HOPE4PTSDVETS.ORG 501c3
Houston, TX
United States

ph: 719.220.0476

Kevin@hope4ptsdvets.org

  • WHY WE DO ITClick to open the WHY WE DO IT menu
    • PTSD Exposed
    • 4 Major Issues
    • The Meaning behind our Yin Yang flag logo
    • A Letter from the Founder
    • 501c3 Document
  • WHAT & HOW WE DO ITClick to open the WHAT & HOW WE DO IT menu
    • Hope and Healing Strategy
    • Certified Peer Support
    • The Art of Healing from War Book
    • Mind-Field Maneuvers Program
    • Recon Meditation
    • MindLESSness Practice
  • WHEN & WHERE WE DO IT
  • CONTACT US / MAKE A DONATIONClick to open the CONTACT US / MAKE A DONATION menu
    • Make a Donation
    • The Art of Healing From War Book Request
  • Veteran CreativityClick to open the Veteran Creativity menu
    • 4 Man Stack Poem
    • Poem by Matt Gunn
    • "The Beginning" by Andrew David Everstine
    • Thank You Soldier
    • Poems by Dan Woods
    • It's Been a Long Walk Home
    • Anonymous Works
    • JW Garnett Writings
  • Veterans ResourcesClick to open the Veterans Resources menu
    • Veteran Health Resources
    • Employment and Networking Websites
    • Feel & Heal Music

Letter from the Founder

Dear Combat Veteran Brothers and Sisters,

I served aboard the USS Vincennes (CG-49) as an Operations Specialist from 1987 until 1990.  I completed two deployments to the Persian Gulf during my service in the Navy.  My trauma event occurred on July 3rd, 1988 and I spent almost 20 years suffering the consequences, of first, not realizing the role this event was playing in my life, and then, not taking responsibility for my behavior once I realized how this event was impacting me and those who care about me.  I lost most of those 19 years to substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, and mental institutions.  I was a destructive force in the lives of many including and mostly my own.

Once I began to understand that these choices had been influenced by the overwhelming pain and shame I felt about what happened over there, I could begin the work necessary to move toward managing my symptoms.  I was simply sabotaging my life because I did not believe I deserved anything of value or even life itself.  I spent years reaching goals only to pull all down around me because my core belief was that I did not deserve happiness or success. 

I understand that each combat trauma event has a variety of elements to it.  For example, my experience did not involve me being face to face with the enemy.  I did not see the faces of the 290 passengers on the commercial airliner we shot down.  I have not lost a friend in battle (I have lost several since to suicide).  For some of us the survivors shame plays a more significant role than the fear. 

Whatever your experience was over there we can provide you with hope and help over here.  The most important thing you can do is find other combat vets and talk to each other, encourage each other, hold each other accountable.  This is the core of what HOPE4PTSDVETS.ORG is all about.  If you have any questions or comments, or maybe you just need a vet to talk to, send me an email or give me a call.   

 

Kevin Taylor
Executive Director
HOPE4PTSDVETS.ORG
832.231.6690
kevin@hope4ptsdvets.org




 


 

Copyright 2011 Hope 4 PTSD Vets. All rights reserved.

Web Hosting by Yahoo!

HOPE4PTSDVETS.ORG 501c3
Houston, TX
United States

ph: 719.220.0476

Kevin@hope4ptsdvets.org