The following letters are from proud military parents, grandparents, family members and friends. In some cases their actual names and key information has been removed in order to preserve the anonymity of the Veteran.
Letter #1
Veterans and Families Foundation,
I can not begin to thank you for your work to set up the Warrior Transition Project and for your personal interest in my son’s well being. As you know, he served two tours in Iraq. When he was discharged recently, he came home in one piece physically but very damaged emotionally and psychologically. He didn't sleep at night, rarely at all. He was sullen, angry, depressed and spent too many of his waking hours self medicating with alcohol. As much as I prayed for him to come home from Iraq safely, I almost thought he would have been better off re-enlisting. He could not function, with no interest in life.
My brother heard an interview about your organization and programs on a radio show in Sacramento and suggested I call him. I did and he referred me to the Veterans and Families web site where I read about the Warrior Transition Project. After contacting them, I was called several times to discuss my son’s situation and was informed that resources were available to him near our home where he could receive an advanced form of neurofeedback called Brain State Conditioning. I must admit that when I first read about the process, I was skeptical, but while watching my son become invisible and lost to me, I was willing to try anything. I got him to call John Henry and he arranged for his sessions to begin two days later and at no cost.
After only five treatments, my son is back. I noted a change in him--a dramatic shift in his demeanor and a restored ability and desire to interact. He is sleeping at night and getting up to exercise during the day. He is managing his affairs and reestablishing relationships with his family and friends. When I asked him how the treatments were going, he said "they are working dad." I asked how did they work, and he said "the treatments teach your brain how to repair itself." When I asked how he knew they worked, he just said "I don't hurt anymore."
I am thankful, relieved and excited about my son's future. It is terrible and frightening to have a child go to war; to witness them coming back with only anger and despair and no future and no clear way to help them is even worse.
The Warrior Transition Project is wonderful. These men and women coming home need our help; we are duty bound to help them recover. I am inspired by the contribution of this project and plan to get involved and do what I can to advance this cause and personally help others as it has helped us.
Sincerely,
Anonymous Military Parent
To protect the privacy, security and confidentiality of the Veteran and their family members we have removed all references of their identity.
Letter #2
Veterans and Families Foundation,
I wanted to let you know about the changes that my son has experienced since participating in The Warrior Transition Project. My son Zach, has served two tours in the Middle East and has come back from these tours filled with anger and anxiety. He has had a difficult time focusing on any task at hand and is quick to express his anger and rage. His anxiety was off the charts. I have noticed a marked improvement in his mood and anxiety levels that I believe is directly related to his brain state conditioning sessions with you and The Warrior Transition Project. His temper has calmed down and he has shown more of an ability to focus then before these sessions. I also believe the sessions have helped him to be much more aware of his own emotions and to be responsible for his own actions. Zach is looking forward to his next sessions when he is discharged in Jan. of 2008. He has mentioned to me that he feels less stressful and that he doesn't feel as angry as he did prior to these sessions. I would like to be involved in Veterans and Families and any support group or network that can assist these men and women in a positive and healthy transition to civilian life.
Thanks for helping my son and I am looking forward to his return home.
Kimberly P.
