What Veteran's Day means to Healing Heroes Network

At Healing Heroes Network, every day is Veteran's Day.  

At Healing Heroes Network, we support, honor and celebrate the sacrifices made by our nation's true Heroes each and every day.  And that is why Veteran's Day is even more special to us... Because today is a day that America joins us in that celebration of the men and women who risk their lives to fight and protect our Freedom.  

At Healing Heroes Network, we know that every day is a chance for us to give back.  To make a difference.  To provide comfort and hope to those injured in the line of duty.  To let them know that we care, and that we appreciate their service and sacrifice to our country. 

At Healing Heroes Network, we strive to help as many Heroes across our great nation as possible.  We embrace every opportunity to assist with the needs of Veterans with determination, and commitment to aiding in their return to civilian life.  

At Healing Heroes Network we stand humbled and in awe of the men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty, protecting us all from the enemy.  We are forever grateful for their ultimate sacrifice, and we will NEVER forget their bravery and heroism.

Healing Heroes Network is proud and honored to Support Our Troops every day of the year.  It is our passion, our purpose, and our sole mission.  

Please join us today in celebrating, honoring, supporting, and THANKING our Veteran's!

To learn more about how YOU can help support Heroes in need, please email us at:

info@healingheroes.org, or call us at (727) 781-4376.

A Hero's Story

A Hero's Story:

Army E-4 Specialist Jeffery K.

Jeffrey K. served in the United States Army for 6 years.  He began his enlistment stationed in Fort Riley, KS, before re-enlisting to Ft. Stewart, GA.  It was during this time that he was deployed to Tikrit, Iraq, to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

While performing duties during his deployment, Jeffrey sustained numerous injuries lifting heavy equipment, recovering vehicles, and was also hit by an I.E.D. (Improvised Explosive Device), severely injuring his lower back, right shoulder and legs.  For his service and outstanding performance, Jeffrey was awarded an Army Achievement Award and the Army Commendation Medal (awarded to members of the U.S. Army who distinguished themselves by displaying heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service). 

Upon Jeffrey's return to civilian life, the injuries that he had sustained while fighting overseas were causing him severe discomfort, and he was unable to move without extreme pain.  Jeffrey reached out to Healing Heroes Network for assistance with receiving Massage Therapy, and was quickly approved after filling out the application.

Massage Therapist & HHN Provider Cathy B. raves about Jeffrey's improvement:

"When he first came to me, he was unable to relax, stated he had limited range of motion with his right shoulder, constant back pain and was unable to walk at length because of the tight muscles of his quadriceps.  After the first session, he had and has maintained full movement with his right arm, states he is able to sleep through the night (something he hadn't done in several years), is able to relax for his massage, and can now walk and stand for periods of time on his leg with no pain!"

Jeffrey states, "The massage sessions already have helped more than I ever thought could happen. I sleep better and am able to function more. I would again like to thank everyone there at Healing Heroes Network for being able to assist me with my journey. Thank you and God Bless."

Healing Heroes Network is proud and honored to assist Heroes like Jeffrey on their 

road to recovery!

Remembering 9/11

"Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?" 

- country singer, Alan Jackson. 

On September 11, 2001, America was forever changed.  We can all remember exactly where we were, what we were doing, who we were with... like it was just yesterday.  It DID feel like the world stopped turning.  And it still feels like it was just yesterday.  Although America has moved forward with grace and dignity, we will certainly never forget that tragic and horrific day.

 

As we take time to reflect on the 13th Anniversary of a day none of us will ever forget, please join Healing Heroes Network as we come together to mourn, to remember, to honor and express our gratitude to those who demonstrated true bravery and heroism in it's purest form. 

We at Healing Heroes Network pledge to live in honor of their sacrifice. That's why we've dedicated our mission to aid and assist the injured Heroes of the post 9/11 armed forces and their families.  We will continue doing our part to make a difference in the lives of our nation's wounded warriors, and we hope you will join us today in honoring them.  

For Our Troops, 

The Healing Heroes Network Team

31640 U.S. Highway 19 N., Suite 2

Palm Harbor, FL  34684

Info@HealingHeroes.org

(727) 781-4376

Local family selected to receive Clearwater Marine Aquarium giveaway!

Meet the O'Shell Family...

William O'Shell Jr., retired 1st Sgt of the U.S. Army, and his wife Annette O'Shell, contacted Healing Heroes Network this past May when they heard about a giveaway contest for military families in the Tampa Bay area.  Healing Heroes Network was giving away free family admission passes for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to a local deserving military family.  Born and raised right here in Pinellas county, Annette reached out right away to tell HHN about her amazing, heroic family.  Upon reading about the O'Shell's, we knew just who was going to win this awesome trip.

Annette and William have a strong military history and family tradition.  William is from Pennsylvania and served proudly for 25 years in the U.S. Army. In 1991, he finally left the military to take care of his mother, who had become ill and was dying. Both Annette and William are now retired, and started doing foster care 4 years ago in 2010. They are currently licensed Medical/Therapeutic foster parents for children with special needs here in Pinellas County.  Annette and William have a son who is now a Sgt. in the U.S. Army, stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC., and their daughter in law is also medically retired from the U.S. Army.

