrior: a family’s story of Combat and Living with PTSD”; and Rev. Dr. Kathy Haley, a licensed professional counselor, a disabled veteran, an ordained minister and a certified professional service dog trainer. Dr. Haley will be accompanied by her service dog, Akeo. History and Heroes is very proud to be able to include all of these professionals in the retreat. The overwhelming beauty and relaxation of the scenery in Estes Park is therapeutic within itself. The retreat will provide personal time for nature hikes, and a chance to enjoy nature in the Rocky Mountains.

The retreat will be a time of emotional, spiritual renewal and healing. One of the most important aspects of the retreat will provide the women a chance to make acquaintances with other female veterans and help develop a support network that will help stem the rash of suicides that take 22 veterans a day in the U.S. By creating an atmosphere of comradary and friendship with others, life long bonds will be formed.

The retreat will include 2 nights and 3 days, double occupancy room, 6 meals, therapeutic horseback rides, massages, speaker sessions and hikes.

These brave women have served and sacrificed for our freedom. This is our chance to help these woman heal. They need and deserve our help.

To find out more, please visit www.historyandheroes.org