In February, 2009, 4 of Save A Vet's Founders and volunteers went down to Traverse City Michigan to the Center for Progressive Therapy. The Center had invited us out to get first hand knowledge of the different treatments we were wanting to give to vets at our facility. Amy Yee and Norm Schaub run the center and did an AMAZING job at everything. They personally paid for our flights, and got the entire community involved. We had donated rooms at the nicest resort in town, donated Taxi rides the entire stay, all lunches and dinners paid for, and all the treatments being done by the best experts in the area were free. The treatments we received were done over 5 days, 8 hours a day, starting with an intense strength training workout with Norm every morning. Treatments received were: Ionic Detox Foot Bath, Far Infrared Sauna, Far Infrared Migun Table, Hydrotherapy, Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Asian Bodywork, Cranial Release, Reiki, Self Hypnosis, EFT, PRRT, Counseling, Life Coaching, Trigger Point Massage, Tai Chi, Herbal Medicine, Classes on psychology, and a Q&A with the local VA. We went to Traverse City with a business mindset, go through the treatments so that we could know whatwe're talking about and can describe it accurately. What happened is something that nobody expected, and something that changed our lives forever.
After 4 days of these intense treatments we were getting worn down. Our bodies had never felt better, the Bodywork that they performed fixed pains that we had had since before we could remember. All those muscular and skeletal pains that go with being in the Marine Corps infantry were gone. I didnt know that it was possible to live without pain! The constant relaxing treatments in such a loving and genuine environment had broken down our walls that normally mask our feelings and emotions. Here we were, 4 big, bad, combat Marines sitting around talking about our feelings and talking about everything that had made us feel good or bad while in the Marine Corps and after. The constant alertness was gone, I no longer leaped everytime someone dropped something, I didnt feel unsafe or angry, and I was sleeping like a baby for the first time in at least 6 years. That last night, after being broken down so much and being so raw, we finally exploded on each other. Our protective walls were down, we had never been this vulnerable, so we began to feel threatened by it. The fourth night ended in a massive argument/fight between all of us that we agreed would end some of our friendship forever and we would go our separate ways. When we arrived the last day after all this happened we were put in group counseling for HOURS while we worked everything out. During that time everything came out, all those bottled up emotions over the years, all the thoughts and feelings that you keep to yourself, and we are all closer than I ever thought possible. These were my brothers that I have served 3 combat tours with. I thought I knew everything about them. But I finally learned the emotions and thoughts behind each one of them, and they about me. We are all still feeling amazing, like we have been given a new life, one away from all the anxiety, depression, anger, alcohol, insomnia, and everything else that comes with PTSD. What started as a business trip turned into an experience that gave all 4 of us our life back, and immediately people could tell the difference, even over the phone people tell me they hear a voice that they havent heard since before my second deployment. We caught the trip on video and will turn the experience into a documentary.
Special thanks to:
Our amazing practioners,
Amy Yee, Norm Schaub, Jodi Salamino, Dr. John Schneider, Anne Hughes, Rena Hicks, Suzan Moody, Joan D'Argo, Jennifer Payne, Elaine Spears, Kim Lefler, Debby Werthmann, and of course Paul Schaub
And our Sponsors that allowed this to happen
Grand Traverse Resort, Schelde's Grille, Amical, Poppycocks, Cherry Capital Cab company, Centre Street Cafe,
For More Information go to Saveavet.com or email at info@saveavet.com
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Shut the fuck up silverton! They're serving our country. Without them we would have a country to call our own. If you don't like it then move to some middle east shit hole and see how good you have it here because of the soldiers that serve our country!
joejokester 1 year ago
The freeway all the way to Turkey was full and with civilan traffic that had familes who were trying to escape. 13 trillion debt USA is srewed I hope Obama barrow more money from China. Haiti comming to you soon in America. Think not just go to Detroit MI it looks like parts of a war zone.
silverton7777 2 years ago
1.5 million people murdered in Iraq during 2003 attack. So stop your crying and self pity.
silverton7777 2 years ago
what u guys have done for the vets are great
MrBurnslide 2 years ago