The O'Shell home is currently residence to 6 children, 5 of which are in the foster care system. Their youngest, biological son Grayson is 11 years old.  The other children in the home range from ages 1 month old to 2 years old, 5 years old, 7 years old, and 15 years old.  Annette says, "I was born here in Pinellas county and have watched all the changes the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has gone through. I have not been able to see the Aquarium due to the expense of all the kids. We can't wait to take a day and come visit the Aquarium and Winter.  Thank you Healing Heroes Network!"

In conjunction with the family's trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Healing Heroes Network will also be sending the O'Shell family to have dinner at Crabby Bill's on Clearwater Beach.  We are honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to give back and show our appreciation to this deserving military family right here in the Tampa Bay area!  Healing Heroes Network would like to thank the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Crabby Bill's Seafood Restaurant for making this possible!

          

"Sunday Funday" Military Appreciation Event!

Are you a military family based in the Tampa Bay area?  Or do you know of a hard working, deserving military family that has sacrificed their time and/or loved ones to preserve our nation's freedom by fighting for our country?  If so, then....

Healing Heroes Network is excited to announce our first ever "Sunday Funday" Military Appreciation event, coming this August to Clearwater Beach, FL!  On Sunday, August 24, 2014, we will be awarding FOUR local military families with family fun prize packs including theme park tickets, restaurant gift cards, merchandise from Ron Jon Surf Shop, and more!  We need your help getting local families on board, so here's how to nominate and vote... 

- Visit the "Sunday Funday " Facebook event page:    https://www.facebook.com/events/756597331058073/

- To nominate your family, or a military family that you think deserves a family fun prize pack, click on the link: "Nominate/Vote Here".

The four families with the highest number of "points" will be awarded their prizes at the Sunday Funday event in August.  Also on hand will be raffles, giveaways, games for the kids, fun for the whole family, a Healing Heroes Network guest speaker, and a performance by Nashville Recording Artist, Jamie Tate, including her hit single "I'll Give My All", a patriotic tribute to our military.  You don't want to miss out on this awesome event! Please tell your friends and family, and join us on Sunday, August 24th from 12pm - 3pm at the Pier 60 Pavilion on Clearwater Beach.  

Nominate a Military Family today!

Happy 4th of July from Healing Heroes Network!

This Friday, the Fourth of July, we encourage you to spend the day remembering what it's all about.... our nation's freedom and independence! These things would not be possible without the courage and heroism of our service men and women who have fought in our armed forces.  We at Healing Heroes Network are eternally grateful for their service and sacrifice!

We hope that you will take a moment this Independence Day to thank a Hero, and remember those that gave their lives to maintain our freedom to watch the fireworks every year.  

Wishing you and your loved ones a Safe & Happy Fourth of July!

For the Troops,

The Healing Heroes Network team

PTSD Awareness Day

At Healing Heroes Network, we believe strongly in supplying the resources and support that is necessary for healing the whole hero.  This can be hard to accomplish if the hero's wounds are not visible to their friends, caregivers, and families.  Sadly, often times our brave men and women are coming home from war with "invisible" injuries, the most commonly heard in today's society being PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).  PTSD may develop after someone experiences one or more traumatic events (such as first hand combat, witnessing others being physically harmed or killed, being physically harmed themselves, etc...) The symptoms of PTSD can be debilitating to the hero, devastating to the family, and in the very worst cases, fatal.  The most common symptoms of PTSD include, but are not limited:

- Recurring nightmares or flashbacks of the event(s)
- Sleeplessness
- Lowered sense of self & self-esteem
- Depression & loss of interest
- Anger & irritability

These unfortunate symptoms have been known to lead to:

- Domestic violence & abuse
- Erratic behavior
- Decreased attention span
- Mental disorders
- Suicide 

In 2010, as an effort to educate the public and spread awareness about the issue of PTSD, the U.S. Senate declared the month of June "National PTSD Awareness" month.  In addition, June 27th has been designated as "PTSD Awareness" day by the National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD).  At Healing Heroes Network, we strive everyday "through communication, education, and community outreach" to bring awareness to often undiagnosed and untreated injuries of war, and the desperate need for our services.  While many of our nations heroes are being given numerous pills and medications to mask the symptoms of PTSD, we believe in offering hope through healing.  With network providers all over the country ranging in specialty areas such as counseling, psychiatry, massage therapy, energy healing, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and many more, we have been able to offer a path to recovery for many heroes suffering from PTSD.

Join us this June 27th as we continue to spread awareness about this disorder that has wreaked havoc on so many military heroes, and their families lives.

Tablets For Heroes

In 2012, we at Healing Heroes Network saw a great need in the PTSD & TBI community.  As our society continues to become more and more technologically advanced, there are many men and women who are suffering from cognitive impairment disabilities due to their combat-related injuries.  We knew that this was an untapped area of concern that we really wanted to help our Heroes with, we just had to figure out how to reach as many people as possible, and how we could financially afford to HELP as many Heroes as possible. 

