Veteran’s Transitions

Dan has been intimately involved with the “Focus” program since 2011 and more recently with “Pathways For Veterans”. He is responsible for supporting the internal transformational shifts crucial for the success of the programs. Dan is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve these veterans.

 

The Focus Marine's Foundation Training

The need to support our returning veteran service men and women has never been greater. Estimates run as high as 700,000 veterans will experience varying degrees of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Currently, an average of 22 veterans commit suicide daily. It is clear that the transition for our  wounded warriors is a huge challenge.

When leaving military life, depression and lack of direction can result in confusion and despair. This situation is understandable when these veterans realize that they can no longer pursue their dreams of being the fully functional service personnel they once were.  In addition, they are leaving a way of life that is rich in heritage and friendship. To compound all of this, the scars of war that include TBI and PTSD, physical disabilities and possible disfigurement can make the scope of the challenge feel overwhelming.

In March of 2011, the FOCUS Marines Foundation near St Louis, MO, introduced an effective program to help wounded, ill or injured Marines and Corpsmen returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to make successful transitions from military to civilian lives. Simply called FOCUS, this seven-day residential course starts by addressing the core issues of combat stress, interpersonal relationships and self-awareness. The next step helps the participants work with goals and objectives and gives them the tools to achieve their dreams. The final step focuses on practical skills and developing support networks. Through coaching, team support and camaraderie, veterans gain valuable insight, confidence and a new attitude.

The Focus Marines Foundation is a not-for-profit program that is free of charge for each attending veteran. Each class size is limited. For more information, view www.focusmarinesfoundation.org.

Pathways For Veterans

Service to our country is an honor that one will seldom regret. But the terrors of war may leave indelible marks on the human soul and if unattended, can lead to unintended malice and even self-destruction. We have discovered that the challenges that Veterans face are not insurmountable if faced head-on and dealt with creatively and responsibly.

‘Pathways for Veterans’ is dedicated to healing the spiritual war wounds of the men and women of our military. Their mission is to create a safe environment where all veterans can experience being heard, and given the tools to find new meaning and purpose through the alignment of mind, body and spirit. In addition, they provide a pathway for the veteran and his or her family to find new purpose through service to their community and country.

Gary Ferguson, a Vietnam Combat Veteran, founded ‘Pathways for Veterans’ in 2010. He experienced many of the common pitfalls after returning from Vietnam and suffered thru the consequences of his choices, not knowing there were other options. Through the rediscovery of his true identity, Gary developed a passion to be of service to others through his current mission in life: to create healthy ‘Pathways for Veterans’.

‘Pathways for Veterans’ is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that serves veterans. If you are a returning veteran from any conflict and want to transform the rest of your life, contact http://pathwaysforveterans.org for more information.