Happy Memorial Day!

On the last Monday of every May,  we as Americans take the day off of work and gather with our families and friends.  We go to community celebrations, we have cookouts and barbecue's, and we celebrate the approach of summer with parties, food and festivities.

It is our duty and responsibility, however, to remember what the true meaning of Memorial Day is all about.  Originally called "Decoration Day", Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.  Origins of this special day date all the way back to 1868, when it was officially proclaimed and first observed.  In 1915, poet Moina Michael began the trend of wearing red poppies on Memorial Day when she wrote:

We cherish too, the Poppy red That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies.

This Memorial Day, we hope that you will take a moment to remember why you are off of work, enjoying your time with the people you love.  The phrase "All Gave Some, Some Gave All" rings true every day.  Some of our nation's heroes give their lives on the battlefield to protect our rights, our freedom, our lives...  We owe them more than words could say.  Let's start by taking this day to truly remember their sacrifice and be grateful for their service.  

From all of us at Healing Heroes Network, we wish you a Happy Memorial Day!!

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Giveaway

Healing Heroes Network wants to say Thank You to our service members by giving back to one of our own local Military Heroes...  

We currently have a family 4 pack of admission tickets to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and would like to give them away to a special family in the Tampa Bay area!  If you are a Military service member, from any branch of the armed forces, retired or active duty, please email us NOW at info@healingheroes.org and tell us about your family!  (You will need to supply a copy of your Military ID and/or DD-214 upon request.)  Healing Heroes Network will choose one lucky family to visit Winter, the real life inspiration of the "Dolphin Tale" movies!  

As always, we are eternally grateful to all of our military heroes for their service, and we know that their families sacrifice so much as well...  Through this giveaway, we wish to recognize the Heroes and military families right here in our own backyard, and hope to brighten someone's day by sending them on a fun filled day to the now famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium...  

We look forward to receiving your entries and hearing about the many amazing hero families in the Tampa Bay area....  Have a great weekend!

An HHN Hero Story

A Hero’s Story:
Spc. Austin H.

Spc. Austin H. joined the Army shortly after his 18th birthday.   Trained as a combat medic, he was assigned to the third brigade combat team, 82nd Airborne Division.  As a trauma team leader, he provided medical care to his fellow wounded soldiers.

After returning home, Austin struggled with memories of the terror he had witnessed.  His PTSD however, did not emerge until a car accident 2 years later brought all of his buried pain to the surface.  Austin's family says he  "hit rock bottom, and just 'lost it'".  Unemployment, addiction, and a "severe disconnect with  personal relationships" followed.

Austin's father Eric contacted Healing Heroes Network, hoping to "improve his life and get the help he needs".  Dr. Samuel Smithyman, (a Healing Heroes Network Provider and Air Force Veteran himself), began seeing Austin for Counseling sessions, and Austin began to take his first steps toward healing within weeks.  His sister Sara states, "Healing Heroes Network was immediately responsive and supportive. My brother began seeing Dr. Smithyman, and has really been able to turn things around."  Seconds Eric, "Healing Heroes Network's role in this incredible change is significant.  I fear that Austin may have slipped past the point of help if they had not stepped in and assisted!"

Healing Heroes Network is proud and honored to assist Heroes like Austin every day!  If you know a hero like Austin who is in need of assistance for treatment, we encourage you to have them contact us at (727)781-4376, or email to info@healingheroes.org.

Happy Mother's Day!

All of us here at Healing Heroes Network would like to say Happy Mother's Day to the brave and strong women out there who are under the most special of circumstances...  

The women deployed, who are fighting for our country while missing their children at home.  The moms of soldiers and airmen, who worry day in and day out that their child is safe in the world.  

There are no amount of words that could express the appreciation and gratitude we have for these amazing women who make the ultimate sacrifice, despite their fears and anxiety of losing or missing their child.  

"The bravest battle that ever was fought; 
Shall I tell you where and when?
On the maps of the world
you will find it not
it was fought by the
mothers of men."

- Joaquin Miller

We hope that if you are lucky enough to be with your mom this Mother's Day, you will treat her like the Hero she is! Check out this fabulous Pinterest Board for some amazing gift and craft ideas she will be sure to love!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Military Spouse Day - May 9, 2014

We all tend to think of  "America's Heroes" as the brave soldiers who fight, on the front lines, overseas, defending our freedom.  And they certainly are.  But what about the husbands and wives who are left behind?  The sacrifices they make are every bit as heroic and selfless. 

That is why in 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated the Friday before Mother's Day of every year, as "Military Spouse Day", to recognize and celebrate the profound importance of spousal commitment to the readiness and well being of America's military personnel.  Every U.S. President since Reagan has made an address on this day, to acknowledge the sacrifices made by military spouses, and show our appreciation.

All too often we take for granted and disregard the pillars of support that are Military Spouses.  While their husbands or wives are off at war, these heroes are fighting the battles on the home front, taking care of the home and children all alone, while struggling through loneliness and fear of the worst... something happening to their loved one.  They often celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and childbirth alone, and they do it with pride, knowing it is for the greater good.

If you know the spouse of a military hero, take the time this Friday, May 9th, to do something special for them.  Buy them dinner.  Mow their yard.  Babysit their kids for a while.  Spend time with them just talking about their struggles....  Known throughout the armed forces as the "True backbone and fighting spirit of the military", we owe them just as much gratitude and appreciation, as they stand behind their spouse in uniform.

We at Healing Heroes Network would like to say Thank You to each and every one of you, for sacrificing and supporting, and helping to keep our country free.

Happy Military Spouse Day!

NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

2014 marks the 15th year that our nation has designated the entire month of May to celebrating, honoring and appreciating all of the men and women who have served and are currently serving in America's armed forces.  At Healing Heroes Network, we are so excited about what this month brings, and how it joins all of us in remembering to show our gratitude to the very Heroes who ensure our freedom.  Here are some special dates to remember this May:

All month long - Military Appreciation month

Armed Forces week - May 10 - May 18

Loyalty Day - May 1
Remembrance Day for fallen Heroes of WWII - May 8 - May 9

V-E Day - May 8

Military Spouse Day - May 9

Armed Forces Day - May 17

Memorial Day - May 26

We hope that you will take the opportunity this month to do something special in honor of these courageous men and women.  You could organize a fundraising event in your community, send a care package to service members stationed overseas through Healing Heroes Network's "Morale Package" program, fly the American flag on your house or car all month long, support a military charity, say "THANK YOU for your service" when you see a person dressed in military uniform...  The possibilities are endless!

Whatever you decide to do this month to show your appreciation, we hope you remember to be grateful every day, all year long, to the Heroes that make our freedom possible!  Visit the National Military Appreciation Month website at www.nmam.org for more ideas and information!