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!

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!!

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.

Olympic Strong!

The 2012 Olympics started this past weekend in London. While I'm, of course, rooting for my country of America, I'm especially rooting for those who keep our country safe AND are competing for glory--our service members.

Happy 237th Birthday of the U.S. Army

June 14, 1775, our army was created to help us gain independence. 237 years later, our Army is still going strong and protecting freedom worldwide.

U.S. soldiers engage in trench warfare
in WWI.

Originally created as the Continental Army to fight in the American Revolutionary War, the United States Army has lead our country in our land-based military operations. The largest of all established branches of the U.S. military,

Happy Armed Forces Day

Saturday, May 19th is the U.S. Armed Forces Day. But what does that really mean?