Through the Tablets for Heroes program, it is our goal to help these injured Heroes heal cognitively by allowing them to be more self-sufficient.  Tablets for Heroes strives to combat the negative stigma of those suffering with PTSD and TBI, by helping veterans with these invisible injuries to redevelop their cognitive abilities, remember medications & appointments, relax when under pressure, and open themselves to healing rather than pulling away to seclusion.  Each Tablet is downloaded with 7 specialty applications designed to assist with the symptoms of PTSD & TBI. Here is what some of our recipients have had to say:

"Thank you to HHN and everyone involved with Tablets4Heroes. You have given all of us a great gift and tool to utilize for our ongoing problems. The tablet helps keep me focused and in control. It gives me my schedule of everything that is going on in my life and keeps my mind busy with the programs that were loaded for me to help me throughout the day. It allows me to stay connected to my family, friends and other wounded warriors. Thank you from the bottom of my Purple Heart."         - Air Force Master Sgt. Ken G.

"I'd like to THANK everyone that is part of Tablets For Heroes. As a veteran with PTSD and TBI I get very restless in waiting rooms and very anxious in larger social settings, my Tablet was sent to me with specialty apps designed to keep my mind occupied and help me get through any uneasiness I experience. My memory for short term occurrences is very ‘hit or miss’, and my Tablet offers the ability to keep a calendar and set alarms as a way to prompt awareness. As well, I often misplace or forget to bring necessary documents to VA and other appointments. The Tablet enables me to maintain e-documents at my fingertips. This new tool will help me thrive. Again, many thanks!"      - Thomas H., retired Army; purple heart and bronze star recipient.

Healing Heroes Network is extremely honored and proud to be a part of the healing process for so many of our nation's bravest and most courageous Heroes, in so many different ways! If you know an injured Hero with PTSD and/or TBI who could truly benefit from the assistance of a Tablet, please have them contact us today at info@healingheroes.org! 

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! 

Sending our Heroes a taste of home with "Morale" packages

All of us at Healing Heroes Network truly have a passion for helping our nation's injured military personnel. We love what we do and are honored to be part of a team that strives to make a difference in the lives of our bravest and most deserving American heroes!  

One of our newest initiatives here at Healing Heroes Network is to help brighten the spirits of our troops who are stationed overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.  This program started when one simple request was made by a soldier, Dustin N.,who is currently serving at Camp Linsey in Afghanistan.  Dustin wanted to find a way to "boost the morale" of his platoon.  He reached out to HHN when he heard of us through the Harley's For Heroes campaign on Facebook.  Even though he knew that sending "care packages" was not a service that we offered, he contacted us anyway, with the hope that we might be able to send his men some "comforts of home" to cheer them up and boost morale among his fellow soldiers...

We were so excited to receive this special request, and couldn't wait to help right away.  Not only did we purchase for his base soap, socks, deodorant, shampoo, magazines, toothpaste, candy, snacks, gum, and more, but we also sent them Harley's For Heroes t-shirts and merchandise.  Needless to say, our hunger to help didn't stop there...

We took this idea and RAN with it!  Since Dustin's first request, Healing Heroes Network is proud to have established the "Morale Package" program.  We have been lucky enough to supply several more bases overseas with goodies and comfort items from home.  While they make the ultimate sacrifice, fighting for our country and freedom, we hope that this small token of our gratitude will help to ease the pain of missing their home and loved ones.

If you know of a service member stationed overseas and would like us to send their base a "Morale Package", please give us a call at (727) 781-4376, message HHN on Facebook, or email to info@healingheroes.org with more information!

RED SHIRT and BLUE JEAN Fridays are here!

We are so excited about a really awesome new project we're about to launch!  And we need all the support we can get, so please help spread the word by telling your co-workers (and bosses) today!

You know how getting dressed up for work all week long is a drag?  Suits & ties... skirts & high heels... What if Fridays were different?  What if your boss let you dress casual on Friday, AND you were able to help a great cause at the same time?  Healing Heroes Network is kick-starting a MOVEMENT with our new RED Shirt & Blue Jean Friday campaigns, and we want to get your company involved!

Blue Jean Friday, or "Casual Friday" is a fun and creative way for office workers to build morale and have something to look forward to at the end of a long work week.  It's a reprieve from the constrictions of a formal dress code. Healing Heroes Network has taken this idea to the next level by incorporating the "R.E.D. Friday" ideal into the equation.  For those of you that haven't heard about this moving gesture, R.E.D. stands for "Remember Everyone Deployed".  It is our job as RED blooded Americans to show our support for our troops!  This mission was created to help Americans join forces, by wearing RED every Friday, to help boost the morale of our nations heroes overseas by showing them we care.

So here's how the campaign works...

- Contact Healing Heroes Network today, and ask for a Casual Friday packet. This will include info for both RED Shirt Friday and Blue Jean Friday, program instructions, staff sign up sheets, & more.
- Give the packet to your boss or supervisor, and spread the word among your co-workers.

For more information, or to sign up YOUR office, please don't hesitate to give us a call TODAY at
(727) 781-4376, or email to: info@healingheroes.org!